Ok I thought since I'm very unknowledgeable in the art of welding I'd start a thread for those of us mechanical enough to build stuff but not sure of the do's and don't for welding.

I'd like to understand the Strength advantage between Mig and TIG welding?

What is the difference on the Mig welders as some are real expensive and others are reasonablly priced. Is it voltage? QUality of some certain part? Or the ability for a solid weld?

Oh wise one please guide us...

 

Got some spare time :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welding

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tig_welding

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mig_welding


Actually a pretty interesting read...enjoy

 

Extreme4x4 had a show on it and I just watched but it was only 5 seconds on each and very vague when it came to what a strong weld means or looks like. Thanks for the lead on these.

 

MIG= Metal inert gas. TIG= Tungsten inert gas. TIG is the higher quality way to go......but a MIG can produce some damn fine welds too. They both take practice.....but the TIG actually takes SKILL. If you are an uncoordinated sumbitch like I am, stick with the MIG. I can TIG like a big dawg, but only because I've stuck with it for like 20 years. It's a double barrel bastard, because you use both hands and a foot. You really have to be able to scratch your head and rub your tummy at the same time.....all while scratchin your butt with your foot. LMAO. MIGS are so reasonable now, I say buy one, get some scrap and have at it. It's really very easy. I had my son laying good beads with one after 15 minutes when he was 10 years old. Now he's 18 and can do it better than I can. It just takes repetition and practice. Read up on it, and when you think you know the basics, grab hold of one.

 

redneck - pretty much what I'm doing. I have a good supplier of steel right down the road and a friend that can get it at cost so I'm thinking of fabbing away. I see so many aftermarket parts that would be so simple to build I have to give it a try. Been looking around now for some used equipment. Thinking MIG for the same reasons you've mentioned, relatively inexpensive to start.

 

Ive had many experienced welders over the years tell me to always buy a good brand name welder. They said its especially important when you are learning. Nothinig is worse then trying to learn on a cheap machine that is not consistent and may not always work right. Most of them usually reccommend Miller/ hobart or lincoln. My brother just bought a nice little 110v mig. Its a Hobart 140. Northern tools has it for 489.99 with free shipping and free cart. Its rated to do 3/16 in one pass and 1/4" is two. I cant wait to borrow it

 

Redneck summed it up...PRACTICE...PRACTICE...PRACTICE...o and did i mention Practice.I have a Hobart 140 it is basically a miller a very good machine IMO.I used it for many projects.I got it 2 or 3 years ago for 420 at tractor supply.Also have 235/160 Stickmate LX Arc Welder. Weld a little hotter,so if you burn though you know at least you are making the deep enough weld. You can also pick up a book has some good tips..Don't forget to practice

 

I most definately want my 3.5 cents as aI have welded for over 20 years. Lincoln is the best most smoothest welder ever made. But Miller comes in second. Im talkind quality, duribility.

With that said...

Get a Mig...Not Tig as Tig is the most difficult to get use to.

Mig welding is self explained as you will see it is wire fed and requires nothing more than setting the speed and heat.

With that said.

The heat and speed should be adjusted for the thickness of the metal. If it is thin...Less heat and speed. If it is thick, more heat and speed.

Some machines have a maximm heat or voltage that is not enough for say 1/4" steel. Make sure you purchase one that can handle enough heat to weld the thickness you are needing to. I say get a bigger one than you think you need so when you break a track bar bracket you will be able to weld it.


Practice is the key. I was allways told to fill up a drum full of welding stubs (stick welding) and you will be ready for the big time....Thats only like 50 boxes or more of rod.

On a side note, some people are naturals and others never get it, Witch one are you?

Troy.

 

also if is in your budget spring for an auto darkening welding hood..It really helps beginners.i struggled with the standard flip down welding hood when i first started welding. i wished i has an auto darkening hood. now i have one and they are pretty awsome.Most older weldors do not like them but i give it a it can be very good when stitch welding thin sheet metal. my more

 

I'm lucky I use the Miller that I use daily at work. Start with a good welding textbook and learn the types of welds. Then practice on a heck of a lot of scrap steel. I agree that some people are born welders (I have no idea why) but I disagree because anyone can learn to make good solid welds. My boss is one of them, his welds are the ugliest welds I have ever seen but are solid. I would suggest a good Milwaukee Chop Saw. I also love my auto darkening hood, I would never go back to a flip hood. For me it just saves a lot of time.