Welder Question: - Page 2

seamus · 07-18-2008, 08:05 PM

The difference isn't what it's connected to, it's how it's connected. Bolting to the floor allows the entire base to support. Raising the base off the floor to attach to two (or even 4) etrack connectors reduces the contact patch and allows for more flex.

There's some more math we need to do to get that idea to work. More than likely, there will need to be some extra bracing and support added to the entire underside of the base about the same thickness of whatever the etrack connectors raise the base off the floor of the trailer.

It's doable but I'd still feel more comfortable with a slightly thicker base plate.

SheepOfBlue · 12-14-2008, 09:12 PM

Wow! look what woolclause left in my garage

Hammer · 12-14-2008, 09:17 PM

Cool

Now you need a mixed gas tank, a good hood, slag hammer, welding vice grips, wire brush, replacement tips, a die grinder with attachments and anything else I can think of.

seamus · 12-14-2008, 09:33 PM

welding table

SheepOfBlue · 12-14-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammer

Cool

Now you need a mixed gas tank, a good hood, slag hammer, welding vice grips, wire brush, replacement tips, a die grinder with attachments and anything else I can think of.

Got bold
Italic will wait a bit
Blue is on the list

BizJetGuy · 12-14-2008, 09:46 PM

Nice!

Same model I have. You won't believe the difference in welds once you go gas. Don't even waste your time with the flux core, not even for shits and grins - trust me.

08silvercbr · 12-14-2008, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Now you need a mixed gas tank, a good hood, slag hammer, welding vice grips, wire brush, replacement tips, a die grinder with attachments and anything else I can think of.

Ohhh a hobart. Cool! What you gonna fix?

The Pittsburg vise grips from harbor freight are cheap, have a lifetime warranty, and are very decent. (did I mention they were 1/4 the price of vise grip brand?)

G-ForceJunkie · 12-15-2008, 01:22 AM

Depends on what he wants to weld as a mig its usless outdoors. If your welding up a steel fence or wraught iron, the flux core is much prefered. Welds a little hotter as well, important when your running these machines (I have the Miller 135 version) at full capacity.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BizJetGuy

Nice!

Same model I have. You won't believe the difference in welds once you go gas. Don't even waste your time with the flux core, not even for shits and grins - trust me.

SomeStrangeGuy · 12-15-2008, 02:57 AM

Miller? Hobart? Lincoln? Who's the bestest?

BizJetGuy · 12-15-2008, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Miller? Hobart? Lincoln? Who's the bestest?

Miller is Hobart. Lincoln is pretty good, as well. Methinks you can't go wrong with any of them.

BizJetGuy · 12-15-2008, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-ForceJunkie

Depends on what he wants to weld as a mig its usless outdoors. If your welding up a steel fence or wraught iron, the flux core is much prefered. Welds a little hotter as well, important when your running these machines (I have the Miller 135 version) at full capacity.

True.

I assumed the same basic usage as mine

- thin autobody steel.

Hammer · 12-15-2008, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Miller? Hobart? Lincoln? Who's the bestest?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BizJetGuy

Miller is Hobart. Lincoln is pretty good, as well. Methinks you can't go wrong with any of them.

For plug and play machines such as the one like SOB got, they are all good. There are some differences when you get into the bigger machines though.

seamus · 12-15-2008, 08:36 AM

It's the rider, not the equipment that makes the difference.

Miller/Lincoln question : welding forums :: electronic rider aids : motorcycle forums

SheepOfBlue · 12-15-2008, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamus

It's the rider, not the equipment that makes the difference.

Miller/Lincoln question : welding forums :: electronic rider aids : motorcycle forums

Electricity is ruining welding you say

Heavy-Dee · 12-15-2008, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SheepOfBlue

Electricity is ruining welding you say

Vick's Vapo Rep

SomeStrangeGuy · 12-15-2008, 12:02 PM

Ahh, so I should have just asked what kind of oil to use...gotcha

Thanks BJG - didn't know Miller/Hobart were one in the same. I've made an effort to NOT learn anything about these just yet.

