Topic: how big a mig?

[hymodyne]

I'm gathering parts and pieces for a cafe rebuild of my '72 500, and I have a very basic question:

with the type of welding I plan to do, all of which is with steel at or under 1/8 inch thickness,  and with 110V, what welder do I need?


looking at flux core vs mig(gas) welders, the prices range from $50.00 to $1500.00. I'm buying versus having the work done by professionals because I am a not rich person who likes to learn how to do new things. the welding work will consist of building a frame for my 1/2 fairing, and frame modifications to accomodate rearset installation.

suggestions on models and amperage would help in my decision process.

hym

[Peter]

I just use a small lincoln Mig welder with Argon gas, and it does just fine.

[jevfro]

I'm also ibnterested in the opinions of others out there... I'm leaning towards a 220V setup (I already have an arc welder that needs new leads too).  My budget will hopefully be around $2K.  That said, it will be awhile and so I've got plenty of time 
Are there any 110V tig outfits that will consistantly do a good job (especialy on steel and aluminum around 1/4" thickness) ?

[Peter]

My guess is that the duty cycle on something like that would be shizen

[dusterdude]

a good friend of mine has a 135 miller,thats a bad mama jama.

[joeson]

me thinks 110 migs are usless without gas ,miller has excellent tig machines on 110v if you can really weld.failing a smoke test on a grease hood proved my inability without argon and 220v.I work as a sheet metal mechanic under 8ga mild steel,aluminium and stainless.most of the metal fatigue is arond the weld .you can stick it with 110v and no gas but it will break.my experience for what its worth 

[theunrulychef]

Yeah, don't go for the flux core - they're good for around the shop stuff, but not if you want it both strong & pretty

[hymodyne]

many thanks.
I'll update as to what I get and how well its works.
hym

[Lumbee]

...I was in the same boat about a year ago.  Started my chopper project and knew I would need to do some welding.  After all my research I went with the Lincoln 175...heres one on Ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-LINCOLN-175-HD-230V-PRO-MIG-WIRE-FEED-WELDER-K2338_W0QQitemZ180032706314QQihZ008QQcategoryZ113743QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item180032706314

First, the question of gas vs. no gas.  I think its really a question of what quality of weld to you want.  Welding with out gas is messy to put it mildly.  Usually when doing bike work you are concerned with asthetics, and welding without gas (especially if u'r not a pro) will leave you with some ugly welds.

Next is the quesiton of power.  Do you want a 110v or 220v.  If you know all u'll be doing is bike work, then a 110v (135amp) will get you by.  Frame work my be questionable, but its doable.  I went with a 175amp (220v) because I wanted the extra power for the occational big job.  Example...I did some welding on my dads trailer when I was home last christmas...could not of done that job with a 135.

The down side to a 220v is access to a 220 outlet.  Everytime I want to weld I have to run a 50ft cord inside the house to the dryer outlet.  In a perfect world I'd have an outlet outside in carport, but I don't own the place.  110 is also convenient cuz you can find an outlet anywhere.  A friend needs some welding?  You just throw it in the back of the truck, go over to his place and weld away...u'r not worried about finding a 220 outlet.

[dusterdude]

mark,that welder sounds like the deal,can i assume it does the deed?

[Lumbee]

...it gets it done...I've been doing quite a few extended swingarms with it lately, and I use 1/4" plate in the extention...it burns through that like butter...and thats on with power to spare!  Good solid welder...and take halfway decent care of it and it will last forever.  However, the millers are nice though, but u'll pay for it.  Figure another 3-500 for the same Lincoln model...   

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Miller-Millermatic-175-with-Runner-Gear-MIL-907049_W0QQitemZ300032702595QQihZ020QQcategoryZ113743QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[dusterdude]

cool,the miller 135 goes for around 600 dollars,im damn sure gonna look at that lincoln.

[78 k550]

I do some fab work on my 4x4. I got a smoking deal from the people next door that moved from cali. Miller 175 and optrel auto dark helmet $500 about 2 years ago. I wired up the garage for it. Oh the best part was that the unit didnt even have the plug wired on it. It was new. and I got a gauge set for the bottle. I would say you would be able to do just what you need with something of the like.

Paul

[dusterdude]

damn thats killer

[Bob Wessner]

damn thats killer

There you go, showing off your verbosity again.