nfsommer

I am looking to build a tube chassis rock crawler and make my own bumpers for my trucks and similar projects like that, I was wondering if this machine would be able to handle the projects i have in mind.

I am posting pictures of projects i have in mind (examples)






here is the machine im looking at..

Miller Syncrowave 250

http://store.cyberweld.com/milsyn250dx.html

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...rowave_250_dx/

t-boe

For projects like that it might be a bit big. But it's better to have it and not need it that to need it and not have it. It's quite a chunk of change, but it's probably worth it if you plan on using it alot.

clutch1

if you plan on doing alot of fabricating, if you dont have one invest in a plasma cutter, they're the way to go

P.J

Better look into a tubing bender for jobs like that....

That Miller is like a production machine, more than the average back yard builder will ever need.

Box5

yea, thats a nice tig. even the miller 180 is plenty tig for that kind of work. I recently bought a mm175, and it does anything i can think of except aluminum because I don't have the spool gun, but I didn't get it for aluminum work. Tig is nice for small stuff that you can put on a work bench or have level access to. But I enjoy the mig being able to weld in any position with a second hand free if needed, plus tig is hard, lol.

a couple others to check out would be

ThermalArc 185
HTP invertig 201
Miller 180SD
Lincoln Precision Tig 185

nfsommer

thank you guys.

P.J. you have any recomendations for tube benders? i have a friend who can bend up to 2" tubes but i dont want to have to rely on him.

also, any recomendations for a plasma cutter?

annabelle

Get a wire feed. It will make you look like a pro.

Clayten

All you need is a DC machine 200 amps or less, a flow gauge, and a tig torch. I am sure most of this can be bought used and possibly under $800. With the savings you will need a cut off saw and a pipe bender that you can use with a hydraulic jack. As your experience and jobs grow then you will be able to get the fancy toys.
Being that you are just starting I would suggest you get a mig first and then go for the tig. The mig is much more user friendly and way faster.

Box5

you can lay a good bead on a mig ur first time if u use a smooth stroke, a tig take's alot more practice, and like he said ^ it's slow.

annabelle

TIG is more than you need....MIG is cheaper and easier to use. Not quite as versitile.

t-boe

With a tig you can control the temperature much easier. If you've ever used a gas welder it's the same basic procedure. I really like tigs and would buy one if I knew I'd use it alot. A mig is alot more versatile though. Not as pretty when it comes to welds, works good though

Muddin_dude06

I would agree and get a MIG, they are very user friendly and with enough practice will be able to lay an un-breakable bead in any position. I make bumpers and other custom fab stuff from time to time and I will tell you patience is the best thing to have IMO.

nfsommer

to my understanding i have been told if i was going to build a rock crawler id need a tig because of the strength vs a mig?

annabelle

What metal are you using(for tubing)?

t-boe

The only reason is temperature control. That way you know your getting a consitent weld everytime. Also, if your going to spend the big bucks on a tig get an AC/DC. That way you can weld aluminum. Straight DC is ferrous only.