Small Welding Rods

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Originally Posted by flagg

With gassless wire you also have to be very careful with stop/ start stuff as the slag will contaminate the weld. Because of this i would personally use other methods for structural stuff. But I generally don't like MIG unless I'm using a really good one with good fresh wire.

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use a pair of side cutters to trim the wire at an angle removing that little ball before each weld. This will help prevent slag inclusion at the start of the weld.

woody

Back to the current question - has anyone used TIG on the small inverters - specifically the SmoothArc MMA 130?

Garry

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Originally Posted by garrycol

Back to the current question - has anyone used TIG on the small inverters - specifically the SmoothArc MMA 130?

Garry

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Can't comment on that the SmoothArc specifically, but I've got a slightly larger (175A) Mitec multi function inverter machine (MMA/TIG/Plasma).
TIG function is great and the most I ever use on mild/stainless is about half the current setting (welding 1.6mm tube) so I reckon you should be OK for grunt on yours for the thinner materials your talking about.

IIRC you posted about maybe welding aluminium. The SmoothArc is DC only so won't weld aluminium (you need an AC TIG for that).

Steve

I have a small Inverter TIG welder and it is brilliant, was worth the effort, especially welding up thin steel. I actually welded up the Stainless tub (about .4mm) in my mum's washing machine. Problem is you will need to swap your Argoshield for Argon. Argosheild will not work with TIG. Argon will work with MIG but it leaves a very "cold" looking weld that lacks penetration

Inverter TIG machines are the norm in the trade in all sizes.
Smaller DC machines work well with steel and its alloys.
The problem with TIG welding is the skill level needed and heat transfer to the job.
Garry if you are doing the Haffie????????, the MIG would be easier to use.
Panel beaters just love using a MIG.
If you really , really want to go that way I have a new TIG single phase with the works on it not being used.......you know where i am.

Come to think of it I have a single phase 180 amp MIG ...panel beaters spec doing nothing too.

No not the Haffie - finished all that with the Mig.

The MMA Smootharc has the ability to do Tig and I assume the extra bits are not all that expensive so wouldn't mind giving it a try. My be build a few small tanks etc.

My concern is that I have read elsewhere that TIG on these small units is not very good and I don't want to waste money on something that doesn't work. Hence my seeking first hand experiences from people who have used these bottom end units.

Garry

I know of a chemical company who does most of there stainless steel pipe work with a small inverter machine like yours, as it is portable on site around the factory.
The maintance blokes have no problem with it.
How good is your eye sight ?
How good is your hand skills ?
To TIG well takes alot of practice and a bit of theory/knowlege.
It also takes regular practice too.
TIG welding to be done well is best left to people who do it all the time, especially if it is aluminum /alloys.
I am trade welder qualified in Stick /MIG /TIG.
I dont do TIG regularly and I would find it a bit of trouble to get up to speed so to speak. especially as I get older.
If really keen I would enroll in a TAFE course and it will fill in the missing holes of knowlege.........as in what tungsten to use, and how to grind it, torch arc gap, gas flow etc.
Feeding of the filler metal though your free hand in a way to get good welds takes practice too.
Ron

Hi Garry,

I may be able to help - PM Sent.

Handy mig welder for roadside repairs

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