MIG welding

Edited: 11/26/2007 10:03:46 PM by CHOSN1

So I tried to do a search on MIG welding and kept getting server errors. Anyway, my wife was going to buy me a mig welder from home depot this past weekend but I kinda hesitated. Reason being is that I have never welded before. Well, i did back in Ag in H.S. but that was almost (cough) 20 years ago. Anyway, what kinda fab work can I do with a MIG welder? I would like to learn to shave door handles and things like that. Oh and how easy is MIG welding to learn?

MIG is the best way to get started into welding IMO, very simple and easy to learn. You can do pretty much any kind of fab work you want to do as long as its within the welders capabilities (metal thickness) perfect for shaving and body work, the arch is more consintrated than a TIG and isn't as likely to warp the metal, just be sure and take your time

Isnt TIG more concentrated than MIG? If your going to be doing alot of frame work . MIG is the way to go. I have a snap-on MMSL140 (SP) I believe . Its the biggest 120 volt you can get. It has handled everything i have thrown at it. I built my tacoma and a friends s-10 with it. It also has the TIG adaptor. Havent got to use it yet cause i havent had time to go get pure argon. Anyways pretty much any body work and frame work can be done sufficently with a MIG welder. On body panels take your time and tack everything. On frame work, depending on thickness of your material you may have to preheat the metal to get a great weld.

no, TIG will heat a bigger area than a MIG will

TIG is less likely to warp the metal, and is used for more precision welds. much prettier welds as well. back to the ? at hand, for light fab work something from home depot would be great my only suggestion is to get a machine that u can run gas with and solid wire rather than flux cored wire simply because it makes a nicer weld and is alittle more easy to learn on. as far as learning, practice, a steady hand, and a position of comfort make all the difference.........

Mig is probably the most versatile and easiest to use. Lik ethey said make sure it is set up for gas. I would suggest getting a 210v one with 170-180 heat range if you wanna do a lot of frame work. I like Lincoln welders. Have used them for years and had very few problems. Plus probably better service if it's bought from a welding store then lowe's or home depot. Also your wife kicks ass. I wish my wife bought my welder for me.

Cool, I appreciate the feedback

i use a hobart handler 187,does frame and body work with like 6 different voltage to choose from,altho i havent used more then 2,except one time just fuckin around. but thats a great welder and i got it from tractor supply

the lincoln 175 from Lowes will do just about anything you can come up with for cars. Frame work, body work, custom parts...

Lincoln 175/180 or Miller 175/180 are probably your best choices if you have or are willing to wire 220V power. They are both very nice machines and will handle anything truck related.