MIG welding questions...

[spdwaver]

I went to my Praxair dealer and they tried to charge me $650 for it. So I'm just waiting for get a deal from Ebay.

Also, if they give you a hassle, or they raised the price, I will go there personally and see if I can't get one for cheaper. PM me if you are unsuccessful and want me to look into it further...it is on the way to work for me.

 

[Silicon 70]

Thanks for your help, but I ended up getting a Millermatic 135 on craigslist. It came with a gas tank filled with 75/25 argon & co2 mix. All I need now is a welding helmet and some flux core wire.

 

[honk]

Thanks for your help, but I ended up getting a Millermatic 135 on craigslist. It came with a gas tank filled with 75/25 argon & co2 mix. All I need now is a welding helmet and some flux core wire.

If you have the gas forget the flux wire. You want solid wire now, and you don't need to look back. Welding with gas is lots smoother and is actually easier to learn than fluxcore welding.

 

[spdwaver]

If you have the gas forget the flux wire. You want solid wire now, and you don't need to look back. Welding with gas is lots smoother and is actually easier to learn than fluxcore welding.

X2...

Welding with flux core does not have the most desirable results, in contrast to running thinner wire with gas.

I am still welding with flux core, and getting all of the results less desirable for the projects I embark upon.

Silicon: Congrats, by the way, on your new purchase! My welder happens to be the best investment I have made in years, as far as tools go.

Enjoy!

 

[Silicon 70]

If you have the gas forget the flux wire. You want solid wire now, and you don't need to look back. Welding with gas is lots smoother and is actually easier to learn than fluxcore welding.

The guy that sold me the welder welded some peices for me to show the welder works. I thought gas welds are really clean compared to photos I've seen here.

I thought I may need flux core for some thicker metals, but he says pre-heating the metal could help with that.

I've got so much to learn. This is going to be fun.

 

[spdwaver]

The guy that sold me the welder welded some peices for me to show the welder works. I thought gas welds are really clean compared to photos I've seen here.

I thought I may need flux core for some thicker metals, but he says pre-heating the metal could help with that.

I've got so much to learn. This is going to be fun.

Let us all know how it is going. Would be interested in seeing what you have welded so far...and how the Miller is working out for you.

Yes, it is almost too much fun looking for something laying in the garage to slap onto the 40...already took a bed apart and used the thick tubular steel to to weld to the front bumper. Turned out nice, and surprisingly strong. Next, I will attempt to modify the tire carrier (stock) to accomodate a Hi-Lift and gas cans.

 

[spdwaver]

Silicon:

I read on another thread that you can use flux core-wire successfully, and actually achieve nice welds. Also, there are some pretty good examples and advice on the flux-core subject. Almost makes me wanna stay with flux-core, and get the hang of it.

Check out what Mace says on the subject. Then look at the welds these guys got.

Again, would like to see your progress.

 

[spdwaver]

I did not realize it at first, but this thread has absolutely NO pictures yet.

Guess it is about time I took some shots of my first go at it, on the cruiser that is. I have already painted the bumper, so the welds are not clearly seen, but the simple fact that it is still on there is testament to the fact I learned something by reading up on mud posts on welding.

Pics to come shortly.

 

[Silicon 70]

I'll take some pictures too, as soon as I find my Dig. camera. Its laying around somewhere.

 

[spdwaver]

Some pics

Took a couple close-ups of the shabby work. Also, a picture of what I am starting out with on the tire carrier.

 

[spdwaver]

Maybe a little too close up...largely out of focus.

 

[spdwaver]

As far as the welds go, I did what you are not supposed to do: I welded a layer between and over the 'uncleaned' surface of the previous welds. The problem that I experienced was that the wire was not burning, as though it was not making contact.

So, take their advice and clean the first pass really well prior to burning a new layer.

 

[Poser]

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