AR Sponsor
Thick Member
Joined:
Jul 2024
Posts:
726
EE: 100% (22)
NM, USA
Posted: 11/24/2025 11:52:31 AM EDT
|
Planning to do at least one pin & weld over Christmas and was looking at the many options on Amazon. What do you all think of these sub-$100 little welders? Handheld laser welders? Right now only used for P&W on AR-15 muzzle devices, maybe more later. |
Pretty much focused on off-grid property, acquisition of needed things for an uncertain future, and lightening the load of things.
|
Originally Posted By jreinke: I'd go with a TIG over laser, as TIG welders use inert gas sheilding (argon or C25) to protect the molten weld from contamination. The hardware required to do TIG is pretty much the same to do MIG (wire) welding, however the gas cylinder purchase/ rental adds to the cost. He could use flux core wire to avoid requiring gas. |
|
TIG welding is going to be easiest to make a good looking finished product. MIG (wire with shielding gas; IG stands for inert gas) will be a close second. Flux Core (wire without gas) will have a fair amount of splatter as well as stick welding. There’s plenty of cheap welders out there that will probably do the job. I’d look for a TIG welder with a pedal instead of trying to figure out lift start TIG. Just realize that TIG isn’t the easiest process to learn and you get what you pay for when it comes to welders. You can buy smaller bottles of shielding gas without having to mess with renting. A smaller welding supply place is going to be easier to deal with than AirGas. |
Thick Member
Joined:
Jul 2024
Posts:
744
EE: 100% (22)
NM, USA
|
Thank you for your replies. It’s difficult to restrain myself from getting a proper tool (even from a pawn shop) and learning a new skill. Turns out that a farmer neighbor has a MIG welder and is an AR guy, will do for free and I’ll refinish with hi temp muffler paint :) |
Pretty much focused on off-grid property, acquisition of needed things for an uncertain future, and lightening the load of things.
|
Originally Posted By SSG-69: Thank you for your replies. It’s difficult to restrain myself from getting a proper tool (even from a pawn shop) and learning a new skill. Turns out that a farmer neighbor has a MIG welder and is an AR guy, will do for free and I’ll refinish with hi temp muffler paint :) Good deal! It sounds like a simple task, but he gear adds up. |
|
Originally Posted By jreinke: I'd go with a TIG over laser, as TIG welders use inert gas sheilding (argon or C25) to protect the molten weld from contamination. My local does them laser I think, no real heat exerted into parts, and I want to say his laser does use shield gas |
|
OP....... Between ADCO and Retro Arms Works, you can easily pay a few bucks and have it done perfectly. You get back a barrel that is exactly what you wanted, and the work is done to the highest quality. Later on you can invest money into equipment, and time to learn how to weld . |
Occid Vel Occisus Est !!
Thick Member
Joined:
Jul 2024
Posts:
777
EE: 100% (22)
NM, USA
|
Originally Posted By IdahoPCCinc: OP....... Between ADCO and Retro Arms Works, you can easily pay a few bucks and have it done perfectly. You get back a barrel that is exactly what you wanted, and the work is done to the highest quality. Later on you can invest money into equipment, and time to learn how to weld . I’ve had both ADCO, John Thomas, and a local smith in another state do work for me in the past. For reasons, I’m not intending to send this one out. |
Pretty much focused on off-grid property, acquisition of needed things for an uncertain future, and lightening the load of things.
|
Long time ago, was a pro welder. Personally dislike adding heat to the end of a barrel. I know, only enough to weld the pin. GOD how I loath that requirement, seriously. For what it is worth, find out what TIG equipment your local tech college uses and audit a welding class. Yes, the equipment is expensive but auditing a class might be free. It is an excellent skill to possess and you will find uses for a good welding machine. db You already ran 220 to the garage and installed a firewall, if it is attached to the house, right? |
AR Sponsor