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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Wire Feed Welders

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clodhopper

02-04-2004 20:26:58




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I have used a stick welder for years, I'm thinking of going to a wire feed welder. I need something simple and user friendly, that is capable of welding up to 1/2" steel at least, and I almost forgot cheap. Or are they such a thing, any help would be appreciated.




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Adam

02-06-2004 21:11:44




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 Re: Wire Feed Welders in reply to clodhopper, 02-04-2004 20:26:58  
I just bought a Lincoln 175Plus. Nice welder, says can weld to 5\16. Bought it through www.weldersdirect.com. They had the best price for what I wanted. You can also get new ones off Ebay for good price but you need to check shipping prices and for what you want included like a cart or whatever. Millers model 250 that welds 1/2" in one pass will run around $1700 from Weldersdirect. The Lincolns are rated to weld thinner metal and their heat range is more variable. The Hobarts will have four or so settings, the lincoln can be more fine tuned. Millers are generally more expensive. Hopes this helps.

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T_Bone

02-06-2004 03:42:20




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 Re: Wire Feed Welders in reply to clodhopper, 02-04-2004 20:26:58  
Hi clodhopper,

Hard to expand on whats been stated. Both Lincoln and Miller build very good 200amp to 250amp Mig machines.

You need a machince that will weld 1/4" thick material in one pass then run multi-passes for 1/2" plate. This will be more cost effective for the home shop and most small commerical shops.

Spend the money now or spend it latter but you will spend the money for good equipment either up front or one piece at a time.

Do a search on this website forum as there's many good threads about welding.

T_Bone

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john

02-05-2004 14:37:43




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 Re: Wire Feed Welders in reply to clodhopper, 02-04-2004 20:26:58  
your final decision on a welder should depend on its intended use... If you plan on doing primarily heavy welding (1/4" and up...farm equipment, heavy plate and angle iron) then a stick welder will serve you well, although a hi amp wire machine will work also. You're looking at the 200 amp and up work there If you plan on light gauge projects, sheet metal work, body repair then I'd say a MIG machine would serve you better. Light gauge tubing, 1/8" plate... body repair... that type of thing.. thickenss will also determine the amperage you need.. for all light gauge work like body sheet metal and such you can do with a 110 volt machine 90-110 amp welding current. For 1/4" and down anything between a 100 - 200 amp machine will serve you well. Heavy stuff... 200 or better.. I agree with the assesment of H.F. Cheap import junk.. although you can get good deals on name brand tools sometimes, but basically low quality tools... Stick with a name brand... Miller, Hobart, Lincoln... you can always get replacement parts...even on weekends and they have good service reps... I have a Hobart "suitcase" welder, 100 amp 110 volt for light stuff and it does a great job using either gas or flux core. For larger material I have a Millermatic 200. A 200 amp 220 volt machine that will handle anything else I tend to stick together.. I normally run both on GMAW... only using flux core for outside windy conditions. (the wind blows the shielding gas away). Flux core wire needs more clean up than GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding...gas shielded) It tends to splatter more. I also have a Lincoln 225 amp ac/dc stick welder that I haven't turned on for several years since I bought the wire machines.. I think wire welding is a lot easier to master than stick and much easier to see and control your weld puddle. I bought both of my machines used.. from welding houses that had leased them out then refurb'd them and sold them... you can get some really good deals if you're patient (?). Check with some of the supply houses and watch the "Machinery and Equipment" column in the classifieds. Anything over 175 amps will probably require 220 volt service so plan on that expense also (if you can't do it yourself. Safety equipment.. A good helmet with the proper shield.. You can get away with lighter gloves with wire welders... but with stick, get some good heavy welding gloves. A fire extinguisher close by and readily accessable is a must as well as a bucket of water for cooling your welds. Clamps, pliers, vice grips and a BFH are almost a necessity. Wear long sleeves and long pants that are not tucked into your boots.. no sneekers... hot metal goes thru them like...well hot metal !! hope that helps.. john

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Kennyp

02-04-2004 20:38:34




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 Re: Wire Feed Welders in reply to clodhopper, 02-04-2004 20:26:58  
I just bought a name brand 130 amp wire welder. Good for thin stuff, but no way will it weld stuff like 1/4 inch or bigger. maybe a larger one, but they come high priced.



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