[SML] MIG Welders

[Richard Niederberg]

Dear Wayne,
This is not responsive to your inquiry; I might just be risk-adverse, but I
use a Well-Insured Certified Welder for anything that an actor has to walk
on or under. This has served me well: I've had NO Workman's Comp claims in
46 years...
/s/ Richard
_________

On Fri, Nov 4, 2016 at 8:15 PM, Mt. Angel Performing Arts Center via
Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:

>
>
> On 11/4/2016 7:13 PM, Wayne Rasmussen via Stagecraft wrote:
>
>> We do a little welding from time to time, usually at the local garage
>> owned by some friends of mine.  This limits us to the size of the project
>> to what fits in my pickup truck.  Thinking I'd like to do some more
>> extensive work, what are your suggestions for a unit?  I'd like not to get
>> a particularly large box since shop space is somewhat limited, but the
>> welder needs to be capable of putting some large set pieces together from
>> tubular steel.  We have both 120 and 240 volt sources available.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Wayne Rasmussen
>> Blair Academy
>>
>
> In general if you are going to have just one welding machine you want it
> to be as useful as possible - and also relatively easy to learn to operate.
>
> Stay with the major brands - Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, Esab, etc. The
> cheap-O machines won't last.
>
> If I had it to do over I would start with a portable flux core wire feed
> machine - and 115 volt that will run on a 20 amp circuit. They are highly
> portable, relatively light weight and you can use it anywhere. Flux core
> means you don't need a gas bottle. Also get a good hood - clearly seeing
> what you are doing is critical.
>
> There are some of these smaller machines that are pre-equipped to add a
> gas bottle but they are heavier.
>
> With one of these in the 80-120 amp range (of course they don't actually
> put out that much, it's all specmanship) you can do up to 1/8" or maybe
> 3/16" steel with one pass. Thicker material you make multiple passes.
>
> Be aware though that you won't settle for one welding machine - after you
> get this first FCAW machine you will then start shopping for a stationary
> machine for the workshop and eventually you will have one each of SMAW,
> GTAW and GMAW even though there are multi-process machines available. Don't
> ask me how I know this :)
>
> Enjoy!
>
> Carla
>
> "I became a journeyman welder - I did very well. I loved it. It was like
> crocheting..." - Mildred Admire Bedell
>
>
>
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-- 
/s/ Richard
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