which welder to use

[martinez]

so, after good advice from Blackjack and the expectation of my materials arriving next week, should I weld 3.25mm tube with my little mig (100amp) or my bigger mig (160amp). The smaller one has 0.6 wire, and the bigger one 0.8 wire.
I know I'll get better penetration with the biger one but the little mig does a better weld, probably cos I'm used to it.
But is it up to the job ? or should I just tack it and get it Tig welded ?

 

[Arsonista]

What is it?. Are there safety issues?.

 

[martinez]

suspension parts, so yes

 

[Arsonista]

I'd be inclined to tack it and have it TIG welded by a pro.

 

[chunkolini]

160amps should be plenty powerful enough. It sounds as though are concerned about your skill level. Do a few test pieces and destruction test them. If you are not 100% sure get them done by a pro.

Also do more practice with the bigger machine until you are comfortable using it.

Chunko'.

 

[martinez]

all this practice is an expensive thing, as I don't work in industry anymore getting the steel to practice on is hard, I'll have to find somewhere local who'll sell me some off cuts, think an old mate could get it Tig welded for me as he works in aircraft industy

 

[chunkolini]

Sp harridan has an a not an e

I can remember this one, find a local fab shop, ask for the 'engineer' and they are usually happy to give you a license to scavenge the skip. Never ask the harridan on the desk.
Find a source of cheap offcuts and fiddle about. Most people are helpful in this manner. I can remember one guy working the price of scrap from X pounds per tonne to pence per Kilo, and charging me it. With a straight face.

Chunko'.

 

[martinez]

thanks for that, I'll give it a try

 

[NTwoO]

A local company in my home town does alu construction. I can scavange their skips for offcuts for free and after practicing, The offcuts just go back into the skip. They actually gain filler material and all rod leftovers in this deal You get two kinds of construction shops. The one hates homebuilders, the other loves them.