MIG in tight corners

[TIP Jrud]

I recently just welded my first roll cage. I am using a MM210 with the M25 gun. The way I wanted the cage to fit in the chassis and the way the gun would've liked it to fit, didn't completely agree in some spots. Since then I have been researching a smaller or at least more flexible gun option.

The material I am welding is 1.75x0.095 DOM tubing, the floor plates are 12 gauge steel and the gussets are 18 gauge. I have been using 0.030 wire with C25.

I have been looking at the tweco mini gun and it looks like it could be a good option, but I can't really tell how small it is and I haven't been able to find any true dimensions on any of the websites.

I have also looked at the tapered contact tips. What nozzle should I use with them. I am currently using the 1/2" orifice flush nozzle. It looks like the tapered tips are a little longer than the standard tips.

Any help or opinions would be appreciated. I'm a little new to the picking my own equipment side of welding. Thanks.

Tim

[Extreme Steel]

Why don't you use Flux-core wire and take the nozzle off the gun? also make sure the tip has no contact with the metal. just a thought.

[TIP Jrud]

I would like to think of that as a last resort. I would rather try and find a way to still use solid wire and gas for all the of the cage if I can. If there is no other way, then i would consider flux core.

[Sundown]

If you are going to need to do a good amount of this tight stuff then you may want to look on ebay for a M-10 gun, I have seen new ones go for about $60-$65. It hooks right up, I have one for my MM210 and use it when I need a smaller gun.

[TomVeatch]

...I have also looked at the tapered contact tips. What nozzle should I use with them. ...

Check 3rd page of the MM251 brochure - consumables for the M25 gun. It shows 2 sizes of tapered nozzle, 3/8" and 11/32", with part numbers.

[TIP Jrud]

How much smaller is the M10 gun versus the M25?

Thanks Tom, I couldn't find the tapered nozzles when I was browsing through consumables for the 210 for some reason. Maybe I missed them.

[JonnyTIG]

I can't offer advice on which gun fits your application, but in my experiences the tapered tips (pipeliners) and nozzles will get almost any job done. I've used them in plenty of tight fit-ups, and they work pretty good. One thing I've had to do is turn up the gas flow and move a little slower in the real tight places, so adequate shielding was present. I use a Bernard QT-2 45 gun, usually with .035" for this application. I've used smaller set-ups, but not with the tapered tips and nozzles.

[Sundown]

How much smaller is the M10 gun versus the M25? <snip>

Heres a picture, in the picture it looks like there is not as much difference is there accually is, IMO. There is also a weight difference in both the gun and the line.

[paulrbrown]

M-10, your wrist will appreciate it as much as you do...hope this helps, Paul, also consider putting the trigger on top, this can be to advantage sometime, it also uses different muscles/tendons to operate so you might not get as tired/sore.....

[84ZMike]

Why don't you use Flux-core wire and take the nozzle off the gun? also make sure the tip has no contact with the metal. just a thought.

F.C. wont pass teck inspection....I know FatFab did one.....in my book it will work fine.....I however don't write the book used by the inspectors.....have you looked at a flex neck? http://www.htpweld.com/products/accessories/a1.html TIP Jrud you do know about dropping the cage through the floor to get at the tops right?....had to ask as this is where most run into problems
Good Luck,
Mike