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I have been out of the game so long; I do not know what is out there. This is what I want, something that can modify cast iron steering knuckles and repair ATV frames. I would prefer getting a new mig, but I do not know if there are any that can weld on cast iron. I know you get what you pay for, but I am not looking for the highest price machine out there. Something from Harbor fright would be nice. I will use it for welding truck frames, building suspension components, building ATV/motor cycle frames, and a myriad of other stuff. I currently have a little Craftsmen mig that I believe Lincoln built. It has done great so far, but I do not think it is big enough for the big stuff I plan to build when I return home. Shoot me some ideas and please keep it simple.
Oh yeah, the jig. I know I can build one from metal table, but I am just wondering if there is something else out there.
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On a critical steering component, such as a steering knuckle, and being made of brittle cast-iron (if it's cast-iron and not cast-steel) you really should avoid welding on it. However, if you must, use a nickel or nickel alloy specifically made for the purpose, check with a good welding filler metal manufacturer or welding engineer for the correct rod and preheat instructions. Several years ago I saw some new nickel alloy MIG wire that was being tried out on some cast parts, but I don't know if it was ever released to the commercial market. As far as a welding machine, I wouldn't buy anything that wasn't a Miller (preferred) or Lincoln. Hobart may also be worth a look if you're not going to be using it all-day everyday. If you can't buy new, check E-bay, Craig's List, local pawn shops, and the classifieds for really good deals.
For cast-iron you'll most likely need a Stick welder with DC capability, and for the light gauge stuff TIG (preferred) or MIG. Almost all the TIG machines can do Stick welding too, so if you want to learn TIG, you'll only need one machine. But, don't buy a machine that that isn't at least capable of 150-175 amps DC.
Also, if you're going to be building tubular frames, consider a tubing notcher jig and a tube bender.
I mis-spoke, I did mean cast steel. Sorry about that. Thank you for the advice, the other tools you mentioned are on a future lsit that includes a laith and mill. Right now I am just looking for the basics. Do you have any specific models in mind?
As far as models of welders, that's going to depend on what you're needs are. What's the range of metal thicknesses you plan on welding, the types of metal (steel, stainless, aluminum, cast-iron, etc...) , how long and often are you going to be welding, and what are your welding skills?
I forgat to mention I want to weld aluminum as well. As far as thickness, I want to weld heavy as well lighter stuff. Like I said, I am going to be biulding suspesnion components as well as truck frames.
Last edited by lonesome7.3; 03-26-2009 at 10:53 AM.
Revised list. I had to compromise on the quality of the tools becuase I could not spend $30,000 on them. But, I have learned even cheap tools will last if you take care of them. Now, a welder, laith, and mill I am willing to spend what ever it takes to get quality.
I guess I'm going to have to assume some thicknesses of material. As far as aluminum, if you get a TIG, you'll need AC capability as well. Aluminum takes a lot of heat to weld, so for 1/4" thick aluminum I'd recommend a machine with at least 200+ amps AC. Some good machines are the Miller Syncrowave 250, as well as the Miller Dynasty 350. Miller's Syncrowave 200 and Dynasty 200 may also work, depending on your duty cycle. I personally own a Syncrowave 250 and really like it. The Dynasty series will probably cost more, but if you can afford it, they're awesome. You can also weld aluminum with MIG using a spool-gun but, in my opinion, TIG is the way to go for aluminum.
As far as your list of tools, if you can, keep looking around as there's a lot of really good deals on used equipment right now. You should be able to find higher quality stuff out there cheaper, from shops going under, etc...
I have some time before I return home. So I was going to check in on ebay and local classified ads. But if I have not found everything by then, I will have to go to the list.
We've bought a lot of shop equipment used through Craigslist. I'd much rather have used top of the line tools than a brand new pos. One thing that may help in your search is a site called Craigshelper.com. It allows you to search multiple areas and also ebay at the same time, really cuts down on searching.
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