Should I?

[tribal636]

this is probably a stupid newb question but I can't seem to find a straight answer. I have a millermatic 135, should I use this to weld in my notches? I know the specs say it can weld it but what does everyone think?

[GoingCustom]

I'm assuming that's a 110 welder? I've welded my entire back half with 110 flux-core. All depends on how well you prep everything and your ability? Make sure everything is beveled that is getting welded on edge and you should be fine.

[tribal636]

I am a pretty good welder. My biggest concern was penetration because 1/4 inch is the max setting for my welder. I will make sure to bevel all edges and just go for it. Worst that can happen is the notch will tweak. Then it gives me an excuse to build a sfbd frame haha.

[Mathius]

Quote: Originally Posted by tribal636

I am a pretty good welder. My biggest concern was penetration because 1/4 inch is the max setting for my welder. I will make sure to bevel all edges and just go for it. Worst that can happen is the notch will tweak. Then it gives me an excuse to build a sfbd frame haha.

Flux core generally uses more heat and lets you get deeper penetration, which is why the above poster used it. Flux core is generally more difficult to do for the basic facts that the flux in the weld can cause flux deposits and also the weld pool is smaller and harder to see. You get a small puddle and a smoke trail. Make doubly sure you've ground out all the flux before you make another pass between welds.

I've never really found where to draw the line at multipass welds. Just because you can fill a joint with weld with a bunch of passes doesn't mean you're getting enough edge penetration that the weld is a good one. Unless you're an engineer or have access to x-ray your welds or both, how are you supposed to know for certain how much penetration is required and if you're getting it?

That's the most common reason why most of us only weld with the settings we can do a single pass weld with.

I'm not telling you it won't work, I'm just telling you the reasons why it might not.

Mathius

[SoloSDN]

im gonna go ahead and be the first to say no. your gonna be runnin what,20% DC at the highest setting? which should be 3/16" btw. now that i said this all the professional truck builders on here will come in and say 110's are perfecty fine to use...

not tryin to ba an ass or anything,just givin an opinion like ya asked lol.

[tribal636]

After reading your post I went and checked, you are correct 3/16 is the max setting. I dont know why I was thinking it was 1/4. So I guess its back to finding a place to use a 220 welder. Damnit, it sucks having a garage with no 220 hook up and my stupid ass apartment complex wont put one in.

[IRSd_mini]

Quote: Originally Posted by DFitty

now that i said this all the professional truck builders on here will come in and say 110's are perfecty fine to use...

If you know how to weld, yes it will work. But you, the welder, needs to know how to tell if you are getting a good weld with good penetration. I use a millermatic 135 all the time. But I also am a competent welder, and I know when it is not up to what I am welding, and I get a bigger welder. The main reason for using a bigger welder in my shop is duty cycle. That little welder just doesn't weld for a long time when it is turned all the way up LOL.

[AVTekk]

Also, theres nothing on the truck that youll be welding that is 1/4". The notch side plates are 3/16" and the caps are 1/8".

[SoloSDN]

Quote: Originally Posted by tribal636

After reading your post I went and checked, you are correct 3/16 is the max setting. I dont know why I was thinking it was 1/4. So I guess its back to finding a place to use a 220 welder. Damnit, it sucks having a garage with no 220 hook up and my stupid ass apartment complex wont put one in.

anyone got a washer and dryer haha..most are 220. i did that for a while till it got old lol.

[tribal636]

IRSd_mini: I can deal with the duty cycle demands, just weld a little, drink beer while waiting for it to cool, weld more, etc. lol
AVTekk: I wasnt sure what size the notch plates were, I have yet to order them. Thanks for the info though
DFitty: unfortunately I dont have an attached garage and I think the complex would get pissed if I ran a extension cord from my apartment the like 45 yards down the stairs and across the parking lot to my garage lol

[tspears]

bevel bevel bevel. it will do it

[dngrous_dime]

I've been working on a set of trailer fenders from hell, for my dad. 1/4" walled 2x3 tubing for the inner framework, and I just beveled the crap out it and used my 85 amp Century flux-core. Crank that fker up, and let it burn in. I only weld maybe 1/2" at a time, and I spend about 3 minutes welding that much.
Would I do that on my truck's frame? No way, not with that welder. But it "can" be done.

[tspears]

well did it work out for u

[jcoulter737]

I have the exact same question but I'm bought a snap on 140 welder because I read that my lincoln 3200 hd ( 135amp I guess) wasn't enough to do my notch. The snap on welder in rated at 100% duty cycle thats why it cost me so much does anybody have any thoughs on this.
sorry about jumping in on your thread tribal636 I just have the exact same delema as you thanx for any help

[SoloSDN]

wow..3k for a 110 welder. thats ****in nuts. shoulda bought a 220 miller/hobart/lincoln for half that price and not even have to worry about it.

[jcoulter737]

Yeah but I have no 220 outlet where I live only the dryer and its rated at 30amps plus I'm a mechanic by trade so I owe snapon my organs when I die anyway DFitty do you think my welder will work I just dont want to have the ass end falling off while driving