Welder Upgrade

I used it to weld 3/16 boxing for the frame and it definitely seems to be better than the small Lincoln - I think my Lincoln Handy Mig is about the same as the one in the weldpack 100 - check the amp ratings (I think the '100' in the name means 100 Amp welder). Mine was an 88 Amp welder - so stepping up to 140 is quite a bit more. I haven't tried much with 1/4", but from my work with the 3/16" - I don't think I would be able to weld 1/4" in one pass as I was just barely getting the 3/16 to work.... but that might be more of a reflection of me than the welder. I think I am learning that to weld the thicker stuff, I need to make a bigger gap - or maybe a bigger/wider bevel - to do it in one pass. Certainly, if you have access to both sides, welding front and back wouldn't be a problem (that is how I welded the 3/16 sliders with the little lincoln). In my case, I was also limited to one size flux core wire, and one size solid wire with the small lincoln - but with the Hobart there are more wire size options. Can't tell you how much better a 220V machine would be....I looked into it, but the cost of the machine itself and the necessary wiring and expanded circuit breaker for my house just put it out of my budget.

 

When you get to the point of putting the Saginaw box on, come down to the house. You use my welder, or I'll do it, or I'll teach you how. With the boxing done, your more than half way done with a Saginaw swap IMOP.

 

Thanks Chuck - we'll see how far I get. I am trying to button the cj back up for a bit and work on the wagon this fall.

 

good to know....I struggle with 'over-filling' the weld (tall welds) and not getting enough penetration. Machine is set at highest setting. My instinct is to move slower so I can build up heat - but it seems I just build up weld material. Maybe I need to up the wire speed for more heat and move faster? I've tried slowing the wire speed down so I can move at the speed I am comfortable, but think you can eventually get it too slow that the wire burns away faster than its being fed and you get an inconsistent arc? Or am I completely off.