Who Has A 120V Welder?

[D45]

I have a Lincoln Weld Pak 140HD, that I am toying around with

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Equipment/Pages/product.aspx?product=K2514-1(LincolnElectric)

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln-...MIG-Wire-and-Flux-Wire-115V-K2514-1/100670934


A gas bottle seems optional, but not required

Any tips or trick to make this work better, other than practice?

Any suggestions on wire? Flux cored ?

 

[cheechi]

Flux core wire is what you would use if you can't use gas (certain situations or when its windy) otherwise you will get interstitial impurities in your weld if you don't use a gas to shield the weld pool. Gas isn't optional unless you are using flux core.

'Practice' and 'proper safety gear' are usually the answers to almost every thread about welding here. Based on your questions I would suggest a local tech school/community college class on mig welding.

I have a Hobart Handler 140, and when I had gas it was a small CO2 bottle. I lent the bottle out years ago to a friend and he's used it refilled it swapped it a few times since, I'm sure he'd give it to me if I ever needed it but it's essentially his now since I almost never need it. That welder is sitting around collecting dust now.

I also have a HF flux core welder and several grinders to go with it. Most of what I do is not pro grade, fixing hairline breaks I find when removing rust/****. Flux works for me but with either one of them, you aren't going to be welding for minutes at a time with a 120v welder.

 

[Coach James]

I have a Miller 135. Best tip I ever got was "Take a welding course". Local community college for 5 days, 8 hours a day. Even better for me was I was the only one in the class so I was able to first learn gas welding, plus use a lot of different welders. Saved me a lot of frustration wasted time.

Coach

 

[bbcmudtruck]

Thats a great little welder for light duty use such as body work. I'd strongly suggest getting a bottle with a 25/75 co2/argon mix and running solid wire. I hate flux core and stay away from it. The size of wire youd need would depend on the application, but with a smaller unit, .024 diameter wire would work great within the capacity of that machine. Note that you'll need to make sure whichever wire you run, you'll need the correct size tip and roller. Follow the recommendations for settings that are usually located under the lid of the wire access panel. Those are pretty accurate and will get you real close. Fine tune from there.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

 

[sberry]

That is a really good welder. Good quality arc.

 

[RivennHewn]

I run a similar unit.

Most of my welding is done outside, or on job sites where I don't care to deal with gas so I use flux core.

If I'm not mistaken, FC actually gives you a bit more penetration but less attractive welds.

There is a bit more clean up with FC.

No replacement for putting your time in with any machine you run.

 

[lotsoftools]

I have that same welder and use flux core almost exclusively. The machine maxes at .035 wire and will run it okay, but I found .030 wire works much, much better.

 

[D45]

I need to get a decent auto darkening hood

All I have is the hand held face shield right now that came with the welder

Seems like making sure the metal is freshly ground and clean is very important, and makes for a good weld

 

[Zeke]

I have an older Weld Pak 100. I only wish I had the SP model with your amperage but I have done a LOT of welding with mine. It's limited but I used it mainly for bodywork and small fab jobs not exceeding anything over 3/16ths. You MUST find the sweet spot for you wire feed and voltage. The wire feed is infinitely adjustable and the stepped or tapped voltage adjustments just overlap. What that means is you can find a stick out and wire speed for your work that will be ideal within the range of a single tap. The trick is to find that optimum that uses the shortest stick out (within reason). A shorter stick out is actually a bit hotter, so if you're burning through, try a lower voltage or pull back an 1/8th. You want penetration so don't just lay 'worms' down. Keep a steep gun angle. Drag or pull your puddle, it doesn't matter a lot on flat welds. and the last tip to get penetration is to not go too fast. Slow that puddle down by weaving side to side. Pause just long enough at one side to know you stopped there for an instant and move gently, not too slowly, to the opposite side.

Try all that and get back to us. I wouldn't even mind a PM.

