[fal_shooter]

Harbor has one on sale and I would like some advise on it. I am only going to use it on rails because I can't think of anything else I would need to weld.

90 amp flux
Uses .035 or .030 flux-core wire
Self regulating feed control
Thermal protection with warning light
$119.99

Like I said I am only planning to use it on rails. I do not want to spend a lot of money. Will this do the job? Any other suggestions?

 

[sks_hunter]

the only thing i've found with the little wire feed migs, when you're going gas-less with the flux-core wire, it spatters a bit and you end up with a bunch of "acne" around your weld. Try using a little squirt of spatter-shield spray before you lay the weld in... makes the little spatter balls roll off. otherwise, the balls stick, giving you extra work to clean up. Other than that, these little welders ARE very easy to use, and do a hell of a job!!! I think even home depot sells SPATTER SHIELD, or you can ask for it at your local welding supply shop.

 

[scubadvr]

I have an inexpensive Lincoln but in all honesty to do it right it sould be spot welded or tig welded. Check out the spot welder HF has on sale. If all you are going to do is rails then get the right tool for the job. You will not regret it. Jack

 

[hotbarrel]

I tend to agree spot or TIG ,,, but I just love tig so I am biast..

 

[yosuthnmasa]

I say go with the MIG if thats what you are set on. I think it is a very versatile welder. I recently had access to a Craftsman MIG and it was wonderful. I used it to fill holes, build up my selector, and make a head on a rivet that was too short. It was really easy to use. I was going to use it to weld the brake on, and the rails in my next build but didn't get around to it. I'm sure it would've worked, though. If I would've had the time I wanted, I would've tried a weld job too. I really think it would've worked.

 

[hotbarrel]

Hay that is rite your rivet head ended up pretty nice!!! I think it is a good pick for the brake. I guess if someone was to use mig to do rails I would only suggest to get some metal the same thickness to set up on and a few moments of practise too so your rail comes out just the way you like.. sorry I still like my T.I.G.

 

[yosuthnmasa]

Hay that is rite your rivet head ended up pretty nice!!! I think it is a good pick for the brake. I guess if someone was to use mig to do rails I would only suggest to get some metal the same thickness to set up on and a few moments of practise too so your rail comes out just the way you like.. sorry I still like my T.I.G.

Hopefully I will be able to see your side soon too HB. Unfortunately I have never used a TIG, but will have access to one in about a week. Hopefully it will be nice to use too. The one I will be using is HUGE! I didn't know TIG's were such large outfits.

 

[sks_hunter]

hotbarrel taught me how to tig weld... had done lots of stick and mig, but tig is the way to go... just a bit pricey for a decent setup. If i could afford that, i'd probably have a plasma torch setup also.... and a lathe.... and a bridgeport....and... and....

 

[hotbarrel]

A T.I.G. setup can be as small as a brief case. I believe it is Miller that makes the small red ones. you can use a small tank of argon. they work great ,, I think if you realy look around about $1200. the small millers are basicaly an inverter, if you are useing a BIG welder it most likey a more treditional transformer typ welder. I have acces to both a small and a hugh one. I usualy do the extra work to push the big one around, I like it. If you get to use a T.I.G. with a remote amp tredel [like a car accelerator] you will have a very nice tool in your hand, a very versitile tool. after a littel practise you will love it.
I realize $1200 Is a lot more than a harbor freight mig or a lincoln grave stone at about $380. but when you are working with thinner stock and need a nice finish TIG is it,, switch over to AC and continuis high frequancy with 100% tungston insert you are welding aluminum too??
Oh yes ... did I mention water cooled torches?? keep your hand nice and cool , you got to like that!!

 

[yosuthnmasa]

HB, I am gettin pretty excited! I'm not sure of its specifics because I have only seen it once. But, as soon as I walked into the shop I layed eyes on it!!! Maybe this next week I can stop back by and take a picture before I get to use it and post it here. I would assume that it is a pretty decent welder because the guys that use it are part of the Georgia Tech Motorsports team that build these 1/2 or 1/3 size Formula 1 race cars with Honda CBR 600 motors. They use it to weld the chassy along with other things I'm sure.

This is not the only tool that I was drooling over...I saw 4 lathes and a couple I think were hooked to some kind of old computer. I will be looking into them as well.