What does it take to upgrade a MIG welder to with-gas?
 

A neighbor has a MIG welder which is setup without gas (flux core), but it has the option to do it with gas. I guess I definitely need hoses and tank but to be specific, what do I need to do to be able to weld it with gas? Is it simple as plug-in or do I need a pro for this upgrade?
Thanks.

If it REALLY is a dual purpose welder then what you need to buy is the regulator,tank of shielding gas, and possibly different tips depending on the wire size you want to use. When converting back and forth between mig and shielded wire you have to change two electrical connections inside the unit. Most machines have a decal on the raised lid panel explaining this connection in detail. That's pretty much it.

it should say in the instructions what you need specifically but i know for my lincoln 100 i needed to change the liner to accomodate a different size wire and the gas. Then obviously you need a regulator and hose and the tank itself with usually co2 somtimes a mixed gas like argon/co2 . Talk to your local welding suply shop theyll hook you up

Go on ebay under welding tools and if you know you model number of the flux unit they will tell you what you need. I did it and got a valve two gages with hose and a new shielding tip. The tank is up to you how big you want. It was a lot cheaper than getting it locally.

In addition, the welder has to be capable of being converted - it will need to have connections for a gas solenoid.

When I did my Lincoln 100, it took about an hour and a half, and I was working slow.

You need to a) make sure your torch is gas compatible, b) make sure you have a gas solenoid and the associated hosing c) rent a bottle of gas d) buy a gas flowmeter/regulator

Then connect it all together. And buy some regular welding wire.

Thanks guys.

Frustrated...
I finally went out and bought this MIG (with gas option for future) machine, below. Went home, got so excided opening the package, read several page of the manual and found that the machine is setup a little different already. Also, there is no power plug in the box. How the hell do they expect me to buy a machine and go out to search for a 220v power plug? Unless this is some gavernment regulation not to include power plug with welding machine.

There must be someone bought it, played with it, and returned it incomplete. I remember told the guy to make sure not to pick me the returned box and he said "yes I made sure this is an unopened one". Yes, I made sure myself. THe box look brand new with straps, etc. So I think Harbor freight don't really care when peolpe return their stuffs. They don't even send it back, just seal the box and sell it again. Don't you hate people who return stuffs but keep some accessories?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94164

You should not be surprised that you get skunked buying a complicated tool at HF. HF may be great for a hammer or a jackstand, but I'd stay away from anything more complicated. Buy a Miller or Lincoln and never look back. The Lincoln weld pack 100 is an excellent starter MIG and you can buy the gas upgrade kit (minus bottle) right there at Home Depot or Lowes. There are no open questions on what is required for the gas upgrade. All you need is a gas bottle and the kit ...

George

There are 2 different types of plugs that work equally well, they can never guess correctly what receptacle you have. Same holds true when you buy a dryer, they never come with a receptacle.

idontknow,
wait a min, do you mean the welder might not come with the plug, not that it's smissing? In that case, how do I get the correct plug? Do I have to order it through the manufacture or any electronic store will have one?

Go to Lowes, Home Depot, etc and they will have the right plug 7-10 bucks

Lots of people don't even use a plug, they wire directly to the receptacle.

HF has the lowest of the low prices, don't be shocked they didn't include something you might not need.

PBH,
I never seen any electrical device without a plug. If someone say a plug isn't needed, I am very suprise.

You can just wire it directly to a box. Dryers all have plugs now, but they didn;t in the old days.

A plug is convenient, it is not necessary. Unless your hydro code mandates it.

Anyway, I found that I don't have 220v at home. I finally brought it back (220v with gas option) and exchange for a 110v without gas option (I want the gas option but there is no such 110v with gas option). Then, I finally have some time to try some welding today. At the end of the day, I was so happy that I could actually "connect 2 pieces of metal together" but I created an ugliest weld ever seen, and there were so many of those bibi rounded balls scater and sticking around the welded area :(. I think maybe because the metal is too thick, will try something thinner tomorrow.
Is 2mm too thick for 110v MIG100? It said 90 amp max.

We regularly buy 10,000 thousand dollar welding machine for school and they never come with plugs on the end of the wire..

mmmmmmmmm, 110V, no gas mig, mmmmmmmmmmm. don't expect much.

LOL - you need to give up and return that POS. IMHO Welding with flux core is a waste of time. It will never look good. I'd consider it if I would build a fence, but never for automotive work. The core turns into gas and that's what creates a lot of small explosions that throw the liquid metal all over the place. That's where your pebbles come from.

So, listen: Bring that thing back for a refund or store credit. Then go buy a Lincoln weld pack 100

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100039229&N=1177+90401 &marketID=401&locStoreNum=8125

That welder runs on 110 nicely, comes with an instruction video and can be upgraded easily for about $150 plus a bottle from your local weld gas store. I had welded flux core with my weld pack 100 when I started with mixed results. Once I went to gas, I suddenly could weld ... For my cars I have welded anything from sheet metal to oil cooler mounts and roll bars.

George

Milller 140 is 110v, comes with hose & regulator: http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_140_autoset/

I have the older 135 model & love it.

Expect the splatters with flux core. You can minimize by spraying the area with anti-splatter spray, and use an angle grinder to clean up.