[python] Re: brazing vs. welding

I have a little 110v MIG welder that also takes a shield gas if I wish to
use it.  I also have access to a TIG machine at work if I want to do a
little welding at lunch time.  I like the TIG when I need a high quality
bead, am welding 3/8" or thicker steel, or want/need a very pretty bead.  I
prefer the MIG welder because of its ease of use, it's speed and its
flexibility.  It produces a convex bead vs a concave bead like a TIG, but it
will weld anywhere from .035 up to .250 with no problems.  Without the
shield gas, the MIG welder welds just like ARC, with lots of spatter and
discoloration.  With the gas, it produces an ARC-like bead, but no spatter
(or very little).

Thankfully, the cost of TIG machines is coming down fast.  They have new,
small, machines over here in North America called "inverters".  They run on
110 or 230v, they are so small and light they come with a shoulder strap,
and they can put out up to 150A - which is enough to weld 1/2" steel with (I
know, because I've done it :))  The only drawback is that they are DC only,
so that means you can't weld AL with them, which needs AC.  Other than that
though, they are a great little piece of equipment and are down around $1000
US or less now.  For the more cost-conscious builders, like me, I spend
about $400 Cdn and got my little MIG welder, and spent another $75 on a
regulator and run it with the shield gas (C25).  I'm very happy with the
little welder (a Lincoln MIG PAC 10) and would highly recommend it after 2
years of fairly steady use.


> Thanks Ralf for the detailed info. The Rothenberger kit really seems to
> be for smaller tasks than building a recumbent frame.
>
> Torben Scheel once brazed his python:
> http://www.scheel.net/HPV/Python/default.asp
>
> Brazing is suitable for skilled persons. You have to be very accurate
> and need a lot experience with the right temperatures.
>
> Arc welding is way easier and faster. With tubing walls of 1.5 mm the
> frame will be rock solid and the seams won´t break even if your
> welding is bad.
>
> My personal opinion:
>
> Stick welding is too coarse for my taste
> MIG or MAG welding with wire feed is easiest
> Oxyacetylene welding can be very precise but needs some skill
> TIG welding is state of the art (I wish I had one)
>
> Jürgen.

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