[TheForge] MIG advice (Was: Nasty Slack Tub)

[Justin Fellenz]

Doug,

I second what Jerry said. I have the same machine in my shop. I started
out looking at the Econotig 175 (not available anymore I don't think),
thinking I didn't need that much top end (I do all my heavy stuff with
stick anyway) but I discovered that the bigger the machine the *lower*
it will go--the econotig's minimum amperage is 7 and the Squarewave 275
is 2 or 3 (from memory). You can "trick" the machine by connecting your
ground clamp to a grounded welding rod instead of a table, but it's
really nice to just be able to turn the dial way down and weld beer
cans together if you need to. To me, it was worth scraping a little
longer to get the bigger box and the extra versatility. I opted for a
water cooled torch (build the cooling system, pretty easy, expensive to
buy) not because I needed big capacity but because they are smaller per
max amperage--the handle on mine is about as thick as my index finger.
Comfortable. Like Jerry, I use mine all the time. 

They don't come up used all that ofen, but now and again you see them.
I bought mine new, but a friend of mine bought a Miller Aerowave for
about 2500 including torches, cooler, the works. 10,000 package,
originally. Three-phase is more common to see used, and if you're stuck
with single phase I'm told that they don't like being run on a phase
converter, but I can't confirm that. Welder technology hasn't changed
much in the last few years (after "square wave" became common and
excluding the inverter machines) and they don't hold their value. If
you have a little while to look, though, you might pick up a
single-phase machine for cheap.

JRF

--- Jerry Smith <jerry_smith at anvilsandinkstudios.com> wrote:

> Doug,
> 
> I am not sure what to tell you. Get the largest most
> complicated TIG unit from a one of the big welder
> companies. I have a Lincoln TIG 275 for my shop,
> thought it would be for big or special work, I use it
> all of the time now. Mine is pricey but I spend all
> day, well half the day working metal. 
> 
>
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.asp?p=5408
> 
> I made up the stick welding cable to use that
> function, stick welding got to be a dream with the
> 275, much better than my old Buzz Box or my MIG. 
> 
> I have done very small, fine welding (fusing more or
> less)putting a diamond setting on a ring and also
> welded up a plow for a neighbor. Just turn the dials
> to where they need to be and touch the foot pedal.
> 
> Two things to remember, don't buy a HF welder, they
> are junk and if you are going to be welding on an
> armoured truck, make sure your other half is at the
> mall, you may brown out the house. :)
> 
> Jerry
> 
> --- Doug Ayen <ayen at homeport.org> wrote:
> 
> > Thus Spake Jerry Smith
> > (jerry_smith at anvilsandinkstudios.com):
> > > I am not a big fan of MIG, even though I own one.
> > I
> > > like my TIG welder much better, plus I have the
> > stick
> > > cable on it. I do gas welding, but still like my
> > forge
> 
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