Monomig 101

Hi, All.

It seems that the family has become interested in going to Auctions.

At the one we're going to tomorrow is a monomig 101.

I'm wondering if it's worth bidding on. I have a Clarke stick welder (up to 120 amps I think), but my welding course persuaded me that Mig was better.

The Monomig has quite a bit of wire on the spool and appears to have two current settings, the max is 80A. there's a biggish bottle of CO2 on it, but I've no idea what's in it.

The stick welder is something I got because I thought I ought to have one. I've not used it much. The sort of project I would do would be some light framing (I've a yen to turn my angle grinder into a chop saw).

80A seems a little on the thin side, but I'm not really aiming to build the forth railway bridge.

As far as I can see it is a very old device. Old lathes may be the best, but are old welders?

Iain

Hmm. A little web research seems to indicate that this will weld 2mm steel or 3mm steel if I put a V and gap in - with a following wind.

That seems a bit limited unless I can get it for a fiver. And then there's the 'where can I put it' question ..

Iain

You would probably be better off using the fiver for some more sticks and getting in a bit of practice.

Its possible to weld thick pieces by as already mentioned vee the joint and welding in multiple passes building the joint up in layers, yes more wire is used or more electrodes if arc welding using the max size your welder will handle, I use an 80 amp stick welder with no problems 

Mick

HI, Mick.I expect, like a lot of things, some skill and experience is better than good equipment! I certainly lack the former!

The welder went for £45 which was well more than I was prepared to pay. A Torque wrench went for a similar amount. This contrasted with a few quid each for a variety of china which looked to me like it should be on the Antiques Roadshow. My first auction I think and quite interesting.

Iain

Keep practising Iain 

Mick