I'm going to be in the market for a new MIG welder. I'd like some thing that will weld 1/2 thick metal. and can be adapted to weld aluminum in the future. Not sure on the whole duty cycle thing. (I think it has to do with the on/off time %) any recomendations?(sp)

 

Mee too, I'm sick of asking when I can get worked into a schedule for the minimal jobs I need done. I know I can weld, I just don't have a damm welder!! I want to be able to weld true stainless and any type of mild steel, maybe aluminum later if I ever figure out how to do it properly.

 

I took a basic welding class at our community college. Don't know a whole lot but I do know that MIG welding is not suitable for welding over 1/4" thick. You can make a beautiful bead but it is very difficult to melt into the basemetal of material that thick. This is the reason the AWS does not prequalify MIG welds. Duty cycle is off of a 10 minute interval. So if a welder has a 50% duty cycle at 200amps you can weld for 5 minutes straight at 200 amps before it will overheat and turn itself off.

 

http://lincolnelectric.com/ check that site out lots of good info

 

To weld things in that thickness range, you'll most likely need a MIG machine that runs of 220 volt power, like a dryer plug. The ones that run off 110 power MIGHT get it done, but it would be pushing it. Duty cycle refers to the amount of time in an hour that you can actually weld with the machine. I wouldn't bother with anything less than 60%. Most machines advertise that they can run aluminum wire, too, but in reality it's almost impossible without special equipment. The aluminum wire is so pliable, that you need to have a push-pull gun to do it right. This set-up has drive rolls in the gun, and in the machine itself. It's a lot more involved deal than most home shops have, or need. Hope this helps.

 

I've worked in welding and machine shop, and also work for and built NASCAR racecars. I can weld with any type of welder and used many different welders and have a LOT of hood time. In my opinion, Miller makes the best welders, followed by Lincoln and Hobart.

As far as home welders, I think a good Mig for home use is a Millermatic 135. It's a 120v machine and welds up 1/4 in a single pass, and welds 1/2 well, if you v the material and make several passes. I have one of these little welders in my shop and love it to death. Very smooth and can be had for 5-600 bucks new online and sometimes less used on ebay. If your wanting something a little bigger, then you can step up to a 230v machine like a Millermatic 175 (about $800). Mig welder really don't work to well for welding aluminum for reasons mentioned above. You really need a tig for that. The tig will also weld stainless really well. A good tig would be an Econotig from Miller.

Looking at dutycycle, you really don't need to worry much about that being a hobby welder, you will probably never use the machine continuously enough to thermo out one of these welders. That's more for a production type rating.

One thing for sure, even if you don't buy a Miller, STAY AWAY FROM the cheep Clark and Campbell Hausefield Type welders!!! Let me know if you have any more question, I'm glad to help!

 

I have the miller 175 220 volt model and it is really nice. It welds 1/4" no problem and is only about 100-150 more than the 120 volt unit. I also have a miller "dynasty" tig and like kbracing96 said its really the only way to go when welding aluminum and stainless, but there real pricey. Why do you want to weld aluminum?

 

Thanks guys,
I've been doing some looking and I like the Miller 251 or the Licoln 255. they both have a spool gun option, but how well does the spool guns work for aluminum? I know they won't work as good as a TIG. but I don't have the money or the space for both.

I plan on building a car trailer or two, I'd like to be-able to build my own Aluminum tool boxes for it. and maybe use some aluminum in the framing to keep things light.

 

Thats a big welder and welding aluminum with a mig is a good, dependable process, and considerably cheaper. Just not as pretty as the tig. Oh, and stick with Miller you wont regret it.

 

I agree, Stick with the Miller I have used that particular machine a lot and it is sweet. Just like he said, Spool guns work descent, just not as perddy as a tig.