Limits of this welder?

[Horsehead]

all right ive got a lincoln weldpak 100hd... it runs off of household current, and is rated for welding up to 1/4". i'm sticking with fluxcore right now, because a gas conversion greatly reduces the thickness at which i can maintain good penetration. (says so in the book, if anyone knows why this is then let me know-) I've been practicing a whole lot, and have found that going real slow with the wire speed pretty slow, combined with max power, will def penetrate 1/4" plate. I have assumed i can get by with this welder for a while. Im in the process of doing some frame work right now, if anyone has done some similar work with 115v welding lemme know. Obviously, strength issues come to mind since its frame work. Can i get by with it?

[AnotherCanuck]

I'm hoping that when you say frame work you talking about exhaust hangers or some accessories and NOT frame repair. If you are doing repair work please stop and someone who is either extremely experienced or even better a certified welder take over, unless we're talking trail only. Frame repair should only be undertaken by someone who has mucho experience, run a bead in the wrong direction(or spot) and you could get a nasty surprise when you take a good hit (pot hole, railway xing) at 50. You said you are practising alot, I'd reccomend doing you first projects on non-critical parts of the truck (bumpers and the like). If you choose to ignore this advice please state your location and vehicle type as a warning for others who read this...
BTW, I wouldn't do frame repair with that machine. You really need about 70%+ penetration on frame work, it is considered a structural component of the vehicle and is subject to stress' that are huge. I am working on a 3/8" struct. component right now and all of my filler has gone in at 180 amps to achieve (min) 70% on the first pass. Then I put four more on top to bring it up to code, not trying to bag you just hoping to help you be safe...

[Horsehead]

thanks for your input, that is exactly what i needed to know.

[Dirty85yota]

I have done alot of frame repair with my Hobart 135amp mig welder, flux core wire, and no shielding gas. The strength is great if you do the right prep work and get the right penitration. I have been a weldor for years and went to school for welding. So unless you have the right training I would read alot and take some classes befor trying your hand at repairing your frame.

[dittohead]

Your prep is critical with those welders. I have built 2 trucks using one of those welders, and have had ZERO problems, and my current truck is also used on the road. I cant stress to you enough about prepping the area to be welded. You will have to bevel out alot and do several passes to get adequate pentration/filler. 1/4" is pushing it though. I have since upgraded to a miller 175 and its all i will ever need. I now use shielding gas so going to the largr welder was mandatory. Definitetly do smaller, more non important parts first, before attempting ANY structural repairs. The size of the machine wont make up for lack of experience. I had a guy the other day ask me why i was welding up in a vertical weld:shaking: He had done a fair bit of welding but never saw "veritical up" welding before:eek:

[trainrech]

One other thing you'll run into with the lighter welders is the duty cycle. For example, on the highest setting my Lincoln 225-S is only good for 20%. I don't plan to spend a lot of time (if any) at that setting, but it is something to consider.

Oh, and for vertical welds always fill 'em up and wash 'em down.