MMA to MIG?

[Steve.wain]

I have a decent quality inverter welder and have a few small welds to do which would be better migged. Is it possible to get some sort of kit to convert my machine to do this? Or could I make a wire feed, buy a torch and go? Is there more to it than that? I've tried searching, but keep finding that my criteria can't be searched for, as the words are too short.

I did find some comments about mig being constant current and mma being constant voltage (or was it the other way round?)

I could TIG them but can't get the gas easily, but fancied having a go at gasless MIG anyway. The job has to be done outside.

Any help appreciated.

 

[madkayaker]

there is a couple of devices for doing body work frost do them or ebay for about £30.

 

[Steve.wain]

there is a couple of devices for doing body work frost do them or ebay for about £30.

Mmmm, can't find anything like that, what do they normally call them?

 

[madkayaker]

http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail....hment&catID=&frostCat=&frostSubCat=&subCatID=

 

[Landynut]

Has anybody used one of these? Do they work?

 

[malcolm]

There are definitely some threads about the differences between MMA and MIG transformers but I can't find a very good one I remember. If anyone remembers where it is let me know and I'll add it to my little book. Upshot was you can run TIG off an ARC, but not MIG.

I'm not the worlds greatest expert on arc, though my Miller has similar pulse functions to that torch. Worked with difficulty on 0.8mm, didn't look too bad, but the weld snapped in half in my hand. Maybe I wasn't doing it right or perhaps some people get around these difficulties.

If you want gasless MIG for cheap a used Clarke EN off eBay might be an option. Or get a TIG torch and disposable gas bottles or rent free postal ones.

 

[Drains]

Landynut, GeorgeB has been there... take a look at this thread, if you can be arsed. (the rest of us gave up after a week or two. There are others in the same vein, like this one, and this one. All full of interesting information, and not a little "banter" )

 

[Drains]

This thread tells you about the differences between Mig and MMA power sources. For more, do a forum search on "drooping" (strange, but true).

 

[Steve.wain]

Thanks for all the info, looks like I can't do it. I bought a Eutectic inverter welder off this site last year and it's been brilliant, I got the TIG torch at the same time but have never used it, I suppose I'll have to get some gas and give it a go.

I'd never successfully welded anything until I bought the Eutectic, after only a dozen rods practice I can now make a passable weld, even down to 2.5mm, thanks to G Jones.

Cheers

Steve