MIG welder size amperage question

- A
- Anonymous
  
  Contact options for registered users
posted
16 years ago

Tue, Jun 12, 2007 3:21 AM

I will most likely be purchasing a MIG welder soon and I have a question about amperage. I currently own a Lincon Squarewave 175, and I have recently found that 175 amps of TIG power is not equal to 175 amps os stick power. I am working on a project now where I am trying to weld

3/16" plate, lots of it. In TIG mode 3/16" is about all its good for. In stick mode I can blow right trrough a 3/16" plate very easily. Also if I try to weld more than a 4" bead at 150 amps I can no longer hold onto the gas cooled torch.

I would like to find a MIG welder that will practically weld 1/4" steel all day long. Flux cored would also be a nice option (I hate buying gas). So how big a MIG welder do I need, any recomendations.

John Roncallo

- S
- Surfin'
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
16 years ago

Tue, Jun 12, 2007 3:47 AM

"jroncallo roncallo @snet.net>" lots of it. In TIG mode 3/16" is about all its good for. In stick mode I

A 200 amp machine or better. A machine with less power could weld 1/4" steel but be restricted by duty cycle. Millermatic 210 or comparable light industrial welder should handle the job easily.

JFD

- S
- surftom
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
16 years ago

Tue, Jun 12, 2007 2:57 PM

Hi John,

I too have the Lincoln Squarewave TIG 175 and have complemented it with the MIG 180. It's rated up to 1/2" on a single pass but that's optimistic I think. 3/16 or 1/4 is no problem but I have only done a full day of welding (3/16) once - no tripping! If this is for production use you may want to go a little bigger, but I wanted a welder I could still carry around. The PowerMig 180 fit the bill nicely - 220v but still portable.

You can check out the post in this group on "Welder Cart v 4.0" to see what I've been up to or just surf over to

tom

- L
- Leo Lichtman
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
16 years ago

Tue, Jun 12, 2007 3:44 PM

"john wrote: (clip) Flux cored would also be a nice option (I hate buying gas). (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I don't have enough information to run the numbers, but you may not save. A spool of flux core contains less metal than solid, and costs several times as much. Of course, there are other reasons for using flux core: 1.) the polarity puts more heat into the weld. 2.) You don't have to drag a tank with you if you are moving around. 3.) No problem with breezes if you're working outdoors.