Topic: First welding machine for custom/resto work

[sweetkev]

Hey all, weighing the pros/cons of each welding process before I purchase my first machine.  Does anyone have a strong opinion on what type is best to own first?  Gas shielded MIG seems like a good call, but im wondering if I can go with a gasless flux core machine for now and save a few bucks.
Thanks

[CB400JAY]

I am a novice welder and was in the same position as you.  I purchased a Vulcan Omnipro 220 from Harbor Freight because I wanted a multi-process machine, the price was right, and at the time it had a 1 year no questions asked return policy.  As to your question, I started out with flux core wire and then went to using shielding gas.  I was able to produce much better welds with the gas.  I was getting a bit frustrated with the flux core and the gas made a world of difference.

[sweetkev]

Cool, thanks for the input.  I think i'll probably start the same way and see if I can get it "good enough" with the flux core.  Definitely gonna practice a bunch before i take it to my frame though..

[beemerbum]

It is so much easier to get a good weld with gas. The extra cost is peanuts. When I started this hobby I got a Miller 211 MIG welder. It is almost like an electric glue gun for steel. I never looked back

[Nicklopic]

If you want to start by using flux, just make sure your machine can run gas.
My first machine (and what i still use) is a Hobart handler 140. Its a 110v machine because i don't have 220v access, it has the most amperage of the big 3 (Hobart, Miller, Lincoln) while being cheaper than the others. I've used it on everything from a 1/2 plate for an axle truss on my jeep down to sheet metal on my electronics tray. I routinely use it for 3/16 and 1/4.
I also have used an Eastwood 110/220 machine that I was originally dissuaded by others because it wasn't from the big 3 but I have used my friends and I liked it a lot and its holding up just fine. I want to learn tig so I want to look into the Vulcan machines.

(before anyone yells at me for the 1/2 plate thing, it was a nonstructural bridge tying a bridge to the pumpkin on my axle truss. It was done with like 9 or 10 passes with a crap load of preheat and post heat)

[sweetkev]

Yeah, from what im hearing i think im gonna go with a machine that does flux and solid wire.  Thanks guys

[69cb750]

Many good videos -
MIG vs TIG -

MIG for Beginners -

[sweetkev]

Thanks for the sound advice.  Im not even gonna go near the bike with the welder until ive had heaps of practice
Yeah, from what im hearing i think im gonna go with a machine that does flux and solid wire.  Thanks guys

Flux core has no place in “resto/custom” modifications. Learning it versus MIG is pointless. It’s a perfectly good process for structural welding, which nothing in the motosports world is. So don’t worry about it. Most any MIG machine will run FC wire anyway.

MIG is the most deceiving process. Your beads can look ok, but in actuality not be worth a crap from a strength perspective. And welding on these bikes which are thin wall tubing is not easy at all with a MIG gun. So be prepared for lots of failures and crappy outcomes.

MIG is easiest to learn, but very difficult to conquer. 99% of self-taught and new welders don’t use enough heat and their welds are cold, bugger-snot. If you truly are intent on buying a machine that can support your hobby/custom work, at least buy a machine that’s DC TIG capable. You can accomplish heaps more with that and get stronger welds.

Good luck-

[Gurp]

Tig is king but on a lower cash flow and with LOTS of practice a 220v stick will do. I've stick welded on thinner parts of the frame. Old Lincoln AC225 units can be found under 150 on the used market.

[Don R]

 I have a used Hobart Handler 110V mig. The 120 maybe, but the mig gun was junk due to rusty wire and it was not supported with parts. I found a tweco gun and cable for it on ebay, bought that and got a new spool of lincoln brand wire. I began welding with CO2 because I had the cylinder. The CO2 welds OK but I was going to weld car frame metal and wasn't happy with my best efforts. After watching a lot of youtube I got a small bottle of C25 gas and it's a lot better. I turned the wire speed up a full number from where it was welding.  Some welders are using flux and gas, I can't see the advantage to that. Also they don't like extension cords or long distances from the power supply, I made up a heavy duty 10' cord and wired in 20 amp 110V circuits when I built the shop. I can reach anything I need to.

[Nicklopic]

flux definitely has its place. You probably wont run into a situation where flux would be better while working on a bike though

[Bankerdanny]

The problem with very cheap flux core and had MIG is limited voltage options. Get a welder with a dial type village adjuster, not just a couple toggle switches.  I have an Eastwood MIG135, which has an infinitely variable voltage.

[Don R]

Some welders are using flux and gas, I can't see the advantage to that.

It's called Dual Shield Flux Core. The gas provides shielding in addition to the wire flux. The benefit is far cleaner welds, deeper penetration and a more controlled puddle.

 Thanks for the info, we welded a lot of pipe with mig towards the end of me being a fitter. There were times with a little water in a position weld my mig guy's couldn't get it done.  I had to bust out the old E6010 to put a root in the bottom of a chiller pipe. (should have been stick root anyway) When it's almost sunrise and the hospital needs it's AC back on you do what it takes.  Cleaner would be a welcome surprise, I know mig and tig require really clean metal.