Welding Experts... Advice wanted...TIG or MIG... New Rock Krawler 3-link

uncc civilengineer

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Winston Salem, NC

• Dec 14, 2006

• #1

Ok, I just bolted on my long arm brackets from Rock Krawler's new version of their 3-link...

Should I TIG them or MIG them? My cousin has both at his shop but I wanted to see if anyone could persuade me one way or the other...

I'll post some pics of the install and afters as the lift goes on. Its going to be pretty slow b/c we're regearing at the same time.

Thanks,
Chris

 

C

Chark

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Member

• Dec 14, 2006

• #2

I've got both in my shop also...but being I fab chemical tanks and piping to ASME code for a living.....I like to TIG on something that I truly want to see the penetration. I must be very clean though the MIG is fast but I seem to just be most picky on real critical stuff.

 

T

tealcherokee

NAXJA Forum User

Location

CT

• Dec 14, 2006

• #3

mig it, and be done w/ it

when i do the RK kits i just burn the out side, and like an inch at each end of the inside, never had one come back

 

Slip Kid

That'll buff right out

Location

A cornfield in IL

• Dec 14, 2006

• #4

If you want it done the best (and you're good at it) then TIG it. TIG in the right hands is the best for everything. Unless you want it done fast or easy

 

aparke4

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Atlanta, Ga

• Dec 18, 2006

• #5

can you post pics of your install? i am installing mine soon and would like some for all the mounting and stuff... thanks

 

caglezxj

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Alabama

• Dec 18, 2006

• #6

Tig will give you the best penetration. Mig is quick and simple. I think Tig leaves a better looking weld also. At work I try to Tig everything I build. But I do not have a Tig welder at home. I will soon though.

 

P

ponyracer1

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Crestview, Fl

• Dec 18, 2006

• #7

Tig is nice but for what your doing just mig it. You'll get fine penetration with a decent mig, plus you don't have to worry about it being as clean.

 

T

The_Pitbull

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Edmonton,Canada

• Dec 18, 2006

• #8

In my opinion, which ever one the guy doing the welding is more skilled/ comfortable with. Both will provide the strength needed...when done correctly.

 

uncc civilengineer

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Winston Salem, NC

• Dec 18, 2006

• #9

Thanks everyone.. We ended up using the Millermatic 210 to MIG the brackets on. We dicided that since it was a little cold we didnt want to mess with the TIG. Also after looking at it further it was going to be a hassle to TIG it laying on your back and all..

IT looks plenty strong and we decided to do stitch welds 1.25-inch long and left approx. 1/2-inch space between them.

Chris

I"ll get some pictures of the install up soon.. Its a little different b/c we're re-gearing at the same time.

 

twisted_ed

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada

• Dec 18, 2006

• #10

Well my welding shop teacher once said "Mig is quick and effective, but you can do a good looking weld or a crappy lookin welds and still have no penetration, a tig can look like crap but its going to have penetration (assuming you have some basic welding skills.)"

Given the choice, tig it.

 

uncc civilengineer

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Winston Salem, NC

• Dec 18, 2006

• #11

It's already done... as stated TIGing upside down isnt much fun.....

 

M

MudDawg

NAXJA Member #728

Location

Central Florida

• Dec 18, 2006

• #12

Unfortunately, any type of weld can LOOK good and still be crap. Proper fit-up has as much to do with strenght as the technique.