Oh, and using gas makes for a lot cleaner welds but you can weld heavier stock with FCAW.

 

[Musicinabottle]

I have that same welder and use flux core almost exclusively. The machine maxes at .035 wire and will run it okay, but I found .030 wire works much, much better.

I'll second that. Also, hardwire is easier to weld with in my opinion. You get nicer looking welds, but whatever you're using, you just need to practice. Hands on is the best teacher!

 

[warweapon762]

If you are using Fluxcore I recommend you use only the following wires:

Blue Demon (Amazon)
Hobart

Anything else is typically really poor quality wire. Alot of people who use fluxcore complain about how bad it is, but you need the correct speed/diameter for your amperage usage. A good wire makes all the difference, especially with that welder you purchased.

Do yourself a favor and get a good wire and practice ALOT.

 

[Zeke]

All well and good to say 'practice' but practice what? The OP needs to get on the Tube and watch some good training videos. I know Jody is very popular but there are many others. Keven Caron isn't bad except for his alto voice and a bit of cornyness. ChuckE2009 is a self made welder simply by making a shitload of videos. I never got a whole lot out of him. Product reviews are something to avoid until purchasing a welder.

I won't recommend a welding channel because a search for that brings up the cream of the crop.

 

[LXCam]

I've got a 140 that only comes out when it's time to do any lite duty field welding like fencing. Other than that it never gets touched. And like everyone else has pointed out you need to practice. I'd suggest when using flux core you make a habit of doing a couple small welds then wire brush them clean do you can see how your weld is turning out and develope or fine tune your technique this way. Once you learn what to look for when using flux core, it'll turn out much better.

 

[Cope]

All well and good to say 'practice' but practice what? The OP needs to get on the Tube and watch some good training videos. I know Jody is very popular but there are many others. Keven Caron isn't bad except for his alto voice and a bit of cornyness. ChuckE2009 is a self made welder simply by making a shitload of videos. I never got a whole lot out of him. Product reviews are something to avoid until purchasing a welder.

I won't recommend a welding channel because a search for that brings up the cream of the crop.

Weld.com only since Bob Moffatt replaced Wyatt Swaim (MR. Tig).

 

[shoot summ]

I have the Lincoln 135, I'm very happy with it.

Gas made a big difference for me, and so did practice. Wire size is important, as well as selecting the correct tip for the wire you use.

Don't just get a "decent" auto darkening helmet.

I bought into the theory that they all met a certain ANSI standard and bought a cheap helmet that met the standard. Worked fine for small quick welds it seemed. Then I did a project where I welded quite a bit. My eyes were on fire the next day, I new what happened. I went and bought a really good helmet(what are your eyes worth?) and haven't had an issue since.

 

[sberry]

Something worth noting is that the voltage is the arc intensity or arc length, the wire speed is the current control or amperage. They both need to be adjusted to turn it up or down.
If the voltage control was the amp adjustment they would call it the amperage adjustment.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

Prep work is key... clean metal is so much easier to weld, flux core can be used with dirtier stuff with if you turn it up but watch for burnthru. Best thing to do is befriend or pay a welder to spend some one on one time to show you how to set your machine for the work and give you some tips and watch you practice some. Or sign up for a classes to get some experience but they do cost $.

 

[crewchief888]

i have a promig 140 in the garage. it's done everything ive asked it to do for the past 10 years or so.
i typically dont weld anything heavier than 1/4"
i run lincoln 0.035 flux core for everything. i've welded numerous bumpers, rock sliders, cages, and mounts with it.
i ran 1 2lb spool of 0.023 solid wire through it when i 1st got it, ran the bottle of mix gas out, and never got it refilled.

if i did a lot of bodywork, i'd switch over to solid wire and gas, but i dont...

 

[cm cm]

Any tips or trick to make this work better, other than practice?

