Omar Torres
New member
what welder can i use to build a trailer frame
what welder is better
- Thread starter Omar Torres
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Shield Arc
Super Member
Depending on the size of the trailer / material. I would go with Mig, but if the material is very thick I'd go with flux core gas shielded wire.
Then again I'd have no problem welding it up with SMAW, with 7018. But I most likely would be bored to death after the first couple hours.:laughing:
Then again I'd have no problem welding it up with SMAW, with 7018. But I most likely would be bored to death after the first couple hours.:laughing:
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
You CAN use just about any kind of welder out there. What will be the BEST welder is up to your situation.
Typically an AC stick welder will be the cheapest and can make some very nice welds. MIG welders are easier to use, but get costly in a hurry. They are even more expensive if you want to weld thick materials in a single pass.
Typically an AC stick welder will be the cheapest and can make some very nice welds. MIG welders are easier to use, but get costly in a hurry. They are even more expensive if you want to weld thick materials in a single pass.
Personally I prefer a stick welder, I have welded on Class eight frames, extensions and repairs, built trailers, and done maintenance welding. You can use a stick were MiG and or Tig will not go, you can do maintenance welding that they can not. Air arc is one thing you can only do with a stick welder.
Aluminum is a different story
Aluminum is a different story
2manyrocks
Super Member
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- Jul 28, 2007
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- 9,521
I started with a cheapo flux core mig welder, and it proved to me that some mig welds can look okay, but not be solid. I wasted my money buying it because it had a limited duty cycle and would overheat on anything but limited use. Don't waste your money on a cheap 110v. mig.
By the time you pay for a decent mig welder, you could have paid for a good stick welder and kept $ in your pocket. You'll need 220v power.
On the other hand, if you expect to weld sheet metal at some point, you may want to save up and get a good mig because it will make it easier to weld thin metal.
If you're going to be welding thicker stock, a stick welder is all you need.
You didn't say if this is your first welding experience. If it is, for your sake and the safety of everybody else, make sure you do a good job welding. A weld that looks good on the surface, might not be good. It takes practice to tell the difference. Any trailer that fails on the road can injure you or other people. I recommend welding some other noncritical stuff first to make sure of your welds. :thumbsup:
By the time you pay for a decent mig welder, you could have paid for a good stick welder and kept $ in your pocket. You'll need 220v power.
On the other hand, if you expect to weld sheet metal at some point, you may want to save up and get a good mig because it will make it easier to weld thin metal.
If you're going to be welding thicker stock, a stick welder is all you need.
You didn't say if this is your first welding experience. If it is, for your sake and the safety of everybody else, make sure you do a good job welding. A weld that looks good on the surface, might not be good. It takes practice to tell the difference. Any trailer that fails on the road can injure you or other people. I recommend welding some other noncritical stuff first to make sure of your welds. :thumbsup:
crazyal
Super Member
Are you looking to buy a welder just to build a trailer or is that the first and most pressing project? Do you know how to weld or are you looking to learn and would like to make your choice on what to get based on how easy it will be to learn? Do you have a shop or garage you'll be working in and what does it have for power? Is there a budget you want to stick to? I'm sure with a little more info we can help narrow down what could be a good option.
Brad_Blazer
Veteran Member
There are 2 reasons to build your own trailer:
1. You have plenty of time and ability and the materials are mostly free. (and you want to justify a new welder)
2. You have plenty of time and ability and you want to make a custom trailer. (and you want to justify a new welder)
Otherwise a mass-produced trailer is generally cheaper than the the retail parts to build one.
1. You have plenty of time and ability and the materials are mostly free. (and you want to justify a new welder)
2. You have plenty of time and ability and you want to make a custom trailer. (and you want to justify a new welder)
Otherwise a mass-produced trailer is generally cheaper than the the retail parts to build one.
Jerry/MT
Elite Member
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If you have to ask that question here, you need to sign up for a beginning welding course at your local Voc-tech school or community college. You'll learn to weld with gas, stick, mig, and tig etc. Then you can decide what welder meets your needs. That's what i did back in 1989.
After I finished the course, I quizzed the instructor and other professional welders and ended up buying a Lincoln 225/125 AC/DC stick welder and I've used that here on the ranch to fab stuff and repair equipment. I recently found a Miller DialArc250P AC/DC machine and got a screamin' deal on it with 50 ft leads and 75 pounds of rod for $250. The PO bought a wire feed machine and didn't use the big Miller anymore. I sold the Lincoln for $400 to a beginning welder who just finished a beginning welding course. Life's a circle!
So go take a welding course and then decide what type of welding you want to do and that will dictate the type of welder you'll buy. Good luck.
strum456
Platinum Member
You said it! If your goal is to learn metal working and you are using a trailer project to learn on, go for it. If not, it would be more economical to buy one. I have all the welding and cutting equipment already, and I didnt even consider building any of my trailers.
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If the goal is to learn metal working, then he shouldn't be using a trailer project to learn on, unless he's only going to use it in a private non-critical environment and not on public highways.
The main thing for him to do would be not to choose something critical to fabricate/weld on where a faulty weld or workmanship might endanger peoples lives. :thumbsup:
BRAD_BLAZER said:
If the goal is to learn metal working, then he shouldn't be using a trailer project to learn on, unless he's only going to use it in a private non-critical environment and not on public highways.
The main thing for him to do would be not to choose something critical to fabricate/weld on where a faulty weld or workmanship might endanger peoples lives. :thumbsup:
Steelangel
New member
I weld structure steel with stick 6013 and follow up the welds with a 1-1/4X torch flame to 'normalize' the weld area. Strong as heck and vibration resistant.
I learned to normalize in Aviation Airframe welding in the 80's. Have welded solid big block engine mounts in drag race cars that way.
I learned to normalize in Aviation Airframe welding in the 80's. Have welded solid big block engine mounts in drag race cars that way.
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
I'll have to try that "Normalizing" trick. It sounds a whole lot easier than an angle grinder to improve the look of a weld.
Any tips on how to do it?
