welder for crossmember

[yossarian19]

I've got an HF 90 amp flux core.
It doesn't penetrate 3/16". Probably 1/8".
I can weld both sides of the seam most of the time and make myself happy enough for what I'm doing, I can bevel things & weld two passes, etc.
I wouldn't weld a cross member with less than 120 amps, though.

[STOCKISH]

Originally Posted by franken

Ok, now show us one of your welds after testing it to failure. Nothing else proves anything.

Ill see if there is anything in my scrap bucket that I cut/beat off after I decided I didnt like it. I am not a pro and dont weld for a living but when I decide I dont like something and remove it it always tears the metal before the weld thinks about breaking. Again, Im not a pro, but I dont see needing anyrhing more than a 140A 110v welder for welding a chassis. .120 wall doesnt require much to melt it.

[iowaboynca]

It seems like this thread is turning in to *whips it out to measure thread*...

1.) Skill/Talent level- I agree with whoever said practice practice practice...cuz that's what this guy will be doing. (Me as i haven't picked up a welder since my Dad's Vo-Ag class in 15 yrs.)

2.) Welders- look at what today's project needs and what tomorrow's may need, i.e. if you want to start building 4x4 roll cages, the 110v may not cut it.

3.) What Ogre said...

4.) Ability (on top of #1)- If at the end of day you don't feel good about your ability, find someone who is. (Mr 48 suggested as such). Just don't quit. Some of the language in this thread can come off as discouraging. To Dan's point it isn't brain surgery, it's a little easier than that, but at the same time it's a little harder that running fries at Mc....

[Donaldo]

I think the main concern is for the safety of the project user/riders. For skilled welders/fabricators to imply that an unskilled novice can do the job safely with a HF 110v welder is a bit of a reach.(imnsho).

Sure he should learn to weld, it is a *****en and handy skill to learn, but for the safety of his project he should probably watch a welder do it.

My old Miller 130 can do anything your 140 can do....

[MiraclePieCo]

I am a mediocre welder at best. But when I replaced my Lincoln with HF's top-of-the-line 180 mig it has transformed me into an average welder!

But seriously folks, I can easily do hot rod frame construction with the HF 180.

[jjzepplin]

I used a lot of You tube videos to make my self a better welder. They help a lot to understand what your looking at and why you should start over if it's not that good of a weld. Practice makes better I always say. Welding with gas is awesome compared to flux core but as mentioned flux has it's benefits like windy situations. Portability is also an issue with gas. Not easily moved from spot to spot. Flux can yield some good welds though but gas has the ability to make you look like a pro. Structural welding is scary as it could be a loss of life issue. A shock mount or something is not so critical. You must also use the correct gas for the metal you are welding.

[lv2tri2]

I really liked this welding discussion. Some of the advice is good. I didn't see the reverse side of any welds or any inspection that would prove penetration or no inclusions. If you want to build a project, like those pictured here, buy a good machine and learn to weld, it's not that difficult, or expensive.

[Donaldo]

I think the thread was started by a welding inexperienced person.

It is obvious what an experienced welder/fabricator can do, even with inexpensive machines.