Re: Welding Continuously

["Bob La Londe" <nospam@xxxxxxxxx>]

"tourman" <robercampbell@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:c25758de-7948-45d6-a54b-abd46ecdcce9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> On Feb 23, 8:04 pm, "Bob La Londe" <nos...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> Ok...  what is the smallest rig that will weld continuously for atleast a
>> couple feet without getting hot and shotting down or getting hot not
>> welding
>> well?
>>
>> I've got a little flux core wire feed from Harbor Freight, and on a ncie
>> day
>> like today, I can weld about 3-6 inches on 1/8 to 1/34 cold rolled before
>> it
>> starts to spatter.  At that point no adjustment works, and if I do push
>> it a
>> little further the thermal overlaod kicks it off anyway.
>>
>> I don't really have a problem with that, except that it takes forever to
>> cool down enough to weld good again.
>>
>> I need something better.  Yeah, I know you get what you pay for.  I just
>> don't know if I can swing 2 or 3 grand for a really nice rig.  I do have
>> a
>> regulator and mix bottle already, and I've tried it with this little 110
>> welder.  It makes a slightly cleaner weld than the flux core, but t
>> doesn't
>> weld any further before shutting down, and I use this little toy in a lot
>> of
>> places where lugging the bottle around just isn't practical.  As a result
>> I
>> just leave a big spool of flux core in the unit and use it.
>>
>> Anyway, when (not if) I get a bigger rig with a longer duty cycle it will
>> not totally replace the little carry box.  I will still need it
>> occassionally in the field.
>>
>> Heck, I'm rambling and letting my welder cool down so I can finish my
>> project.  So what's the smallest unit you would get if you wanted a
>> really
>> high duty cycle?  Seems I weld a lot of 1/8 upto 1/4" cold rolled.
>> Rarley,
>> but occassionally 3/8.
>>
>> I've got outlets wired for 30amp and 50amp equipment in my shop, and by
>> the
>> overhead doors so I can work outside.
>
> RHC: Bob, Hobart make a professional quality MIG welder that is as
> professional as it gets. It sells for about $1100 new, but is used in
> factories extensively for up to 100% duty cycle. I have used mine for
> years and takes the place of my computerized Lincoln for most jobs. It
> is 110, and draws about 20 amps at maximum capacity. But it is
> professional quality equipment so it never overheats. It will weld all
> day up to quarter inch, but will weld up to 3/8 inch steel too when
> needed
>
> At the moment I am in Florida, so I cant give you specifics about the
> model etc, but it should be possible to locate it through Google.

I'm looking at a Hobart Ironman 210 or 250 230 volt, but I have to consider
price too.