Welding frame plates?

[88trailblazer]

This is really for a Heep that i'm building, but i think it really falls under general mechanics. I don't currently own a welder nor have i used one before. I do have freinds and my brother that have offerred to help show me so I plan to buy one, but i have a couple of questions first.

Considering all of the work listed below, would you recomend an ARC or MIG welder? I know that MIG is easier, but remember i'll be learning for the first time so i don't mind learning the harder technics now. Besides i'll get tons of practice on this project. Also which would be better in regards to strength?

WELDING PROJECTS

This is a frame up build and don't worry, it'll be running a complete Chevy drivetrain. Now because i don't want to redo this any time soon, i'm spending a little more time and money to do it right.

One thing on the list is to repair some "frame repairs" that the previous owner did by grinding down his welds, grinding out a grove down any hair line cracks, then fill in those new groves with welds followed by a guick grinding. The two cracks on the inside of the frame will get 1/4 plates welded over them for added strenght.

The next thing on the list is to weld on M.O.R.E 3/16" thick frame plates that go on the outside of the frame (covers all but 3.5ft in the middle of the frame)

I also need to weld on spring perches, motor mounts and the front BTF Fullwidth Kit/bumper and rear BTF stretch kit/bumper. I'm pretty sure these are both 1/4inch steel at the mounting points.

 

[TucsonK5]

I'll put in my opinion: 220v MIG. Welding vertical (like you'll be doing on the frame) is hard enough without having to learn how to control the pool with SMAW (arc), but it's still not easy even with MIG. Price difference will be significant (about 2x more for the MIG), but will probably give better results. 120v MIG will not have enough juice to really have good solid welds on thicker material (3/16"+) without doing multipasses. Arc will get the job done, but will be a bit harder. I have owned an arc welder for about 10 years and I still don't consider myself good at arc welding. I can do everything I want with my MIG (Lincoln 180).

 

[tourdog]

a good rule of thumb is old work or repare with arc new work and new steel mig is better mig is little more prep but is easy to lean migs dont really like paint or rust arc is lot more forgiven in those areas

 

[cegusman]

I just picked up a 220v Miller 180 Mig for $850 with a cart. Spent about $1300 all together with the Gas Cylinder, helmet, gloves, 25' extension cord and a few extra things here and there. So far love the machine. Now I just need to practice welding some more before I weld anything to the truck. lol

 

[88trailblazer]

Finaly bought a Clarke welder but i decided to go with their 220v 180amp welder and i opted for the WE8000 kit which came with everything below. It all came out to $530 with FREE shipping.


Gas conversion kit, cart, Auto-Dark helmet and hand-held mask, replacement tips, wire brush and hammer, 2 spools of wire (.023 MIG WIRE / .035 FLUXCORE WIRE) and instructional video