Adam, The gas used in mig welding is a sheilding type gas that protects the area being welded from atmospheric contamination.The gasless systems use a fluxcored type wire that has fluxes built in to the wire that has the same effect as shielding gas.The gas usually produces a better weld than the gasless but there's not much in it.If welding outside then gasless is prefered especially on a winding day.There are systems available that will do gas and gasless.I would suggest that 130amp be the minimum requirement for automotive use but if you intend to do a lot of weld then go for 170amps or higher in a dual system(gas&gasless)that will weld heavier gauge steel and can also do ally and stainless but remember that this wont produce the same quality that tig does on ally and stainless. Tafe will usually recomend that you start with there basic course(nb009 i think) which covers saftey,softsolder,brazing,oxy,oxy cutting,stick,mig,plasma cutting.The course costs about $100 with books and you'll never regret doing it.
Andrew Smith Adam Jackson wrote: > Thanks for the reply. > The mig i'm looking at doesn't require gas > http://www.cigweld.com.au/pages/images/product/welding/022.pdf > > Sorry if this is a stupid question, but what is the gas for? and would the > above mentioned welder be appropriate for my needs? > > Good idea re the tafe courses, thanks i'll give that a try. > > cheers, > Adam > > > I personally would buy a mig, but It really depends on how much/ what you > > plan to do. > > > > here are my thoughts > > > > Mig is only really easier if you can get the settings right for the weld. > > Mig you usually need a gas, stick you dont' , ie mig has ongoing costs of > > bottle hire. > > The weld wire (mig) is cheaper than rods (stick) if you plan to do alot of > > welding. > > MIg usually doesnt produce a slag, stick depending on the rod ( and how > good > > you are) you spend more time with a chipping hammer that with the welder. > > > > I Could I recommend checking out your local tafe to see if youe run night > > time welding courses. I have just finished one cost about $250/per > semester. > > and if you get to know the teachers well, they ussally dont mind if you > > wander in on a different night there is a class and uses the gear, ( and > > probably even help) > > > > Cheers, > > Steve. > --membersozdat------------------------------------------------------- OZDAT Mailing List Please Note:- Send (un)subscribe requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send submissions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] No unauthorised redistribution of this email http://www.ozdat.com/ozdatonline/index.htm http://www.ozdat.com/ozdatonline/listindex.html http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------
