TIG or MIG

[alaskayukondave]

Do most of you use a tig or mig welder for building custom frame?

 

[Oldsalt]

MIG. No advantage, and some disadvantages, useing a TIG. But you can feel really cool and can impress people if the tubes are TIGed. Nothing wrong with an arc welder. Lots of mini bikes were produced at the factory with stick rod.

 

[briggsscooter]

I would have to disagree with old salt. Each joining process has their advantages. Tig will produce a stronger weld hands down. GMAW is quick and easy but not as strong and doesnt look as good. It's also a lot harder to weld thin material.

BUT, for a mini bike-your better off buying a used mig or stick welder. Stick welding is actually great to start out on because it is easy to learn puddle control.

 

[x-90 rider]

Do most of you use a tig or mig welder for building custom frame?

I like a TIG welder because it is a lot cleaner and easier to clean-up. I hate to chip and grind after welding and anti-spatter is not 100% effective. The drawback is the cost of the TIG machine.

 

[Oldsalt]

TIG will, under the right conditions, produce a stronger weld, but not hands down, IMLO. I find that it also has a couple of downsides. For instance a large fillet will always result in more warpage and stress than an arc rod and most certinally in comparison to a MIG. We're talking mild steel tube minibike frame here. You're right about a MIG or an arc welder is what should be purchased first. Preferably the arc welder. That way a person can also weld cast iron and stainless and hardface that will not be cheap to do with a wire feed.

 

[born loser]

I cant imagine a beginner trying to arc weld tubing.

 

[Oldsalt]

As the tube used in a mini frame is at least .085 wall thickness there is no problem even with an 3/32 rod. Try it. Use 6013 and you'll find it's a snap. However, some problem might be incurred if the frame is being made out of electrical conduit.

 

[likebull1]

TIG weld all the way.