Flexible Neck MIG Gun - Do I Need One?

[bulletpruf]

Just realized I could get a flexible neck for my MIG and it sure seems that one of these would come in handy, especially for finishing the roll cage in my '72 Javelin.

Do y'all use these? If so, do you use a normal gun until you need a flex neck and then swap guns? Or do you just leave the flex neck 100% of the time?

Any recommendations on brand and model? My MIG is a Miller 211.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[zimman]

Just realized I could get a flexible neck for my MIG and it sure seems that one of these would come in handy, especially for finishing the roll cage in my '72 Javelin.

Do y'all use these? If so, do you use a normal gun until you need a flex neck and then swap guns? Or do you just leave the flex neck 100% of the time?

Any recommendations on brand and model? My MIG is a Miller 211.

Thanks,

Scott

Naww. I've welded cages in race cars for years and never needed to spend the money. Even the 6x6 plates on the floor close to the rocker panel can be welded with a standard MIG gun. I wouldn't.
This tube is TIG but the floor plates are MIG.
Zim

 

[575cat]

Theyre great even keep a couple extra,s , I bend the hell otta them better then the big ol broom stick 200+ amp ones but theyre not meant for high amps . USA weld I get the 15 footers , I do a lot of custom exh so twisting , bending , using the pinky and other fingers is a must

 

[txvwnut]

This is the Garage Journal, yes you are supposed to have one. Do you need it, probably not but I refer back to my opening statement.

I've done a few cages as well and never seen the need for a flex neck mig gun.

 

[ADKAmateur]

The newest host on weld.com swears by his Abicor Benzel flex neck. I have the 211 and have been thinking of getting one but they make a gazillion different versions and I haven't been able to figure out which one to get.

 

[MoonRise]

Scott, a couple of things.

Need? Probably not. Possibly handy? Yes.

Check the rules and tech regs regarding roll cage welding requirements. Some don't allow MIG, because of the possibility of lack of fusion with short circuit transfer mode GMAW (all that your 211 can do btw).

What's your impression and comments on that big Vulcan welding cart? I've been considering one as a replacement for my smaller Vulcan cart, because my latest welder doesn't quite fit on top of the smaller cart.

Put some 10" wheels on the cart. Yeah, the OEM wheels are 8" IIRC, but they roll better with the bigger wheels. Refer back to my older comments about upsizing the wheels on the smaller cart to the 10" ones. Then you have to upsize the front casters too to keep the cart stance mostly level.

 

[ADKAmateur]

@MoonRise. Great idea on upgrading the wheels. I have the same cart as Scott and it is awesome. I have my TIG and water cooler and plasma cutter on it. It had enough room to hold my 211 MiG but I decided to put that on a separate cart.

 

[bulletpruf]

Scott, a couple of things.

Need? Probably not. Possibly handy? Yes.

Check the rules and tech regs regarding roll cage welding requirements. Some don't allow MIG, because of the possibility of lack of fusion with short circuit transfer mode GMAW (all that your 211 can do btw).

What's your impression and comments on that big Vulcan welding cart? I've been considering one as a replacement for my smaller Vulcan cart, because my latest welder doesn't quite fit on top of the smaller cart.

Put some 10" wheels on the cart. Yeah, the OEM wheels are 8" IIRC, but they roll better with the bigger wheels. Refer back to my older comments about upsizing the wheels on the smaller cart to the 10" ones. Then you have to upsize the front casters too to keep the cart stance mostly level.

The rules allow for MIG welded cages.

I like the Vulcan welding cart; build quality is good, and I like how it's laid out. The only drawback is the size, but I generally have sufficient room in the shop to move it to where it's needed.

Thanks for the input!

Scott

 

[bulletpruf]

Naww. I've welded cages in race cars for years and never needed to spend the money. Even the 6x6 plates on the floor close to the rocker panel can be welded with a standard MIG gun. I wouldn't.
This tube is TIG but the floor plates are MIG.
Zim

Very nice work!

 

[tarbellb]

Got mine from USAweld, Miller 210, 15ft hose, feels like a higher quality gun then the OEM?

I like it, has def helped me hit a better weld angle. Like @575cat said, not meant for heavy amps but plenty good.

 

[Sweetcorn]

I have MIG welders set up with both, but I prefer the flex neck. At some point in time I will convert the others, just haven't done it yet.

Flex TIG torches are my favorite and I even keep a brand new spare on hand, just in case.

They offer some adaptability that can help you do quality work in less than ideal conditions. Sometimes you need to get a little extra weld in a spot that isn't very accommodating. Not everything can be disassembled further.

Overall, it depends on the type of work you do. If you are a general hobbyist, its probably unneeded. If you are doing some higher level stuff, they absolutely can come in handy.

 

[575cat]

Miller liners and tips all fit the same

 

[danielbuck]

I found the flex neck to be handy if you're under a vehicle or something in a somewhat cramped location, alot of times I would use it as a completely straight neck with no bend, to get into tight areas. and then while welding I would nudge the nozzle up and down with my other hand to weave. I have a larger machine now that as far as I know there is no flex neck available for, I missed the flex neck at first, but not that much.

sometime ergonomically in certain situations it was nice to have the bend of the neck actually go backwards, and then use the trigger with my thumb instead of on the other side with my index finger.

But, most of this was just for comfort and ease of use, not really welding something that was impossible to get with a fixed neck gun. Although using the neck as a straight neck with no bend at all was handy.

 

[patrickw10]

Flex neck is a game changer for tight spots. Especially for roll cages and door bars where you can't get a straight gun in there. I leave mine on 100% of the time. No downside. It's just as comfortable as a fixed neck for flat work and a lifesaver for awkward angles. Miller makes a good one. Skip the cheap knockoffs. Get the genuine Miller part for your 211.

 

[575cat]

Stick with the cheap they work great parts are interchangeable , I abuse the **** out of them thats why I keep a couple on hand , liners and all