Picked up a MIG Welder
 

I picked up a cheap MIG welder last weekend and got around to giving it a go today.

It's a Farmhand (Tractor Supply Co branded Cambell Housfeld) 20A, 115 MIG/Flux. Bought it used in like new condition for $150 (sells for ~$250 new).

Its rated for up to 3/16" metal, but I gave it a go with some 1/4" angle iron I had.

I ran .0350 flux wire at the welder's highest power rating, and very low wire speed. For frame of ref, I haven't welded in years and when I did it was mostly arc/stick welding. After a little toying around with the wire speed and my technique, I was welding a decent bead, but wasn't too confident I was getting sufficient penetration to hold a good 1/4" butt weld. I purposely ran a very slow bead due to the thickness of the material - a drawback to a smaller welder, but 1/4" is about as big as I need, and only once in a while.

After I got a butt weld, the engineer in me took over so I rolled my son in for some destructive testing :D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1235346827.jpg

When he got worn out I took over. I ended up giving up with the sledge, the weld was pretty good (final piece after "destructive testing" pictured on top of the welder).

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1235346892.jpg

Not too bad for a cheap welder & a guy with some rusty skills.

Gordo

I have the same welder, I used it to re-do the rusty frame on an old truck I had (after it had broken in 2). Some time later my son flipped the truck. All me welds had held together. My point being don't sell that little welder short.

You guys should be wearing safety glasses while beating on a hard MIG weld.

Now go weld some MiGs!

Safety
 

The thought crossed my mind, but I guess I lost that one as I took the hammer away after he nearly whacked his foot - I have safety glasses for both of us, but I don't think my steel toes fit him.

Gordo

Ya call that a welder? This is a welder!http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1235547404.jpg

Welding Project
 

I decided to practice some welding before I started trying to tack stuff onto my car. Built a welding & cutting table and mounted my bench vice to it. Pretty solid.

Man I love the smell of welding, reminds me of growing up at home.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1236052751.jpg


Sorry, my camera doesn't seem to take good close-up's, otherwise I would have shown off my skilz :p

Gordo

hey That looks like the Rigid grinder that is made by Metabo



Oh and are you now sleeping on the floor?