9 replies to this topic

[mini e tom]

Are gasless mig welders any good ??

Some people say there crap but others say there little difference so im a wee bit confused

i dont want to shed out money for somthin thats useless lol

thanks tom

[tadleysimon]

ive never heard anything good about them. bloke at work has been a welder for 20 odd years and he told me to stay clear of them.

[midridge2]

There has been many postings on this forum asking the same question, some people dont like them and some do.
In my experiance of using mig welders since they were invented i find the gasless mig just the same as a gas mig except the weld is bulkier.

[Paul Wiginton]

Ive been a welder for over 20 years, there is no major difference. Instead of gas there is a fluxed core in the wire so the weld is messier but cleans up just the same as normal with a grinder. Make sure you wire brush all the dirty flux marks as its corrosive.
Ideal if youre welding outside and its windy, usually cheaper.
Argon/CO2 mix is the best though

Paul

[clambert81]

I've used both. as has been said there is little difference when the weld is cleaned up. I'd recommend the type that will take gas as it can be used with or without the cored wire. If you are going to be welding where it's draughty then the cored wire is best. Try welding outside with a gas type mig in a Breeze! I've the scars to prove it

[cobblers]

I was told that gasless is less good at welding to thinner metal, and when welding up a mates VW van with some gasless wire (after we ran out of gas and normal wire) we certainly ended up blowing a LOT more holes where the metal was thin. It's also annoying to have to constantly wire brush the area.

[Ethel]

It's not an either or choice, a gasless mig can be set up to run gas. I'd buy gasless for hobby use, it will always be available for odd jobs and you can upgrade with a cylinder if the need arises.

[Burnard]

well the MOT garage i took my car to said the welding was better than most of the 'professional' welding that they see.

I welded my own car with very little experience and a gas-less MIG welder.

[Sherlock]

It's not an either or choice, a gasless mig can be set up to run gas. I'd buy gasless for hobby use, it will always be available for odd jobs and you can upgrade with a cylinder if the need arises.

Couldn't agree more, that's what I did & although there are differences between the 2 types of weld, I got on quite well with gasless but it took me a long time to learn, it will never look quite as neat as gas type, but it's priceless if you run out of gas with a couple of minutes welding left to do! Also, if using gasless, anti-spatter spray is essential.

[l_jonez]

i've used both for years, personally i prefer it with gas as it doesn't burn as hot so is easier to use on body work but theres nothing wrong with gassless it just needs getting used to.