I just picked up a Lincoln 100 wire welder. They were out of the mig adapter. Please tell me if this salesman is wrong. He says that the mig conv. set doesn't include the hoses. Can anyone tell me the actual cost to get this set up for mig. Should I use co2 or Argon gas. How much does the gas cost. Is the 100 big enough to do a car frame. How thick is a car frame. Any tips on getting this thing going. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/confused.gif Thanks.

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The conversion kit has everything you need to convert. Home Depot has the best price Iv'e seen anywhere. I actually bought mine at Lowes using thier price guarantee + 10% - I think it was. I gave them the Home depot price and ended up spending about $75 as I recall. Buy the Argon/co2 mix.

You really don't need the conversion to weld a frame. Use 0.035" shielded wire and go to it. I was actually told by someone that the shielded wire works better for rusty metal. At any rate, I can weld fine with shielded wire on the high heat setting. It's using it at a lower heat that is more difficult.

Peter

I just picked up a miller Chalanger. I bought the gauges and bottle seperatley. You should be able to pick up a gage and hose set up together. the bottle depends on what size you want. I got a argon/co2 mix and like that pretty much. The sheilded wire is good for dirty metal or windy areas, but has a lot of splatter. I personally like the gas set up my self. I shoped around and found bottle and gage set for about $120.00 this was pretty cheap considering that all the other welding houses were asking about $200.00 for the same set up. good luck

Peter F. is right! For welding on the frame get flux core wire, turn it up and burn. Cleaning the paint/rust away with a grinder/sander/wire brush is mandatory though for good welds.

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Elcaminos are special!

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I have one and converted over to MIG about 6 months ago.

The kit comes with everything you need except the tank.

For mild steel, get the C25 gas mix.

The switch is fairly straightforward but I ran into a few points of confusion (but that's me).

Also, my conversion kit came with adjustable regulators. My brother did this awhile back and his got a fixed regulator in his kit. No mention in the manuals about what rate to set it to. Logged onto the Lincoln web site and got an answer in short order (they have great support). However, I got different answers from 4 different sources. I ended up running at around 14L/min (if I recall correctly).

The MIG weld will be MUCH cleaner than the flux core but have less penatrating power through dirt/rust. Personally, I prefer to weld on clean metal. Produces a better joint both in strength and appearance. But that's only my opinion...

It's easily good enough for car frames. Practice on scraps first! MIG welding is different approach (angle, direction) than the flux core, read the directions carefully to get best results.

Thanks for the reply guys. I just priced welding carts http://www.chevelles.com/forum/eek.gif I had no idea they cost so much. Personaly I can't see spending $145 on a cart. Anyone run across any plans to build one. Guess it would be a good trial project. Thanks.

Harbor freight sells a nice mig cart for 39.99.item# 00131-3hrh in the catalog.

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Use a co2 argon mix. It provides a better quality weld and will give you better penatration. Why do you need to weld on your frame? If a weld broke you should find out why so your just not making a bandaid fix. If it rusted in 2 make shure you get back to solid metal. Clean the surface well! And preparethe base metal to make a v-grove to aid penatration. Practice vertical welds on similarly thick metal. I would recomend having someone show you the ropes or having a pro do it if your unshure cuz a frame breaking can be bad. Get the co2 argon mix and prepare the metal well before...flux core will produce a lower quality weld.

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<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> flux core will produce a lower quality weld.

[/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Sorry ratlover, but I must take issue with that statement, as a certified welding/visual inspector and also as a has been certified welder I know better. Yes, the mig will look better and is better suited to light gage metal but weld "Quality" is determined by the welds strength and the suitability for the apllication it's used for. Visually the mig looks better because the shielding gas leaves no slag to be cleaned off as with flux core wire. An experienced welder can make equally strong, functional, "quality" welds with either process on carbon steel. I just repaired cracks at the door handle mounting holes of my elky using my Lincoln 100 and .030 flux core wire, not a job for rookies but the repair was accomplished.

For metal 1/8" and thicker the flux core is better/cheaper and does not take a high level of skill. And, as you state, bare metal surfaces(no rust/paint)is manditory for solid welds with any process.

Respectfully, Big James


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Elcaminos are special!

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[This message has been edited by Big James 4XL (edited 05-09-2001).]

I guess I better clear the air. My frame doesn't need welded. I just wanted to know if the Lincoln 100 would do it if nesessary. But thanks for the advice anyway. I just picked up my gas. I went with the 75% Argon and 25% co2. I'm almost ready to try this thing out. Just have to hook up the wire. What kind of preasure should I run. Also, how do you clear the lines. Does the unit have to be on, then shut down the gas and pull the trigger. I haven't pluged it in yet, waiting until I get it all done. Will the gas in the lines be ok for one night. Thanks.

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http://72sselcamino1.tripod.com/calscaminos/

I made my own cart from an old bed frame and it cost me about 12 bucks for wheels and stuff. I made it just barely large enough to fit the lincoln 100 and fits nicely away under my workbench. I can send a pic and measurements if you want.

Doug

Try to weld in an area away from drafts. It will carry your shielding gas away. If you weld has a lot of burnt looking brownish powder you either aint got enough gas flow or its getting carried away. You should purge the lines and that way will work. Not purging aint going to hurt anything it just aint the best especialy over a long period of time. Remember not to exceed the duty cycle of your machine.
I still have to say that you get better penetration with argon or an argon mix and you dont have to worry about slag inclusions and porisity as bad. I still have to say that flux core has a very limited place and I dont think its heavy gauge welding. Plus it spits like hell. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif
This isnt going to turn into a ironovalvrs alminum recatl ports is it http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif