Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

Welding Setup...?

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Sharc:
What type of welding rig do you need to weld gussets and footpeg extensions to MX frames...? I did some old school arc welding back in high school. Dont know a TIG from a MIG now...
Whats a decent low cost setup? And do I need 220V power...?
Also, my son is interested in sand rails and such. Does that require a much heavier duty setup for frame repairs...?

Thanks

Sharc

fast500#12:
i suggest at least 220v it is easier to dial in and is more consistant than the cheap 120v jobs. 120v work ok but i highly recomend that you practice with it alot befor you use it on your frame if you get one of them. as far as what  set up for what  application, tig welders have easily changed out wire spools so you can switch from aluminum to steel or what have you. all you need to do is adjust it to the setting that work best for you for the type of matterial you are welding.they are also cheaper than migs. migs are the best in my opinion but they are  also the most expesive. with welders it is important to remember, you really do get what you pay for. if you get on ebay you could you could probably find a pretty good one of a fair price. they are on there from time to time.

Woody223:
Not being trying to be an ass but you have TIG "Tungsten Inert Gas, aka. Gas tungsten Arc Welding", and Mig "Metal Inert Gas, aka. Gas Metal Arc Welding" backward.  Mig welders have changeble spools for different metals. Tig is in my opinion like Oxy,Acetylene welding with a foot pedal.

Most people will not want to pay for an expensive 220volt MIG or TIG machine for occasional use. On top of price there is the size issue most good MIG and TIG machines are big and bulky so unless you have a good size shop think about a smaller more affordable machine.  There are a few good 110volt, MIG welders out there, my personal favorite is the Lincoln Electric SP135A. The ease of transport and the ability to use it d**n near anywhere is a great factor in favor of a 110volt machine.

If you can afford the price have the space and want a steep learning curve then a full size 220volt TIG machine is the way to go.

Woody223

Sharc:
Great info guys. I'll start looking around and price things out.

Thanks

Sharc

Rick:
I used a stick welder for years on jeeps, sand rails, trailers, motorcycles, etc. with good results.  However, after using several wire feeds over the years (including a 110volt model which I hated), I purchased a wire feed last year.  WOW!  I regret not spending the money a long time ago.  I opted for the lowest price 220 unit available, and purchased a Miller.  I use both flux core wire and shielding gas, but find the flux core wire works fine for most applications.  You just need to clean off the splatter.  I also weld aluminum without the extra controls, and after practice, can work with aluinum as thin as 18".  

Spend the extra money on the lowest priced 220volt wire feed, as you won't like the 100volt unit.

Rick

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