Hf 90amp flux wire wheel welder

[element10554]

Is it possible to weld 1/4 steel with this welder?

 

[devino246]

Nope. I think the max is 1/8. You might be able to get away with it if you bevel the edges of the work pieces.

 

[element10554]

Yea I saw that for 3/16ths but I was wondering about 1/4

 

[redsox985]

Bevel the edges and weld from both sides if you can.

 

[element10554]

So I am in a bit of a dilemma I bought the 90 amp but I was thinking maybe I should return it for a stronger welder. What would be your recommendation for a kind of all around welder. Something that can be used for go kart building and more. I was thinking the 110amp mig welder but is it neccessary to go stronger?

 

[redsox985]

Being able to one day convert to MIG would be nice, but isn't needed for kart building. If it were me though, I wouldn't upgrade a HF machine to MIG. I would rather get a used, brand name welder with a higher duty cycle.

 

[devino246]

Being able to one day convert to MIG would be nice, but isn't needed for kart building. If it were me though, I wouldn't upgrade a HF machine to MIG. I would rather get a used, brand name welder with a higher duty cycle.

 

[jrmints1415]

plus if you dont know already it will end up costing you at least another 300 bucks for gas tank, gauges, filling of gas, wire, plus the cost of the welder. You will also need 240 outlet, not a house outlet (a great feature about the 90 amp) which will set you back a couple hundred dollars for that. It will make better welds and more power but for a price.

 

[oscaryu1]

Bevel and preheat. Done.

Tank and regulator + hoses don't cost that much. Got a brand new 55cf tank for $100 and a new regulator for $25. It was for a TIG setup, but probably similar with MIG.

 

[redsox985]

That's a deal! I can find a regulator for less than $50.

 

[oscaryu1]

All on eBay. Those prices included shipping lol.

I'm actually gonna try and convert this to an aluminum welder over the summer. Teflon feed tube to prevent the wire from catching, switch to DCEP, add a gas inlet/regulator to it, and spray down the feeding mechanism with some spray-on rubber or something

 

[redsox985]

What about a spool gun? Those are pretty easy to work with. We have them at school and both tanks are hooked up to the welder. If you want aluminum, you open the argon tank, grab the spool gun, tap the trigger and it will engage the last settings from aluminum, you dial it in and go.

 

[devino246]

What about a spool gun? Those are pretty easy to work with. We have them at school and both tanks are hooked up to the welder. If you want aluminum, you open the argon tank, grab the spool gun, tap the trigger and it will engage the last settings from aluminum, you dial it in and go.

Spool guns are expensive as he//

 

[redsox985]

Oh, that's just the only way I've welded aluminum. Are you planning on using a spool of aluminum wire and a standard MIG set up? Other than TIG with filler, spool gun is the only way I know of enough to talk about.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

is there any way to gasless weld aluminum? or do you always need argon?

 

[devino246]

is there any way to gasless weld aluminum? or do you always need argon?

Ive never heard of gasless aluminum welding, and Ive done alot of research on welding for multiple school projects. I dont think you use argon, isnt it helium or a mix of?

 

[redsox985]

I'm pretty sure aluminum is 100% argon, because mild steel is 75 CO2, 25 Ar (what I've used), and stainless is a tri mix of CO2, Ar, and Helium, IIRC.

EDIT: http://www.ehow.com/way_5299605_gas-use-mig-welding.html

 

[devino246]

I'm pretty sure aluminum is 100% argon, because mild steel is 75 CO2, 25 Ar (what I've used), and stainless is a tri mix of CO2, Ar, and Helium, IIRC.

EDIT: http://www.ehow.com/way_5299605_gas-use-mig-welding.html

I might be getting my MIG and TIG gases mixed up.

 

[redsox985]

Maybe. I also have very limited experience.