JohnnyDiablo · 12-15-2008, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamus

JD, you have the spool gun? Will it fit a MM180?

Dunno how I missed this. A spool gun would be days better than the Lincoln alum conversion kit. I think the alum wire binds running the length of the welding sleeve as the alum spool sits inside the welder. A spool feeder sitting on the trigger would work much better but dunno who makes that.

Over all preheating the part with a torch then welding gave some farmer grade results. Best option is to take it one of my friends with a tig.

I still like my 135. I zapped together a new steel gate for my house. Even zapped it to the hinges on the wall.

08silvercbr · 12-15-2008, 08:41 PM

I have a Snap On which is a Miller. I didn't know Hobart was Miller though? You sure about that? Hobart is the better of the 3, but I seem to be able to weld sheet metal slightly better with the Lincoln then my Miller.

BizJetGuy · 12-15-2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 08silvercbr

I have a Snap On which is a Miller. I didn't know Hobart was Miller though? You sure about that? Hobart is the better of the 3, but I seem to be able to weld sheet metal slightly better with the Lincoln then my Miller.

Yes. Hobart and Miller are owned by Illinois Tool Works (ITW).

SheepOfBlue · 12-15-2008, 10:55 PM

Craftsman Welding Helmet with Shade 10 Autodark Filter, Stratto Blue - Model 20557 at Sears.com

08silvercbr · 12-15-2008, 11:24 PM

Thats about all I paid for mine, and its still working good 10 years later.

seamus · 12-16-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyDiablo

Dunno how I missed this. A spool gun would be days better than the Lincoln alum conversion kit. I think the alum wire binds running the length of the welding sleeve as the alum spool sits inside the welder. A spool feeder sitting on the trigger would work much better but dunno who makes that.

Over all preheating the part with a torch then welding gave some farmer grade results. Best option is to take it one of my friends with a tig.

I still like my 135. I zapped together a new steel gate for my house. Even zapped it to the hinges on the wall.

I want to try a spool gun before purchasing one (been eyeballing the Miller Spoolmate 100 series). I'm going to wait until sometime next year to take my final TIG and blueprinting classes.

Shenders1 · 01-03-2009, 09:22 PM

OK - I'm going to resurrect / Hijack this thread somewhat.

I want to be able to weld aluminum again - I had a cheap 110v wire/gas shielded welder years ago, it worked ok as long as the metal was thin, and once you had an arc going. It was very difficult to get an arc started (lots of sticking/spattering initially) and it lacked adjustability in wire feed and voltage.

I want better quality welds this time, and especially want a more repeatable arc start-up. One of the projects on my list is fabricating an aluminum subframe for the bike, so I need to be able to start/stop welding frequently, and deal with varying gauges of material.

My welding-literate friends say Tig is the way to go, but I'm not interested in spending ~$2000 for a brand-name Tig setup.

So here are my questions

What do we think of low-buck 'inverter' Tigs? I've been watching this particular one on eBay, and it looks like it might be a pretty good deal for the price. Claims to have high-frequency to ease starting, and the foot power control would be a bonus. Opinions?
If I end up going Mig, what should I look for? I'm reconciled to spending ~$500 for a 220v setup with more adjustability. Are there brands/features that excel in the control/startup departments?

08silvercbr · 01-03-2009, 10:00 PM

I converted one of our 110 Lincoln migs over to aluminum and had the same luck as what you mentioned. I've also used high dollar tig set ups but I have to admit it didn't look pretty either. It definitely takes patience. For the price of that ebay item I don't really see how you could go wrong but I have not tigged with enough different units to say for sure.

seamus · 01-03-2009, 10:24 PM

Does the unit have to be 110v or is 230v okay? I can look for some stuff locally and on the WeldingWeb forum. There are some decent deals available on used TIG units(in the ~$1000 range).

