welder/welding suspension question...

T

timdhawk

Member
Hey fellas...question for ya. I have a Clarke 130 welder rated for up to 3/16". My suspension parts are 3/16". Although its been a great welder over the years, I wonder if its truly good enough to use on critical suspension parts.
Should I try to find a slightly bigger one for the added umpf, or as long as my penetration is good just use my current one?

opinions/suggestions...? Go!
 
Please let me know in advance if you're planning a road trip anywhere near me.
Or, purchase a real welding machine.
 
Should probably get higher amperage welder but with proper chamfering and pre-heating of the weld area you could get away with it.
 
If you have CRITICAL suspension parts to be welded, find a certified welder and take it to them. You are betting your life (and innocent others) on this.
 
Unless you have been properly trained and are up to date with your skill set you are asking for trouble doing critical welds. You can get away with so-so work on sheet metal that doesn't see a lot of stress. Serious welders are regularly tested and retained. Don't risk your life to save a couple of bucks. IMHO.
 
Rather than buying a new welder. Why not fit up and tack with your present equipment? Then take it to a qualified weldor to finish weld. You will save money and can feel confident that your "critical suspension parts" have been welded correctly and safely.
 
All our chassis and parts are tig welded by a certified welder with over 30 years experience. Have not had any problems related to welds to date. Don't take any chances, having your suspension welded by an experienced certified welder isn't that expensive.
 
I guess maybe critical might mean different things to different people...allow me to clarify.
I'm putting in a custom triangulated 2 link rear suspension for airbags.
My welder is a Clarke 130 e/n. It runs on 120v and has a 130 peak amp rating.
I'm comfortable with my skills to run the straight flat beads needed to install this set up and was just wondering if my 130 amp welder would have enough to get the job done.
 
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Good for 3/16" on a single pass. You can always do multi pass. Just the root pass is critical, full pen welds. Are your welds excellent with full penetration in all positions? My experience is on larger Miller machines, and you may want to look at a larger machine - www.usawelds.com has some excellent machines, and I have used them and very impressed with the ease of set up and quality welds. They have excellent customer service. The Miller 180, and the 211 are excellent machines. Ease of setup,
work on both 110 and 220 single phase. Try looking at www.weldingtipsandtricks.com - Jody has some great info on all types of welding. Look up his vids on MIG or GMAW welding.
 
To me, the simple answer is "it depends on the operator". The 130 Amp machine will have plenty of power for plunging a 3/32" electrode through for a keyhole root if, as someone already mentioned, there is reasonable preparation.

The fact that you have asked this question is admirable but, it also calls in to question whether or not a professional level operator might be a good choice.
 
Looks to me like the chassis is at the stage where it would be easy to take it to a professional welder and then you know it's done correctly.
 
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