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/

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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?

 

What metal are you using(for tubing)?

 

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.