For MIG, a unit that allows you to switch to AC and can accept a spool gun will get you in the ballpark you're looking for. I've got a Millermatic 180 (230v) but haven't picked up a spool gun for it yet.

I've heard good and bad about some of the eBay inverter units but I don't have enough info about them to give you a recommendation.

edit: Links.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php...290#post240290 : 110v MIG ($500)
http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=26236 : 230v TIG ($1200)

Someone also posted up that there are some welders available at http://www.govliquidation.com/ but I haven't searched it yet.

SheepOfBlue · 01-04-2009, 02:16 AM

What kind of shielding did you use? Mine specs Argon for AL and CO2 mixes for everything else

http://www.hobartwelders.com/pdf/spe...andler_140.pdf

07-18-2008, 08:05 PM	#31
seamus is feelin alright Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Rocket City Age: 34 Bike(s): 1KRR; VFR; FMX650 Posts: 5,739	The difference isn't what it's connected to, it's how it's connected. Bolting to the floor allows the entire base to support. Raising the base off the floor to attach to two (or even 4) etrack connectors reduces the contact patch and allows for more flex. There's some more math we need to do to get that idea to work. More than likely, there will need to be some extra bracing and support added to the entire underside of the base about the same thickness of whatever the etrack connectors raise the base off the floor of the trailer. It's doable but I'd still feel more comfortable with a slightly thicker base plate. __________________ Ducit Amor Patriae Richard Herald, The Gentle Giant The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools. --- Thucydides

12-14-2008, 09:12 PM	#32
SheepOfBlue Your tax dollars at work Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,851	Wow! look what woolclause left in my garage Attached Thumbnails __________________ When the past is allowed to fade to nothing then only chaos is left.

12-14-2008, 09:17 PM	#33
Hammer Merry Christmas Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 5,300 Images: 12	Cool Now you need a mixed gas tank, a good hood, slag hammer, welding vice grips, wire brush, replacement tips, a die grinder with attachments and anything else I can think of. __________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

12-14-2008, 09:33 PM	#34
seamus is feelin alright Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Rocket City Age: 34 Bike(s): 1KRR; VFR; FMX650 Posts: 5,739	welding table __________________ Ducit Amor Patriae Richard Herald, The Gentle Giant The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools. --- Thucydides

12-14-2008, 09:46 PM	#36
BizJetGuy Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): Aprilia RST 1000 Posts: 872	Nice! Same model I have. You won't believe the difference in welds once you go gas. Don't even waste your time with the flux core, not even for shits and grins - trust me. __________________ Billy Ray can't rope worth shit

12-15-2008, 02:57 AM	#39
SomeStrangeGuy BMW Snob in Training Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Debt, where else? Bike(s): GS / KLR Posts: 4,058	Miller? Hobart? Lincoln? Who's the bestest? __________________ Come find yourself - GPS Discussion Forums Time is the ultimate currency.

12-15-2008, 08:36 AM	#43
seamus is feelin alright Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Rocket City Age: 34 Bike(s): 1KRR; VFR; FMX650 Posts: 5,739	It's the rider, not the equipment that makes the difference. Miller/Lincoln question : welding forums :: electronic rider aids : motorcycle forums __________________ Ducit Amor Patriae Richard Herald, The Gentle Giant The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools. --- Thucydides

12-15-2008, 12:02 PM	#46
SomeStrangeGuy BMW Snob in Training Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Debt, where else? Bike(s): GS / KLR Posts: 4,058	Ahh, so I should have just asked what kind of oil to use...gotcha Thanks BJG - didn't know Miller/Hobart were one in the same. I've made an effort to NOT learn anything about these just yet. __________________ Come find yourself - GPS Discussion Forums Time is the ultimate currency.

12-15-2008, 08:41 PM	#48
08silvercbr Pushin' for 160... Join Date: 08-28-2008 Location: Clio, MI Age: 30 Bike(s): 08' cbr 1000, 98'cbr 900 Posts: 1,000 Images: 18	I have a Snap On which is a Miller. I didn't know Hobart was Miller though? You sure about that? Hobart is the better of the 3, but I seem to be able to weld sheet metal slightly better with the Lincoln then my Miller. __________________ The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!

