Floor Pans - Estimate
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 547
Likes: 11
I've ordered the floorpan halves and I'm going to buy the welder today. I know nothing about mig welding except for what I've read here and online so I have a few questions.
Do I need the spool gun?
Do I need to have shielding gas and the tanks?
I have access to an arc welding helmet, do I need a different type?
Thanks for any help.
Dennis
Do I need the spool gun?
Do I need to have shielding gas and the tanks?
I have access to an arc welding helmet, do I need a different type?
Thanks for any help.
Dennis
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
The spool gun is for aluminum. Not needed.
Gas ... I say yes. You'll be rewarded with clean welds . There are two types of mig wire- solid which is usednwith gas and flux core. The latter produces its own shielding gas when arced but results in lots of spatter. It's good to use in windy conditions where shielding gas is blown away.
Ihave an auto-dimming helmet. Convenient cuz I don't have to flip the visor... if you can afford it, go with a dimmimg version with a large field of vision.
Sorry bout thentypos... these tablets have teensy screen keys.
Gas ... I say yes. You'll be rewarded with clean welds . There are two types of mig wire- solid which is usednwith gas and flux core. The latter produces its own shielding gas when arced but results in lots of spatter. It's good to use in windy conditions where shielding gas is blown away.
Ihave an auto-dimming helmet. Convenient cuz I don't have to flip the visor... if you can afford it, go with a dimmimg version with a large field of vision.
Sorry bout thentypos... these tablets have teensy screen keys.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 547
Likes: 11
The spool gun is for aluminum. Not needed.
Gas ... I say yes. You'll be rewarded with clean welds . There are two types of mig wire- solid which is usednwith gas and flux core. The latter produces its own shielding gas when arced but results in lots of spatter. It's good to use in windy conditions where shielding gas is blown away.
Ihave an auto-dimming helmet. Convenient cuz I don't have to flip the visor... if you can afford it, go with a dimmimg version with a large field of vision.
Sorry bout thentypos... these tablets have teensy screen keys.
Gas ... I say yes. You'll be rewarded with clean welds . There are two types of mig wire- solid which is usednwith gas and flux core. The latter produces its own shielding gas when arced but results in lots of spatter. It's good to use in windy conditions where shielding gas is blown away.
Ihave an auto-dimming helmet. Convenient cuz I don't have to flip the visor... if you can afford it, go with a dimmimg version with a large field of vision.
Sorry bout thentypos... these tablets have teensy screen keys.
I'll be welding in a closed garage so no wind issues to worry about. Solid wire with gas was recommended in this thread so I will use that.
Dennis
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Like HIO said, you don't need a spool gun.
With MIG definitely use gas (75% argon 25% carbon dioxide). If you try flux core wire, you'll end up with crappy looking (IMO) welds. Another thing, the smallest diameter flux core wire is .030". I like using .025" dia wire for sheet metal, that only comes as solid core wire.
Also, go with the auto dimming helmet. I used a regular helmet for years and the first time I tried the auto dimming, it was love at first use.
Also, when you buy a welder, pay attention. There are 'wire feed welders' and MIG welders.
Wire feed looks like a MIG but it can only be used with flux core wire. The MIG (stands for metal inert gas) can be used as either a MIG with gas and solid core wire or as a gasless welder and flux core wire.
Just be sure you're getting what you want.
With MIG definitely use gas (75% argon 25% carbon dioxide). If you try flux core wire, you'll end up with crappy looking (IMO) welds. Another thing, the smallest diameter flux core wire is .030". I like using .025" dia wire for sheet metal, that only comes as solid core wire.
Also, go with the auto dimming helmet. I used a regular helmet for years and the first time I tried the auto dimming, it was love at first use.
Also, when you buy a welder, pay attention. There are 'wire feed welders' and MIG welders.
Wire feed looks like a MIG but it can only be used with flux core wire. The MIG (stands for metal inert gas) can be used as either a MIG with gas and solid core wire or as a gasless welder and flux core wire.
Just be sure you're getting what you want.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 547
Likes: 11
Like HIO said, you don't need a spool gun.
With MIG definitely use gas (75% argon 25% carbon dioxide). If you try flux core wire, you'll end up with crappy looking (IMO) welds. Another thing, the smallest diameter flux core wire is .030". I like using .025" dia wire for sheet metal, that only comes as solid core wire.
Also, go with the auto dimming helmet. I used a regular helmet for years and the first time I tried the auto dimming, it was love at first use.
Also, when you buy a welder, pay attention. There are 'wire feed welders' and MIG welders.
Wire feed looks like a MIG but it can only be used with flux core wire. The MIG (stands for metal inert gas) can be used as either a MIG with gas and solid core wire or as a gasless welder and flux core wire.
Just be sure you're getting what you want.
With MIG definitely use gas (75% argon 25% carbon dioxide). If you try flux core wire, you'll end up with crappy looking (IMO) welds. Another thing, the smallest diameter flux core wire is .030". I like using .025" dia wire for sheet metal, that only comes as solid core wire.
Also, go with the auto dimming helmet. I used a regular helmet for years and the first time I tried the auto dimming, it was love at first use.
Also, when you buy a welder, pay attention. There are 'wire feed welders' and MIG welders.
Wire feed looks like a MIG but it can only be used with flux core wire. The MIG (stands for metal inert gas) can be used as either a MIG with gas and solid core wire or as a gasless welder and flux core wire.
Just be sure you're getting what you want.
I will get the auto-dimming helmet.
I don't know how much the tanks for the gases will cost but I'll find out soon.
Thanks for the advice.
Dennis
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
The Miller is a super nice welder.
