3mm bright steel

[davieh3350]

GMAW...

That's what's known as mig.

TIG should be GTAW but it just don't have the same ring to it as TIG

 

[wr.]

I have been using 3.2 rods, would I be better of using 2.5 or even 1.6

I'd be using 2.5 on 3mm steel if I had to use arc.
MIG would be my first choice and another vote for Warrior. What do you say @MOG?

 

[Ukjay]

Yes slag. You can galv arc weld but I thought you had to clean it first but a previous post says that a pre clean should clear it. Will try again tomorrow with my inverter but you a thinner rod, 2.5 instead of 3.2

To clarify my information in the earlier post - the pre galvanising cleaning processes will remove fluxes, waxes, oils, surface rust etc - but you (the welder operative), will need to remove the slag, which you ommitted in your first post. If your welding is good enough, your weld slag will simply peel off if you have the correct weld amperage to speed ratio.
Galvanising process uses acid baths to clean metalwork prior to dipping into the electrolysis tank, which is why it cleans the surfaces so well.

 

[Coldbrook]

To clarify my information in the earlier post - the pre galvanising cleaning processes will remove fluxes, waxes, oils, surface rust etc - but you (the welder operative), will need to remove the slag, which you ommitted in your first post. If your welding is good enough, your weld slag will simply peel off if you have the correct weld amperage to speed ratio.
Galvanising process uses acid baths to clean metalwork prior to dipping into the electrolysis tank, which is why it cleans the surfaces so well.

Cheers , waiting for some 1.6 rods to arrive. Will try those before committing to a mig.

 

[Beanmetalworks]

Esab rebel is the one to get, arc mig and tig in one machine.had mine few months now and love it

 

[Beanmetalworks]

When I started my company 10 years ago was using a arc welder to start then borrows some money to buy my first mig, within a month it had payed for its self. So much quicker and just all round easier.

 

[Zebbedee]

How difficult is tig to master? Mig is my normal weapon of choice but have done a fair bit of stick welding over the years with a bit of brazing thrown in but never used or even seen tig being used.

 

[davidroberts30]

How difficult is tig to master? Mig is my normal weapon of choice but have done a fair bit of stick welding over the years with a bit of brazing thrown in but never used or even seen tig being used.

ever tried gas welding?

tbf if you can weld ok then you should pick tig up quick

 

[Zebbedee]

ever tried gas welding?

tbf if you can weld ok then you should pick tig up quick

Gas welding I don,t think I have tried, is it worth buying a tig torch for my small inverter welder?

 

[davidroberts30]

Gas welding I don,t think I have tried, is it worth buying a tig torch for my small inverter welder?

You'll need the torch and a bottle of argon plus filler wire

 

[Digester Man]

Cheers , waiting for some 1.6 rods to arrive. Will try those before committing to a mig.

I find 1.6 rods quite hard to use, they burn away so fast. 2.5mm is a lot more forgiving

To be honest I think once you try a Mig you won't go back to the rods, for light steel anyway.