Mig Welders

[Big Barn]

And about 2/3 the cost of buying a tank, unless you have something huge. Does that include the filling?

No. That's just the rental for 122 cu ft oxygen tank and 65? cu ft acetylene.
I think to purchase is about $500 for the pair now.

Terry

 

[mikehaugen]

No. That's just the rental for 122 cu ft oxygen tank and 65? cu ft acetylene.
I think to purchase is about $500 for the pair now.

Terry

Ok, I was thinking for some reason that was 1 tank.

 

[Shield Arc]

I am far from any kind of expert, but I have never heard this. Could you elaborate please?

Here is a nice little chart.
Zap over on Welding Web let us in on how he uses a drill motor and bench grinder to sharpen tungsten, works really well.

 

[mikehaugen]

Here is a nice little chart.
Zap over on Welding Web let us in on how he uses a drill motor and bench grinder to sharpen tungsten, works really well.

Thank you

 

[pmsmechanic]

My oxygen contract is around the $60/year. If all you use the O/A for is cutting then you should switch to propane. Well actually switch for everything. I could need to be corrected on this but from what I understand you can use propane instead of acetylene for everything but puddle welding cast iron. Something about adding carbon to the weld which isn't good. The only change needed to your torch is a propane cutting tip.

I usually get around two years worth of O/A use out of 20 lb bottle of propane. It's a lot cheaper than acetylene and no bottle contract either.

 

[mikehaugen]

I could need to be corrected on this but from what I understand you can use propane instead of acetylene for everything but puddle welding cast iron. Something about adding carbon to the weld which isn't good.

Would it then effect brazing on c.I.?

 

[pmsmechanic]

Would it then effect brazing on c.I.?

It might. I don't know. I braze with propane all the time and haven't had any issues. Don't know what c.I. is though.

 

[Shield Arc]

I've read where people say you can't use propane for welding, because propane doesn't produce a CO2 gas coverage. How true that is I have no idea! :confused3:

 

[mikehaugen]

It might. I don't know. I braze with propane all the time and haven't had any issues. Don't know what c.I. is though.

Sorry, supposed to be c.i. (cast iron) auto capitalize makes it look kinda funky.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I'm thinking that brazing cast should be ok because your not melting the cast. When I look that two week welding course that Alberta Agriculture put on we puddle welded cast iron complete with cast iron rods. That's the only time I've ever done that. Now I weld cast iron with Arc Tec 223's.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I've read where people say you can't use propane for welding, because propane doesn't produce a CO2 gas coverage. How true that is I have no idea! :confused3:

Now you have me curious. I have O/A welded steel before with propane but haven't done it for a long time. I have some rods and steel. What do I need to look for?

 

[blueriver]

So just switch to propane? Anything gotta be changed.. Regulator? torch?

 

[pmsmechanic]

So just switch to propane? Anything gotta be changed.. Regulator? torch?

Everything stays the same. The present regulator just screws into the propane bottle. The only thing you need to change is the cutting tip. A local welding supply store or where you buy your oxygen should be able to supply you with a tip. Just take the old one along to make sure you get one that fits.

The puddle welding tips don't put out as much heat as they used to but I get along just using my largest tip for brazing. The other thing to remember is that acetylene rises in air so you light above the tip. Propane sinks in air so you light below the tip.

 

[Hilbilly]

Learn something new every day. Looks like I need to get on board with propane since all I use mine for is cutting and heating. I'll have to check out new tips and how the gauges will attach to the propane tank. Strange thing is that just yesterday I purchased a new smaller cutting tip for the O/A setup. How's that for lousy timing?

 

[Sodo]

Good timing for me, good info. I just accepted a free O/A set with an empty Acet bottle (big bottle!). It has a full Oxygen bottle though (200CF?).

 

[Shield Arc]

What do I need to look for?

I have no idea. I can't even remember the last time I welded something with O&A.

So just switch to propane? Anything gotta be changed.. Regulator? torch?

Here is a good video on getting set up with propane. It make a real nice cut, takes a little longer to preheat tho. I can't stand to use propane to heat shrink anything, just takes way to long.:thumbdown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2amO0T3vkQ

 

[Big Barn]

Learn something new every day. Looks like I need to get on board with propane since all I use mine for is cutting and heating. I'll have to check out new tips and how the gauges will attach to the propane tank. Strange thing is that just yesterday I purchased a new smaller cutting tip for the O/A setup. How's that for lousy timing?

Don't feel bad....

Terry

 

[pmsmechanic]

Learn something new every day. Looks like I need to get on board with propane since all I use mine for is cutting and heating. I'll have to check out new tips and how the gauges will attach to the propane tank. Strange thing is that just yesterday I purchased a new smaller cutting tip for the O/A setup. How's that for lousy timing?

Take it back and exchange it for a propane tip.

 

[Hilbilly]

I just finished using it to cut a circle in some 1/4" plate. Besides I only paid $7 for it. PA had a sale on.

I sure wish my cut looked like the ones Shield Arc posted. I spent way more time grinding than cutting. I think I need a LOT more practice.

Terry, that is a lot of tips and torches. I only have one torch, one welding tip, one rosebud and now 2 cutting tips. I don't get a lot of use from it but it sure is nice to have it when needed.

 

[Big Barn]

I just finished using it to cut a circle in some 1/4" plate. Besides I only paid $7 for it. PA had a sale on. I sure wish my cut looked like the ones Shield Arc posted. I spent way more time grinding than cutting. I think I need a LOT more practice. Terry, that is a lot of tips and torches. I only have one torch, one welding tip, one rosebud and now 2 cutting tips. I don't get a lot of use from it but it sure is nice to have it when needed.

Long live Princess Auto!

Terry