MIG capabilities?

[HWooldridge]

OK - I did not follow the other thread so therein lies the disconnect on my part.

However, to be fair, we should further divide MIG into subprocesses. A great deal of large industrial products are made with MIG spray arc so the basic process is sound for heavy weldments. Of course, you can't get there from here with less than 200 amps and a high percentage of Ar in the shielding gas so you are either pulsing or short arc - both of which yield less penetration. A 135 amp unit would most certainly not provide much penetration in a critical application and welding from both sides.

[Flop]

Not saying it can't be done, just not with the machine Larry has.

[larrynjr]

Thank you all for your input, I plan on following Thomas's advice. The Ag teacher has agreed to show me how to weld both stick and mig, next month after he clears all the wood out of the shop.

My point wasn't to question Thomas's advice but just to get more info on the whole process. Like most of us here, once I get a little info I have to keep scratching at it, trying to find out more!

I kick myself now, I took basic metal shop in HS and hammered out a cold chisel but stopped there and didn't take the advanced metal to learn welding. DOH!!!

[Thomas Dean]

You know what they say....a little knowledge can be dangerous! That's great you have this Ag teacher to help you learn. It will save you TONS of hair pulling in the future. Once you see what you can and can't weld with MIG you will be looking for a stick machine. Check out craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums in your area. I know there are GOOD machine list in our area all the time well worth the $$. May be used, but most of the older machines will last way longer for no more than you will problably use it. Good luck. can't wait to see your finished hammer.