Help selecting a welder and jig

[LonesomeSTX]

I have been out of the game so long; I do not know what is out there. This is what I want, something that can modify cast iron steering knuckles and repair ATV frames. I would prefer getting a new mig, but I do not know if there are any that can weld on cast iron. I know you get what you pay for, but I am not looking for the highest price machine out there. Something from Harbor fright would be nice. I will use it for welding truck frames, building suspension components, building ATV/motor cycle frames, and a myriad of other stuff. I currently have a little Craftsmen mig that I believe Lincoln built. It has done great so far, but I do not think it is big enough for the big stuff I plan to build when I return home. Shoot me some ideas and please keep it simple.

Oh yeah, the jig. I know I can build one from metal table, but I am just wondering if there is something else out there.

 

[MrE_Powers]

http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9102

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Thanks!

 

[LonesomeSTX]

By the way. This is the list of tools I plan to buy before I go home. I want to make number six a welder.

Tool List

1. Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw
ITEM 93762-5VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93762

2. 20 Ton H-Frame Shop Press
ITEM 97022-1VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=97022

3. 34" Radial Floor Drill Press
ITEM 44846-8VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44846

4. Self-Centering Drill Press
ITEM 92046-9VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92046

5. Heavy Duty Combination Belt/Disc Sander
ITEM 40643-7VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40643
__________________

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

While harbor freight definatly has it's place as a cheap place to get some big tools, and a lot of them are every bit as good as the expensive version, I wouldn't buy a welder from them.

When I was picking out my welder I was looking for something that ran on 120 VAC that I could use anywhere on standard household voltage. Something to do 90% of the welding you do repairing and modifying vehicles. I already had a 220 amp AC buzzbox stick welder that easily welds 3/4" stock together but simply punches gaping holes in anything less than 1/8". So I was looking for a welder for sheet metal up to about 3/16". I looked at harbor freight and decided against them for a couple reasions:
1. As long as the machine is turned on, the wire is hot. Almost all other MIG welders I've ever seen only have a hot wire when the trigger is pulled.
2. There is no provision to add gas if you want to later. This means you're stuck with flux-core.

I ended up going with a Clarke 130EN. At $320 it was a little more than the crap from harbor freight, but still significantly less than the $600 for a miller or $450 for a lincoln. So far I've put more rolls of flux core through that thing than I can count and am currently looking to buy a bottle of 75/25 shielding gas and convert to gas-shielded MIG. It hasn't let me down once. I've used a lot of Millers over the years and they all seem to have a problem with the wire jamming up in the handle. My little Clarke has never done that to me. So far I've been very pleased with it. FWIW, it's also not made it China.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Thanks, I did not think of Clarke. I will look into them.

 

[warrior24]

Remember the more money you spend the longer your duty cycle will be. If you get an AC/DC arc welder you can buy rods to do sheet metal work, And just about anything else cast iron, aluminum, steel, hard facing. But mig would be easier to do atv tube frame work.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I mis-spoke, I meant cast steel. I also forgot to mention I would like to weld aluminum.

 

[pickuptrucker]

good mig welders have atachments that can take a spool gun to run aluminum wire, wich works pretty darn good. or if you can afford tig quality of welds will be way better, just takes a little longer.

 

[surffishin07]

if you have one around go to tractor supply co. or online. their welders are pretty decent for the price.

 

[Footlong70]

They might be a little more pricey but some of the best welders out there (MIG or stick) come from Miller. Best welding machines I've ever used...(I'm Welder by trade) They last long time. Many interchangeable parts (tips, wire size, wire type, spool gun). Easy to find replacement parts. Anyways, for most fabrication, use a MIG. Stick welding is best used for going over MIG welds since the stick welds are much heavier beads.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I am leaning towards a Millermatic now. I plan to check them out when I am home on R&R. WHat kind of questions should I ask when I am there?

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Revised list. I had to compromise on the quality of the tools becuase I could not spend $30,000 on them. But, I have learned even cheap tools will last if you take care of them. Now, a welder, laith, and mill I am willing to spend what ever it takes to get quality.


Tool List
1. Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw $249.99
ITEM 93762-5VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93762

1. 20 Ton H-Frame Shop Press $199.99
ITEM 97022-1VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=97022

2. 34" Radial Floor Drill Press $219.99
ITEM 44846-8VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44846

3. Self-Centering Drill Press $7.99
ITEM 92046-9VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92046

4. Heavy Duty Combination Belt/Disc Sander $299.99
ITEM 40643-7VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40643

5. 22" Rim-Clamp Tire Changer $1764.99
ITEM 98173-1VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=98173

6. 1100 Lb. High Lift Wheel Trolly (Times two) $399.99 X 2
ITEM 65529-1vga
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=65529

7. 1200 Lb. Capacity Air Motorcycle Lift $499.99
ITEM 94813-0VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94813

8. Motorcycle Lift Extension Wings $199.99
ITEM 94830-5VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94830

9. 18 Lb. Vibratory Bowl with Liquid Drain Hose $169.99
ITEM 96923-3VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96923

10. Industrial Blast Cabinet With 3 Doors $799.99
ITEM 94274-3VGA
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94274

Total $5032.88 Plus tax



Having all these tools was a goal I set when I came over here. I am sick of not have what I need to do a job right.

 

[Footlong70]

Not a whole bunch you can ask... Just anything on the possible options available with the welder, the duty cycle. I recommend the Millermatic 251:
http://www.etox.com/images/product/235.jpg
Can run very high speed wire output, very hot for penetration, and can run anything from .045 Flux-Core to .015 Non-Shielded. The duty cycle is more than enough to run on at home projects and never over heat.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

That is the one I am considering.