Eastwood Live Beginners MIG Welding Demo Q&A- We Answer Your Questions!

Ever wish you had direct access to an Eastwood Expert to show you how to Do The Job Right?….Recently we held a Live MIG welding Demo where I showed some of the basics of MIG welding and how to correct subpar welds. During the demo we offered a live chat room where an Eastwood Expert answered some basic questions and I also answered some live during the demo. We did run out of time and missed answering some of the questions, so we decided to offer them up here. If you have a question or suggestion for a future Live Demo, please drop us a line!

-Matt/EW

1. vmwhitaker Any chance of getting a DVD of this program?
A: Unfortunately we won’t be offering a DVD of the program, but you can watch the video on our YouTube page: Click Here to Watch

2. JPower6210 8 – 10 what?
A: 8-10CFH indoors for general sheet metal or light duty fabrication work. You will need higher gas flow for hard to reach joints, weld positions, heavy fabrication or also outdoors.

3. waynearny How about some examples of sheet metal weld techniques?
A:Thanks for the request, we’ll try and work sheet metal welding into our next demo.

4. leonzak Can you demo sheetmetal?
A:Thanks for the request, we’ll try and work sheet metal welding into our next demo.

5. Michaelaw If I am working on car, do I need to worry about gasoline fumes from the tank?
A: The simple answer is yes. But, most automotive fuel systems are closed and should not be leaking much if any fuel fumes. If you are welding near an area that has a fuel line, or is prone to fuel fume leakage, we suggest shielding over sealing the area and then covering it with a welding blanket.

6. rwhca if you were to buy one welder for automotive restoration — MIG or TIG?
A: For general automotive work MIG is most definitely the best all around machine. TIG welding is very nice and produces clean, slag-free welds, but it requires a lot more technique and preparation to get a clean weld.

7. TerryJOMT When you ran that last bead, did you move the arc in a circle or a U shaped pattern?
A: I moved in a circle pattern with the welds in this demo.

8. amsoilguy Are there guidelines for settings based on metal thicknesses?
A: Yes, each machine is different and usually there are settings printed on the machine with baselines for each situation. Remember these settings are WITHOUT an extension cord. Also remember settings can change with size of the wire being used.

9. rubber2theroad see, what’s the spray on product name Matt was recommending for flux
A: I was referring to our Eastwood “Anti-Spatter”. It can be found here: https://www.eastwood.com/ew-paintable-welding-anti-spatter-14-oz-aerosol.html

10. toddgaron On the gas setting 8-10 CFM or L/min
A: 8-10CFH indoors for general sheet metal or light duty fabrication work. You will need higher gas flow for hard to reach joints, weld positions, heavy fabrication or also outdoors.

11. Mreship Thank you, can we talk about a 135 versus a 175 machine?
A: The 135 can do the majority of your general autobody repair and light fabrication. With proper joint preparation you can do some heavier fabrication, but major chassis and suspension fabrication would be required to use the 175. Additionally the MIG 175 can weld aluminum with the included spoolgun.

12. rmvlt1100 can the 110 volt welder be used for chassis work?
A: It all depends on what you’re welding. If you prepare the joint correctly and have correct technique you can do some light to medium duty chassis work. The MIG 175 would handle most all chassis work on an auto with ease.

13. oneill7777 How do you determine volts & wire speed when welding 2 different thicknesses of metal?
A: This would more be a matter of technique. I’d adjust the settings to weld the thicker of the 2 pieces and then you want to favor your puddle/heat onto the thicker piece to avoid burning through the lighter gauge piece of metal.