thinking about getting a small 110v wirefeed welder for general purpose, not-very-often use. I have a 2-car garage with a workbench/area in one half, and space to park my truck in the other. The question is, can you safely use a welder in the space where the car is parked ( when it is not parked there!) or is everything within, say 10 feet of the welding area at risk for getting splattered or set on fire? Thanks.
welder ?- how much space needed
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It all depends what that stuff is that is ten feet away.If its Paper,Cardboard,Cotton,Comustables Ect. or any thing flammable like that its may catch fire.
I try to do all my welding outside as much as possible.Just in front of the Garage door or out in the back on a cement pad.That way I dont have to hang around and keep checking for that spark that landed some place that will burn down the shop in the night.
Dont weld around any cars.The sparks and spatter hits the paint.It will destroy a paint job.
I try to do all my welding outside as much as possible.Just in front of the Garage door or out in the back on a cement pad.That way I dont have to hang around and keep checking for that spark that landed some place that will burn down the shop in the night.
Dont weld around any cars.The sparks and spatter hits the paint.It will destroy a paint job.
Mig does not throw much splatter but grinding and cutting does. Metal dust will get on everything after a while. Flux core or "gasless Mig" makes a lot more splatter and smoke too. You could make some free standing shields that you can put up to protect things. a fire extinguisher is mandatory IMO.
back2class
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Saw dust will burn. If you have lots of things sparks can get under it is an issue. Space is not the issue. Flux core is toxic. What is in the garage matters. Also, do not weld with no shirt on. I did once on a hot night welding in only a harley gas cap with mig for just a few min and had very bad sunburn. Also, do not weld in flip flops or flece PJ's. Made that mistake too.
rsanter
Well-known member
there are many things you can do to weld in a small space.
one of the things I like to have around are the welding blankets. you will likley want to put together a welding table that is on wheels and install a framework on the backside that you can hang the welding blankets so you can have a spark shield to protect your other stuff.
I keep my welding table against the wall at the front of the garage so I can open the garage to do some quick welding or roll it out to do major work. I can also bring it to the center of the garage for some ongoing work
bob
one of the things I like to have around are the welding blankets. you will likley want to put together a welding table that is on wheels and install a framework on the backside that you can hang the welding blankets so you can have a spark shield to protect your other stuff.
I keep my welding table against the wall at the front of the garage so I can open the garage to do some quick welding or roll it out to do major work. I can also bring it to the center of the garage for some ongoing work
bob
coppermouse
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IMO those 110 volt welders are junk, I had one and got rid of it. You will be much happier with a 220 model.
A 110 welder is fine for "general purpose not very often" use. It appears the poster above me is unable to adjust amp level and wirefeed speeds to get a good weld or just didn't read your post. Your not building a bridge are you? 110's are fine for anything under 1/4". Just stick to the bigger brand welders like Lincoln or Miller or Hobart.
I hang a welding blanket I got at HF by eyehooks to seperate the garage.
Like the others have said, use good common sense and get rid of flammable items.
Having a steel plate to weld on is also a plus if your are doing something small.
I hang a welding blanket I got at HF by eyehooks to seperate the garage.
Like the others have said, use good common sense and get rid of flammable items.
Having a steel plate to weld on is also a plus if your are doing something small.
malibu101
Well-known member
Not all 110V welders are junk. It depends on their intended use.
I bought a used Lincoln SP135 (110V) to use for bodywork. I had/have a Miller 212. The 212 is big to move around plus I never liked using it in the ultra dusty enviroment of body filler and such as then I must spend time on my obssesion of keeping my nice blue box nice and blue.
I have been more than happy with the little Lincoln for thin gauge plus I don't care how must dust it ingests or gets covered with.
back2class
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a 110v mig is fine if it is a major brand
rsanter
Well-known member
I have a century MIG and a lincolin MIG
both are 110 units and both have served me well
of course most of what I do has been sheetmetal to say 1/8th material however I welded up the rolling base for my Bport mill using some salvage 3/8 angle material. I beveled the edges a bit and burned it in on both sides.
never had a problem with it.
I have used them to weld up streetrod chasis, race car chasis and roll cages and all have held up (even the ones that were impact tested)
bob
both are 110 units and both have served me well
of course most of what I do has been sheetmetal to say 1/8th material however I welded up the rolling base for my Bport mill using some salvage 3/8 angle material. I beveled the edges a bit and burned it in on both sides.
never had a problem with it.
I have used them to weld up streetrod chasis, race car chasis and roll cages and all have held up (even the ones that were impact tested)
bob
All non 22 oz framing hammers are junk. I had one and hit my finger with it.
Depends on the guy holding the Mig gun IMO. I have a 120V and have done many jobs with it. It has paid for itself a hundred times over.
jerk_chicken
Banned
I had a 110 lincoln for several years. Came in handy when making tools, brackets, and other items. You don't really need to worry much with the wire feed. It doesn't splatter all over the place, but does locally. I have welded on the car and just use due care and it will be ok.
67ElkyBryan
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I built this with a Lincoln 110 welder. Like has been said....stick with a good name brand and they are okay for light work.
krooser
Well-known member
I bought a lightly used Lincoln SP100 a few years ago. Converted it to use gas. Great welder for the money. Great welds.
I sold it to buy a a Miller 175 cuz I needed a little more zip. the Lincoln was better at welding sheet metal than my Miller... but I don't weld sheet metal very often anymore.
I sold it to buy a a Miller 175 cuz I needed a little more zip. the Lincoln was better at welding sheet metal than my Miller... but I don't weld sheet metal very often anymore.
rickairmedic
Well-known member
I built this with a Lincoln 110 welder. Like has been said....stick with a good name brand and they are okay for light work.
Bryan I hate to tell you this but we are gonna need a little more info on that Little Red Wagon
.Rick
67ElkyBryan
Well-known member
Bryan I hate to tell you this but we are gonna need a little more info on that Little Red Wagon
Rick
Let's see I built that in 2002 in hopes it might get me motivated to get my 67 El Camino finished. Which I'm glad to say is done, except for a few minor items.
This was also my very first welding project besides a few practice beads. Before I started this I had never picked up a welding gun.
The wagon's frame is fabricated out of 1x1x1/8 tubing and 3/16' plate. I work for a structural steel fabricator so all my material was free. It is powered by a 3.5 hp engine with a centrifugal clutch. The wheels are one piece aluminum, 5x3 in the front and 6x7 3/4 in the rear with 3.5x 5 and 8.0x6 tires. The wheels and tires were by far the most exspensive part of the build. The wagon itself is a #18 Radio Flyer, which is the largest steel wagon Radio Flyer makes. The throttle is mounted on the steering wheel and the shifter looking thing is actually the brake. It took me 4 weekends to put togeather spread out over about 3 months.
I'm currentally working on one based on a larger wagon I found at Harbor Freight that I think I will be able to put a 5hp or even bigger engine in.
Back to the welder issue. My 110v welder easily handled welding the frame on this. I wouldn't attempt any thing thicker than 3/16 material with a 110. I have never really mastered the art of welding sheet metal.
I think the 110 welders are great to learn with. But you will eventually want to move up to a 220v.