Any suggestions on wire? Flux cored ?

make sure its setup inside for flux core. Many, many people have them plugged in wrong. Inside the panel there are small electrical jumpers you have to plug in, theres a sticker that shows the orientation you need. Setup wrong, it wont weld right. Other than that, get your settings right and practice practice practice.

 

[dnschmidt]

I wonder what happened to Wyatt Swaim. Dude was killer with TIG but as his nickname would suggest that's about all he did. Bob does it all although I think he's beating pipe welding to death. I'm not going to be working on pipelines or in an oil refinery anytime soon so I really don't care about that.

 

[kkroger]

Visit Welding Tips and Tricks Dot Com, Jody Collier is a good solid dude. very good welder.
But simply set the thing at the door numbers for your material, get setup for gas, and get a bunch of coupons cut up, set them up for a TEE Joint and a LAP, and an inside corner and outside corner etc. Weld them all up, Rinse Lather and Repeat repeatedly until you are making solid welds, don't worry about MIG LIKE TIG smooth beads that have proper penetration and decent appearance are JUST AS GOOD if not better. With Flux Core you will probably want to stick to thicker stuff not SHEET METAL.

 

[Ign]

I would run only flux core unless you're doing body work/sheetmetal.

It runs hotter and gives these little machines more punch. I refuse to use .030 flux - it bird nests way too easily. .035 only

If you run solid wire I'd go .023 and a max of .030. Don't even think about .035 solid.

If you must run an extension cord make sure it's quality. 12ga for no more than 25'. 10ga for 50'

 

[Ign]

Also 100% myth you can't get a great looking bead w flux. I think too many beginners just don't know what they're doing. You have to learn to "see through" the smoke while welding and you generally have to slow down 'cause you've got less filler material coming out, but flux core beads can and should still be visually consistent and smooth.

 

[Ign]

If you are using Fluxcore I recommend you use only the following wires:

Blue Demon (Amazon)
Hobart

Anything else is typically really poor quality wire. Alot of people who use fluxcore complain about how bad it is, but you need the correct speed/diameter for your amperage usage. A good wire makes all the difference, especially with that welder you purchased.

Do yourself a favor and get a good wire and practice ALOT.

Around '13 I was getting 2 packs of the Blue Demon 2# spools on eBay for $16 shipped. I was doing a large project w my Trek so it had to be 2 pounders.

I've personally had perfectly fine luck w the Forney stuff from any Do-It-Best, Ace or True Value -- but it can be hard to find in .035 which is all I'll use. I just used a bunch of the Forney on framework for shade sails.

I often work w used oilfield pipe in the field and as others have said flux core don't much care about dirty material

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I have a Northern Tool 110V unit. You can use flux core or gas.

Like previously posted, practice, practice. I found an angle grinder with a knotted wire wheel a must. You can't weld to rust. I used the wire wheel or even the grinding wheel to clean the metal before trying to weld.

It's fun, and having it is a convienence for little projects. The best weld I did was on Troybilt tiller. The wheels are notorious for rust welding onto the axle on Troybilts, just google "removing troybilt wheel". I welded a 7/8th nut on the wheel, and with the impact wrench, drove a fully threaded bolt into it, and the wheel popped right off.

 

[speed bump]

I have a couple, a Miller sidekick I am working on selling and a Century that is my go to sheet metal welder. The Miller is a bit of a beast for a 110v machine and I ran a lot of 0.30 solid through it for general purpose welding. The Century has a tiny gun and is infinitely adjustable which makes it great for sheet metal and tight spots.

I have only ran solid wire and 75/25 gas with my MIG welders, if I have a flux core type job it is typically small and I just burn some 6011/7018 because it is less work than dragging out the MIG.

 

[nikerret]

I have a Forney 130FI (model 306). It is the same as an HTP Mig 130, Craftsman 20569, Panther 132, and a Clarke 130EN. While it's a "budget" wire feeder from True Value, and not considered a high end machine, it has served me well. I have only got to tinker with it, I haven't had time to do any of my big welding projects, yet. Thus far, I have only used the Forney 0.035 flux wire. I've gone through a few pounds, so far.

