Trailer fabrication: MIG vs. Arc welding

[jalberring]

I have been reading recently about welding and had a few questions.



In the book that I was reading the author stated a few times that arc (stick) welding is the preferred method of constructing a trailer.

However, MIG welding is faster and when using gas shielding the weld quality should be as good.

Could someone explain what is better and why the author may have made that statement?



Also, TIG looks superior but the time involved is the problem correct?

Thanks

 

[illflem]

The only times I've heard stick welding is better is for hard facing and when welding outside in wind that can blow the shield gas away. For a good welder the strength is the same.

 

[LSMITH]

What he said^^^^^. For welding on really heavy materials MIG is the way to go, otherwise it is a moot point. Stick is easier for most people, but only because the set up of the welder is one dial. MIG needs a little more knowledge to get going. Once you go MIG you will not go back, if you take the time to learn MIG well.

 

[Papa Joe]

Dittos on illflem.



I will say, however, that after you have spent some time on a MIG, you'll never go back... .....



Tacking, no slag, thin gauge welding... ..... it's a dream.





Joe

 

[metal tech]

MIG all the way!

I weld in the AF and last year built my own 20 flatbed trailer. I bought a new Millermatic 210, very easy machine to setup. Whether you get a Miller, Lincoln or other name brand they are all about the same. On the inside of the lid there is a chart that tells you just where to put the various setting for the material thickness your welding. The only "skill" required is to properly push/pull the MIG gun. ARC on the otherhand requires you to constantly feed the rod and hold the correct angle. I hope this helps.



Al

 

[Will24]

Don't mind DC arc, but I absolutely ENJOY using a good MIG welder, haha, I am probably the only 19 year old that can honestly post that





-Will

 

[marksmith]

I used to build horse trailers for a living. We all used wire feed machines and all of the other trailer manufacturers that I know of use wire feed.



As for why that person would say that stick is better than wire feed is that most wire is rated at 50,000#s tensile strength and the stick is rated at whatever the first two numbers read (example: 7018 it is rated at 70,000#s) So the 7018, etc would be stronger but for all intensive purposes wire feed is plenty strong.



Hope this helps

Mark

 

[csevers]

I like mig better

For clean or prepared metal it is the best I have a lincoln 250 and love it but in damp none heated farm shed the wire rusts faster than I use it and it is a pain to pull wire roll everytime I am done welding but still use it before the buzz box next to it. If you were welding metal not to clean the stick burns in better I think. All welders have there place, a good welder can weld either with no problem I am still practicing need more stuff to break so I get it down good.



Craig

 

[jtisdale]

I would agree with most of what has been stated above. On light to 1/4'" mild steel I think solid core . 035 wire feed is fine. Anything bigger I would definitely recommend flux core. It burns a lot hotter and has much better penetration vs. solid core on heavier gauge.

I think ARC welding vs MIG is much cheaper, better penetration and a lot cleaner when finished (not much splatter). That is probably what the author is getting at. Yes, TIG does take a lot more time. I think MIG is probably faster and easier (for most) than ARC. Csevers is right, all welders have their place.

One of the most overlooked aspects of welding is preparation. Surfaces to be welded must be clean. A few light passes of the old grinder will do wonders. And dont chip your slag till the weld cools a bit. This will also help keep impurities out. If you end up with porosity, or need to re weld, you should grind down the weld until it looks smooth and free of holes or cracks, then re weld.

Hope I didn't loose or confuse... Happy burning-

Jim

 

[nhincher]

one thing to consider about MIG, while it is easy for a beginner to lay a nice looking bead you need to be care full that is actually penetrates. I've seen a lot (made some myself) of nice MIG welds that won't hold anything.



stick is much easier to get proper penetration but you give up a lot in exchange. however it is definitely an acquired skill...



I learned on a buzz box and then went to MIG, don't plan on going back unless I've got some thick rusty metal (or some more spider gears ) to weld together...

 

[Oxjockey]

I bought a mig and tried to weld with it and it didn't turn out too well... I am taking my second arc welding class, and my arc welds are and always have been much better than my MIG welds. That being said, MIG is much better for all position welding.



I'd recommend taking a class on arc & MIG at your local Votech and getting a feel for both.



I wouldn't consider TIG, really, better for thinner and odd materials. (aluminum, staniless, etc)



Bryan