hwingo
12-13-2008, 07:47 AM
Hi Guys,
I’m thinking on buying a welder. Miller is my preference.
It’s very unlikely that I would ever *weld metal* thicker than ½ inch although it would be nice to have the capability of “tacking” such thicknesses from time to time if so desired.
Main applications will be car body work (welding sheet metal into voids that would support body filler), welding steel plates, etc., and welding aluminum up to ¼ inch in thickness.
I have never been formally trained in welding and I have limited experience. Having said this, when I was a young man I did a “so-so” job using a stick welder. Later in life, in the late 80’s I purchased a new TIG welder made by Miller and looking back, because of my limited knowledge and experience, my purchase was a waste of money. I do not wish to repeat this. I do not remember the model but it weighed about 350 pounds. It had a high frequency foot control and also came equipped with a stinger, cups and various size tungsten rods. It could be changed from AC to DC with the flip of a switch and polarity was also easily changed. Settings were made by rotating a large knob.
I attempted to use this machine for filling pitted areas when restoring old firearms by using TIG. I was told that TIG used less heat and would be right for the job. Frankly, I did a poor job and reverted to torch welding using 3 ½% Nickel steel rod. I was never able to weld aluminum. My attempts at welding aluminum culminated in a mess.
Once again I have the “hots” to own a welder. I have absolutely no idea if I should consider purchasing a MIG or TIG. From my limited experience with a TIG, I am thinking a MIG (with the ability to attach a stinger) would be a better choice though admittedly I have zero experience with a MIG. When watching non-trained personnel use a MIG, it seems they have little problems as compared to those I experienced when attempting TIG. I desire to choose a system that’s “forgiving” requiring only a slight learning curve. TIG can be quite complicated though very handy if accomplished in the art of TIG welding.
Given my limited experience and desired applications as described above (with an emphasis on welding aluminum), what system should I be considering ….. MIG or TIG?
Shop space could be a problem so size of the welder is a consideration as well as the ability to easily relocate the welder if need be. I will have other questions regarding choice of metal spools for MIG.
Your wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Harold
I’m thinking on buying a welder. Miller is my preference.
It’s very unlikely that I would ever *weld metal* thicker than ½ inch although it would be nice to have the capability of “tacking” such thicknesses from time to time if so desired.
Main applications will be car body work (welding sheet metal into voids that would support body filler), welding steel plates, etc., and welding aluminum up to ¼ inch in thickness.
I have never been formally trained in welding and I have limited experience. Having said this, when I was a young man I did a “so-so” job using a stick welder. Later in life, in the late 80’s I purchased a new TIG welder made by Miller and looking back, because of my limited knowledge and experience, my purchase was a waste of money. I do not wish to repeat this. I do not remember the model but it weighed about 350 pounds. It had a high frequency foot control and also came equipped with a stinger, cups and various size tungsten rods. It could be changed from AC to DC with the flip of a switch and polarity was also easily changed. Settings were made by rotating a large knob.
I attempted to use this machine for filling pitted areas when restoring old firearms by using TIG. I was told that TIG used less heat and would be right for the job. Frankly, I did a poor job and reverted to torch welding using 3 ½% Nickel steel rod. I was never able to weld aluminum. My attempts at welding aluminum culminated in a mess.
Once again I have the “hots” to own a welder. I have absolutely no idea if I should consider purchasing a MIG or TIG. From my limited experience with a TIG, I am thinking a MIG (with the ability to attach a stinger) would be a better choice though admittedly I have zero experience with a MIG. When watching non-trained personnel use a MIG, it seems they have little problems as compared to those I experienced when attempting TIG. I desire to choose a system that’s “forgiving” requiring only a slight learning curve. TIG can be quite complicated though very handy if accomplished in the art of TIG welding.
Given my limited experience and desired applications as described above (with an emphasis on welding aluminum), what system should I be considering ….. MIG or TIG?
Shop space could be a problem so size of the welder is a consideration as well as the ability to easily relocate the welder if need be. I will have other questions regarding choice of metal spools for MIG.
Your wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Harold