Picked up a MIG Welder

[Gordo2]

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



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).



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

Gordo

[Rick V]

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.

[rick-l]

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

[Gene-o]

Now go weld some MiGs!

[Gordo2]

Originally Posted by rick-l

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

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

[serge944]

Ya call that a welder? This is a welder!

[Gordo2]

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.




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

Gordo

[rick-l]

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



Oh and are you now sleeping on the floor?