Posted: 6/20/2005 8:42:11 PM EDT
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You all know those little inexpensive propane welders that plumbers use? They have them at Wal-Mart, HomeDepot, ect... Do those burn hot enough to weld steel? I was reading, and the same company that makes those (BernzOmatic) also has a product out called MAPP gas, which burns at maximum of 5,000+ degrees Fahrenheit. Has anyone worked with either of these? |
Oxy/Acet costs more, not less.
Is that "Arc Welding"? I don't know much about that, TRH. Can you tell me more about it? |
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Technically, MIG welding uses an inert gas (the "IG" part of "MIG"), and thus requires a bottle of shielding gas (usually a mixture of Carbon Dioxide and Argon). The cheapest wire-feed welders use special flux-core wire instead of a shielding gas. The flux in the center of the wire has the same purpose as a shielding gas: Keeps oxygen away from the molten metal inside the arc, thereby ensuring the strength of the weld. By eliminating the gas bottle and associated valves, gauges, hoses, etc., a flux-core welder costs around $100 less than a MIG welder of similar amperage. Flux-core welding is messy to clean up (lots of spatter), and the special wire costs more than ordinary MIG wire. However, it works even where strong winds might blow away a shielding gas, and welds thicker metal. |
TheRedHorseman is right.. " oxygen / acetylene " is a gas torch... Its kinda like a high powered propane torch.. enough to melt steel. " wire feeds, and arc " welders are electric. The cheap 50 buck oxy/acetylene welders are for really " thin metal " work... or " small area " work where you would not need to heat alot of area to weld... example... you may be able to " spot " weld a piece on a mower deck ... or attach a bolt to BBQ grill.. but not be able to weld one inch angle iron together without a great deal of hassle from heat disspersion ( not enough heat ). It glows red.. then starts looking shiny when it begins to get molten. Overall ... if you have a job to do .. you may want to save your money and check out a welding shop. I've found that those guys are usually damn proficient, as they do it all day ... everyday. They are usually pretty good to talk to, and it maybe cheaper than you think. MAC 10 project ??? heehehee ( frame is too thick for kiddie welder ). |
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MIG is the way to go.I have a 13 yr old that welds with My Millermatic.Try to avoid the Flux core only machines,as they are generally cheap Chicom imports.For about $650you can get the Millermatic 135 will cold weld up to 1/4 inch steel,uses both Solid wire and Flux core.Also has much better voltage and wire speed controls.If you know any welders,they can have you up and welding in about thirty minutes.A couple of hours and you should be running decent beads.If not,check out your local welding stores. If you are wanting this to weld something on a firearm,TIG is the ONLY acceptable Method of welding due to heat treating considerations.Good luck Jim |
| Go to wallmart and get the clause -Hausefield wire feed welder they sell for 160 or so.. It needs a 20 amp breaker but it runs on 110. just plug it in a wall socket. It will weld up to 1/4 steel, and it used flux core. also they have a similar setup for a small Arc welder. If you will be welding rusty metals or painted metals you want an arc welder. They displace the most metal, and are iddiot proof. Wally world, or harbor freight.. Good luck. Check out my website. www.indelibleimages.net |