Welding technique for building a rotisserie

[Guycali]

Hi guys,

Taking MIG welding this semester and was talking to my welding instructor today about capability of MIG welding. I informed him that I want do MIG on auto body, rotisserie, and custom roll cage. He told me MIG won't be strong enough for any structural support, i.e. rotisserie. He suggested to use Arc welding instead.

So for those who had build their own rotisseries, which welding technique did you use? Is MIG good enough for building a roll cage? Can TIG be used on rotisserie and roll cage? Thanks

-Guycali

[phi22b@ck]

SCCA Mandates that GMAW be used for fabricating the cage... I dont know why it wouldnt be strong enough for a cage or rotiserrie, but then again, I learned to weld in my garage about 6 months ago...

I have not finished the cage, but the cage I have was built using MIG process.

Anyone else have thoughts?

[kmack]

I built my rotisserie using a MIG. I have the setup to do ARC also, but I think you can get a little better and cleaner weld using the MIG. It's also easier (IMO) to control the weld to make sure it penetrates fully.

There are guys in this world that can do wonders soley using ARC welding. I'm not one of them. I've used a TIG setup before and absolutely loved it! But of course that type of setup is very expensive (compared to MIG or Arc).

[NCLarry]

For those using MIG to replace floor pans and frame rails (rotisseries too)... do you find Flux is sufficient or is gas required? Many flux MIG units can be purchased for around US$200. I'd rather not buy up if I don't need to.

In either case, I've never welding before but plan to. Figure, practice practice practice will do the trick.

Northern NJ Larry

[kmack]

Using a MIG with the Flux-cored wire will work. But you have to make sure the pans are thicker than the sheet metal of the car, otherwise you'll burn holes in the metal rather quickly.

If you can get a MIG w/ the gas set-up, not only will it weld thinner metal easier and provide you with cleaner welds, the wire will actually be cheaper!

As you mentioned, practice, practice, practice, before you do any welding on the car. Make your mistakes off the car before they become a permanent fixture on your ride.

[zed240au]

I really cant see why mig welder would not be strong enough for the rotisserie i mean i build mine that way and it worked fine the thickest steel was 10 mm mild depend on mig i mean 10 mm is the limit of mine but its sweet for all body stuff and steel up to 10 mm just need a bigger mig if you want to weld thicker

I really prefer the gas mig to the gasless much cleaner and can weld lighter steel easier bit of a pain outside though if its a windy day.

Over here they suggest tig welding for cages

Regards Mick