As for the gas, I get mine from Tractor Supply. You basically buy the cylinder and then pay for the contents when you exchange the empty. It's been so long since I first bought it, I forget what the initial cost was.
The reason I went with Tractor Supply is because I use so little gas (the first cylinder lasted me 12 years!) that if I lease the tanks, I would get hit with demurrage charges because I don't use enough.
As for the gas, I get mine from Tractor Supply. You basically buy the cylinder and then pay for the contents when you exchange the empty. It's been so long since I first bought it, I forget what the initial cost was.
The reason I went with Tractor Supply is because I use so little gas (the first cylinder lasted me 12 years!) that if I lease the tanks, I would get hit with demurrage charges because I don't use enough.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
You'll love the 211 and probably never need another welder over a lifetime unless it's ya go TIG.
I started with a Miller 140 and found myself wanting to do more ambitious projects where a 220V welder is better suited. It's turns out in this case more is better since there is no need to switch wires between sheetmetal projects and off-road type fabrication.
You'll never look at metal the same way again. Someone abandoned a shopping cart in my neighborhood a couple of years ago.. BAD MOVE. It's now a bumper for my lawn tractor project.
Another example?
I got bored and decided to release my artistic side. I whipped these up using scrap exhaust tubing, floor pan remnants, and a few pieces from the same shopping cart. One is about 34 inches long and the other about 28 inches. An artist friend appraised them for $250... each. I sold one and have the other in front of my fireplace.
I started with a Miller 140 and found myself wanting to do more ambitious projects where a 220V welder is better suited. It's turns out in this case more is better since there is no need to switch wires between sheetmetal projects and off-road type fabrication.
You'll never look at metal the same way again. Someone abandoned a shopping cart in my neighborhood a couple of years ago.. BAD MOVE. It's now a bumper for my lawn tractor project.
Another example?
I got bored and decided to release my artistic side. I whipped these up using scrap exhaust tubing, floor pan remnants, and a few pieces from the same shopping cart. One is about 34 inches long and the other about 28 inches. An artist friend appraised them for $250... each. I sold one and have the other in front of my fireplace.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Sure. IIRC, it's strictly a 220V machine whereas the 211 can convert to 120V using Milller's multi-voltage plug... just plug'er in for light duty welding up to 3/16ths. It's physically a whole lot bigger and has a better duty cycle than than the 211.
If I had a real fab shop, then yeah..the 212 would be on the list.
If I had a real fab shop, then yeah..the 212 would be on the list.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 547
Likes: 11
The Miller is a super nice welder.
As for the gas, I get mine from Tractor Supply. You basically buy the cylinder and then pay for the contents when you exchange the empty. It's been so long since I first bought it, I forget what the initial cost was.
The reason I went with Tractor Supply is because I use so little gas (the first cylinder lasted me 12 years!) that if I lease the tanks, I would get hit with demurrage charges because I don't use enough.
As for the gas, I get mine from Tractor Supply. You basically buy the cylinder and then pay for the contents when you exchange the empty. It's been so long since I first bought it, I forget what the initial cost was.
The reason I went with Tractor Supply is because I use so little gas (the first cylinder lasted me 12 years!) that if I lease the tanks, I would get hit with demurrage charges because I don't use enough.
The welder was $1149, a 40 cu. ft. gas tank was $100 filled, the el cheapo helmet with auto-darkening was $102. A few other odds & ends were also bought.
I guess I no longer know how to post pics on this forum. I was bad enough at it anyway and now it looks like it's been changed
. I see I did manage to post a pic of the welder and extras in my photo albums but damned if I know how to get it in this post. I give up.Thanks to all for your help and ideas. I'm sure I'll have questions when I start the project this winter.
I spent a grand total of $1486.00 and the welder came with it's own carrying dolly that also carries the gas tank.
EDIT: Upon a closer examination of the itemized receipt I see the gas cylinder was an even $100 and the 40 cu. ft. of argon/CO2 mix was $26.25.
Dennis
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
I got the Miller 211. When I got home the floorpan halves were on my front porch. Perfect timing.
The welder was $1149, a 40 cu. ft. gas tank was $100 filled, the el cheapo helmet with auto-darkening was $102. A few other odds & ends were also bought.
I guess I no longer know how to post pics on this forum. I was bad enough at it anyway and now it looks like it's been changed. I see I did manage to post a pic of the welder and extras in my photo albums but damned if I know how to get it in this post. I give up.
Thanks to all for your help and ideas. I'm sure I'll have questions when I start the project this winter.
I spent a grand total of $1486.00 and the welder came with it's own carrying dolly that also carries the gas tank.
EDIT: Upon a closer examination of the itemized receipt I see the gas cylinder was an even $100 and the 40 cu. ft. of argon/CO2 mix was $26.25.
Dennis
The welder was $1149, a 40 cu. ft. gas tank was $100 filled, the el cheapo helmet with auto-darkening was $102. A few other odds & ends were also bought.
I guess I no longer know how to post pics on this forum. I was bad enough at it anyway and now it looks like it's been changed
. I see I did manage to post a pic of the welder and extras in my photo albums but damned if I know how to get it in this post. I give up.Thanks to all for your help and ideas. I'm sure I'll have questions when I start the project this winter.
I spent a grand total of $1486.00 and the welder came with it's own carrying dolly that also carries the gas tank.
EDIT: Upon a closer examination of the itemized receipt I see the gas cylinder was an even $100 and the 40 cu. ft. of argon/CO2 mix was $26.25.
Dennis
. Sounds like a decent deal all the way around.Now, on to the fun part. Enjoy.