110 mig for .125” wall tubing?

[RacerX]

I’ve been doing a lot of reading about welding a cage into my Jeep. Planning to buy pre-bent tubes to bolster the factory cage into a family cage. I’ll add gussets and triangulation for strength. My goal is to enable shoulder belts in the back seat and to add the safety margin.

The cage is 2”od HREW tubing that has 1/8”(.125”) wall thickness.

Some internet experts argue a 110 mig can’t get the weld penetration that a 220 can... However, the other internet experts argue that 110 is perfectly fine using the right gas, wire, heat setting and wire speed.

I welded my bronco cage using the same Hobart 140 machine but now that kids are in the picture I’m actually going to ask the question. My machine generates enough heat for a nice blue heat line following the weld bead inside 3/16” steel without maxing the power setting.

Thoughts? I think it’s fine...but curious.

Thanks.

 

[LeeMajors]

If it's a 140 amp. That's more than plenty With 75/25 gas and .030 wire. I'd trust my life to it. (If I welded it )

 

[Ben Jefferson]

It's plenty of welder for the purpose!

I might dispute that if you were needing to meet NHRA specifications.

Use gas, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice,!

 

[Ben Jefferson]

Note: use solid wire with gas!

 

[BowWow]

….. You will be fine welding 1/8" tubing with that. It doesn't have the cycle duty of a bigger welder, so it might take a little longer...... But a 140 amp wire welder should have no issues with 1/8" steel.

The only advantage a larger welder would give you in your situation is being able to weld longer without letting the welder "rest".

 

[RacerX]

Thanks guys. That’s what I was thinking too, but certainly appreciate the confirmation.

I’m running .030 wire and 75/25 gas. I can hold my own with a welder....

Thanks again guys!!!