Anything welding

I bought the smallest industrial mig welder from Northern Tool that works off a 110 outlet. It works great I can use gas or flux core wire. It works great. I have built crank up deer feeders and some elevated deer blinds. I took an adult education summer class at a local high school and learned how to weld safely for $90.00 I couldn't see spending thousands of dollars to purchase on these things so I learned the skill. Yes I am an beginner at welding but my welds hold up great. Not as pretty as the ones posted above but it a hobby for me.

 

Congrats on learning a new skill.

 

Thanks! I've had fun! I didn't realize how expensive metal was until I started welding. I can see why people charge so much.

 

found a Miller Millermatic 130 for 375 comes with a 5 lb roll of .30 flux. Is this a decent deal or machine for that matter?

I am planning on only welding small stuff.

 

anyone welding with straight co2 instead of a 75/25 mix?

 

I used straight CO2 on mine when I first got it from my buddy. I thought it was welding ok but then I switched it out for 75/25 mix and it makes a world of difference

 

I think its easier to weld with 100% CO2. It will create more spatter than mix gas, but it runs hotter so you will get more penetration, which is nice if you weld thicker material

 

True. Most of the stuff I read says 100% co2 is not any weaker (better in some cases as you said), just not as pretty as mix

 

yeah thats what I read also. Just got a tank for my welder so figure I'd ask some people. Beats fucking with flux core. lol

and I can clean the welds with a dremal anyways nbd

 

Its just as strong but will burn hotter, so at the same voltage/wire speed it will have more penetration so you will have to compensate for that if you are using mix gas. I use mix gas though because it makes a nicer weld with less spatter

 

Straight CO2 is also a good bit cheaper than mix gas IIRC but even mix gas isn't that expensive

 

yeah, sdhq can fill co2 tanks at the shop so Its faster and easier for me to get 100% co2 because I'm there once or twice a week. The welding shops are a little longer drive and have weird weekend hours.

 

Have to realize that the weld will get really globular (as thats what CO2 is used for most often.)

 

You get a bunch of different answers as to what's better. I think the trade off is whether or not you want to do a lot of cleanup. If you don't, c-25 (75/25) is the way to go. Straight CO2 would be the way to go for heavier material.

If you're welding outside in a breeze, flux core is the way to go as wind blows the shielding gas away.

 

I use a 75/25 mix. The dealer says I should use "30-35" on the tank. Is that with the trigger in or not?

 

^Your talking about flow? I was told 15-20 while its flowing (trigger in)

 

I set my flow rate depending on the conditions I'm welding in. If I'm in the garage ill usually have it aroused 10-15cfm.

 

Yea sorry. I meant "flow". I always weld in the garage with the door up, usually little to no breeze. I'll try lowering it down to 15 or so. I'm just not quite getting that "sizzle".

 

i weld with 10-15, do you have enough power to supply it? thick enough extension cord? I tried welding something at a buddies house and his plug wasnt powerful enough to weld thicker material and it didnt sound good haha.

 

Yea. I got good power but the guy at the welding shop told me 30-35. I'm a newb to welding but as a machinest at work I have an ear for things. I heard my buddy weld and it was like a steak sizzling on the grill, Very sweet.