Need a hand Welding

[Miloslavich]

Hey Mud,

hope everyone is having a good start to their New Year, and had a happy holiday season.

I went ahead and purchased a Rear bumper kit that some guys on IH8MUD were raving about, basically its 1/4 plate steel. Its all pre cut, bent, just has to be welded together

I asked the guy about welding and what he recommended, and he said that MIG welding would be sufficent, however it has to be 220 volts. Also, shielded gas would be preferable over flux core.

Basically, im a welding noob, and would love some help putting this kit togeher.

I'd be willing to pay a bit of $$ for your time and expertise, and of course, the Beer is on me.


Anyone want to take on a bumper build?

Cheers,

Milo

 

[88chevota]

I would be interested and teach you how. I don't think it needs to be a 220v. I have a lincoln mig 135T that runs off 110v and does 1/4" perfectly fine with no problems. I run shielding gas. It is much nicer and gets a cleaner looking weld. PM'd you

 

[CO_Hunter]

Milo, I'd be careful with a 135 and 1/4 inch. Need to make sure you get adequate penetration which will be difficult without adequate prep, grinding and/or preheat. I'm guessing you already know this 88chevota, sorry forgot your name. Hope those rod ends worked out for you

 

[88chevota]

adequate prep is always important no matter what welder you are using. I have been welding 1/4" and sometimes 5/16" stuff on my rig for 8 years now and have never had anything come apart. I have taken my rig through some pretty tough trails too so I know the welder is plenty capable and I am willing to lend a hand.

here is a great review on this welder and exactly what I have found to be true.
4X4REVIEW.COM: Lincoln's 3200 HD Mig Welder
The 3200HD, 135T plus, and the newer 140T are basically all the same. The may have changed the name and gave more setting options but they all max out at the same output.


And thanks, the rod ends have worked out great! It's ok I forgot your name too. No worries.

 

[Miloslavich]

Awesome! thanks for the replys fellas.

i'll take a look at that 135T and see if that could meet the demands. My only concern is that the Manufacturer of the kit says 220 minimum, and i Do plan on hauling some heavy loads, towing etc with this bumper.. so Penetration is key

 

[Miloslavich]

Talked with Mark at Teton Crusiers, and he said his Lincoln 180 220V struggled with his kit. got the job done, but he strongly suggested i go with a bigger welder than a Lincoln 180.

 

[black95]

Seems like the 120 Vs. 220 welder argument comes up all the time. Can you weld 1/4 in steel with a 120V welder? sure you can, you just have to crank up the power and dial back the wire speed and go slower. The big drawback is that you heat the metal up and can have warping and temper issues. As an electrician, I see guys all the time choking their 120v welders with extension cords that are too small, or 15 and circuits that are wired with 14 gauge wire. Don't do that!!

As for 220v welders, I have a Hobart 175 and I just can't see where Mark is having trouble with 1/4 inch and 180 amps. That welder should burn that in no problem. Maybe he is using flux core wire?

Getting above 180~200 amps on a MIG is going to a pro level machine, you might be looking at having a shop do the work if you want that size welder.

 

[88chevota]

I have a 20amp circuit breaker dedicated just for my welder so I am not choking it out.

Either he is using flux or the wrong size wire. When using flux you are supposed to switch the polarity on your welder. Technically you can weld thicker steel when using flux if done right. It's pretty nasty though. If he is using flux and is not switching the polarity he may be having difficulty.

I am with Luke there is no way that 180amp 220v welder should struggle.

 

[Miloslavich]

Yeah im surprised Mark mentioned his welder was struggling, but perhaps he was just not adjusting it correctly or somethin i dunno


I found a Co-worker with a 220V monster that can weld up to 1/2" plate.. pretty experienced fella whos willing to help me out.

I do really appreciate your offers though, and if anything changes i wont hesitate to contact ya tony.

 

[PPFJ60]

The one big difference in a 120V vs. 220V welder is the duty cycle. I have welded 1/4" steel with a 120V welder and it welds fine but you have to wait for the welder to cool off. My 220V welder will run much longer on the high amperage settings. I think I have only had to wait for the welder to cool off a couple of times.

If you were to weld that bumper kit with a 120V welder and you hit something hard enough to break the welds I would guess you have plenty of other problems to worry about rather than thinking you should have used a 220V welder on that bumper.

 

[Miloslavich]

^ hahha good to know.


thanks for the info fellas.