Last year, I took an introduction welding class, at the local tech college. Here's that thread, though, it isn't worth as much, since photobucket ramrodded everyone:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319283

I plan to get a bigger setup, this winter, when things go one sale. Last year, Lincoln Electric had a good sale on the Tig 200 Square Wave and the 210 MP for $2,000. If they have that, again, I'll probably get that. I'll keep the Forney for a portable flux option and use the Lincoln Electrics with gas (except stick).

Youtube has several great channels to go from no-nothing to beginner and far beyond.

Here's some pictures of my welder. I have the same cart:







Here's the Channellock Welpers, Shur-Lite striker, and Wilde pliers I bought, for the class:
"

Here's the cheap helmet I have. Even with the high powered tech school welders, I had no issues:

 

[American Locomotive]

Great welder. You must use shielding gas (75/25) when using solid core wire. Flux-core wire does not require shielding gas. You also have to change the polarity between solid & flux core. The sticker inside the cover of the welder will tell you which polarity to use.

As mentioned, you should avoid 0.035" solid core wire. I can weld all day at max power with the 0.025" solid core wire on my small Lincoln. With 0.035" wire, I constantly trip 20A breakers. Additionally after just a few minutes of welding, the welder will hit the duty-cycle limit and stop welding until it cools down. I never once hit the duty cycle limit using 0.025" wire. Even on the highest voltage and wire speed settings.

 

[tonyciambrone]

Read and understand the owner's manual. My Hobart 140 will take a 12GA extension cord up to 50 ft, 10 gauge cord to 100ft. Must be run on a 20AMP dedicated circuit with 12 Gauge Wiring I believe. Important to understand Duty Cycle and other safety features/concerns....

I took a course, but if you're only going to use a wire-feed machine $400 or 500 will get you an awful lot of stock to practice on and youtube can do a lot of good.

I like using 0.23 wire best. I like 0.30 flux Hobart wire too for thicker material. 0.23 works way better on sheet metal and to me it is easier to weld with than 0.30 solid.

I like auto-darkening masks.

Flash is no joke, neither is flash-burn. Don't pick up anything you welded on without using a pair of pliers or before holding your hand above the surface to make sure it isn't hot. Picking up really hot steel is not fun. Mig pliers are cool, I like Channellock's the best. Smaller gloves are better for me. Big gloves best for SMAW.

It's a lot of fun and I'm really glad I bought a 120V machine.

 

[finn]

I bought mine from Jeff at HTP in Illinois, back in 1984.

Best advice he gave me is that when I have the settings right, it'll sound like bacon cooking as I weld.

 

[Forney_Technical]

Hi, this is Gabby from Forney Technical Services. Thank you for mentioning Forney wire. We actually recommend .030" for entry-level machines (120V) as it has a wider sweet spot and is better for thinner materials. Some people prefer .035" but you might trip your breaker more often.

 

[D45]

I have been reading some online about tips and tricks with smaller welders

Alot say to replace and upgrade to a better ground clamp.......why?

 

[dogdog]

I would run only flux core unless you're doing body work/sheetmetal.

It runs hotter and gives these little machines more punch. I refuse to use .030 flux - it bird nests way too easily. .035 only

If you run solid wire I'd go .023 and a max of .030. Don't even think about .035 solid.

If you must run an extension cord make sure it's quality. 12ga for no more than 25'. 10ga for 50'

Pretty much this... flux core runs better with .030 wires... and .023 if you are doing gas... I Have ran .035.. it's not as good.. even though it is capable.

 

[cheechi]

I have been reading some online about tips and tricks with smaller welders

Alot say to replace and upgrade to a better ground clamp.......why?

better connection and greater surface area. often better materials too. many cheap welders have thinly plated or otherwise prone to rust and corrosion.