12-15-2008, 10:55 PM	#50
SheepOfBlue Your tax dollars at work Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,851	Craftsman Welding Helmet with Shade 10 Autodark Filter, Stratto Blue - Model 20557 at Sears.com __________________ When the past is allowed to fade to nothing then only chaos is left.

12-15-2008, 11:24 PM	#51
08silvercbr Pushin' for 160... Join Date: 08-28-2008 Location: Clio, MI Age: 30 Bike(s): 08' cbr 1000, 98'cbr 900 Posts: 1,000 Images: 18	Thats about all I paid for mine, and its still working good 10 years later. __________________ The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!

01-03-2009, 09:22 PM	#53
Shenders1 2 Cylinders, 4 Valves, No Waiting Join Date: 01-14-2007 Location: South Lyon, MI Age: 43 Bike(s): Ducati HM Posts: 1,026	OK - I'm going to resurrect / Hijack this thread somewhat. I want to be able to weld aluminum again - I had a cheap 110v wire/gas shielded welder years ago, it worked ok as long as the metal was thin, and once you had an arc going. It was very difficult to get an arc started (lots of sticking/spattering initially) and it lacked adjustability in wire feed and voltage. I want better quality welds this time, and especially want a more repeatable arc start-up. One of the projects on my list is fabricating an aluminum subframe for the bike, so I need to be able to start/stop welding frequently, and deal with varying gauges of material. My welding-literate friends say Tig is the way to go, but I'm not interested in spending ~$2000 for a brand-name Tig setup. So here are my questions What do we think of low-buck 'inverter' Tigs? I've been watching this particular one on eBay, and it looks like it might be a pretty good deal for the price. Claims to have high-frequency to ease starting, and the foot power control would be a bonus. Opinions? If I end up going Mig, what should I look for? I'm reconciled to spending ~$500 for a 220v setup with more adjustability. Are there brands/features that excel in the control/startup departments?

01-03-2009, 10:00 PM	#54
08silvercbr Pushin' for 160... Join Date: 08-28-2008 Location: Clio, MI Age: 30 Bike(s): 08' cbr 1000, 98'cbr 900 Posts: 1,000 Images: 18	I converted one of our 110 Lincoln migs over to aluminum and had the same luck as what you mentioned. I've also used high dollar tig set ups but I have to admit it didn't look pretty either. It definitely takes patience. For the price of that ebay item I don't really see how you could go wrong but I have not tigged with enough different units to say for sure. __________________ The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!

01-03-2009, 10:24 PM	#55
seamus is feelin alright Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Rocket City Age: 34 Bike(s): 1KRR; VFR; FMX650 Posts: 5,739	Does the unit have to be 110v or is 230v okay? I can look for some stuff locally and on the WeldingWeb forum. There are some decent deals available on used TIG units(in the ~$1000 range). For MIG, a unit that allows you to switch to AC and can accept a spool gun will get you in the ballpark you're looking for. I've got a Millermatic 180 (230v) but haven't picked up a spool gun for it yet. I've heard good and bad about some of the eBay inverter units but I don't have enough info about them to give you a recommendation. edit: Links. http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php...290#post240290 : 110v MIG ($500) http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=26236 : 230v TIG ($1200) Someone also posted up that there are some welders available at http://www.govliquidation.com/ but I haven't searched it yet. __________________ Ducit Amor Patriae Richard Herald, The Gentle Giant The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools. --- Thucydides Last edited by seamus; 01-03-2009 at 10:47 PM.

01-04-2009, 02:16 AM	#56
SheepOfBlue Your tax dollars at work Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,851	What kind of shielding did you use? Mine specs Argon for AL and CO2 mixes for everything else http://www.hobartwelders.com/pdf/spe...andler_140.pdf __________________ When the past is allowed to fade to nothing then only chaos is left.