Just for the sake of differing thoughts... I own a Forney 180 and have to say it's a very very good machine. I'd seriously add the brand to your list. having used Miller and Hobart I'd say it is just as good of a machine. I can weld up to 1/2" and have done so with good strong results.
No... Oxy welding is when you are "liquifing" both metals you are joining and adding a filler rod "of the same material" to complete the welding process. Brazing is usually done with another "alloy" such as bronz, brass, silver, maganese, etc... depending on what you are joining. You are "NOT" welding but simply joining two pieces of similiar or dissimiliar metals together by heat bonding process. Basically in a chemistry look, you are opening up the pours of the metal and letting a other metal flow into them and creating a grasp. Welding is Fusion. Turning two metals into one piece
Forney welding equiptment has been around for a loooooog time! They are just not publisized like others, good point Pete!
Pantelis just reminded me...I picked up a millermatic 200 a few weeks ago...now just waiting for the electrician to instal a 50 plug/breaker and fab up and extension cord so I can play some. I did get to test it some with a buddy who picked it up for me and he says I'm pretty good for a zero time welder...ill see if I can post a pic.
For what i see from the picture you are PERFECT not only good , the machine looks good and robust , perfect for your needs. Keep the gun always with two hands more stability Dont pull the gun but push it the wire front then the gun T position pull the gun when you weld from up to down always try to be in a position that can see the wire dont keep the gun too high more splashes Dont overdo with much amps-heat , destroy the parts , good prepairations means good and robust weld blue -violet means good weld orange-red means destroy the parts i have some break crankcases when can i sent them ???? Enjoy your new machine friend
Using more for alu welds in big distance, but no problem with simple metals , its watercooled , for the price start from about 3000 euros the 15 meters
Need TIG for Mag case welding...? welder dave can jump in and correct me though...a nice syncrowave 250 or a Dynasty 300 maybe ? ( don't know how to translate that into 'Lincoln' )
I am going to take a stab at why .......... that distance will definately heat up the relatively small wire due to voltage drop issues. Probably one good reason why the controlls are closer to the gun.
The machine is watercool a special option ( can buy it with or without watercool ) depend on what you weld more , no matter if you put a short gun or a 25 meters gun the controls are more close to the operator for dont go back 25 meters nothing else why watercooled because the water can cool faster the all system than the air , so simple Yes need Tig for mgnesium the translation is AC DC pulse or double pulse welding machines for all brands if no AC DC no weld alu, mag or other special materials pulse or d-pulse give a stronger welding no splashes and better looking weld , but a better looking weld mean ALWAYS a more stronger weld writte this to your head. Root weld is if you make roots in two materials after make them V shape , top class migs can make roots , but the best way is the TIG for example you can weld two tubes 2 - 3 mm thick from inside first pass , and then finish the welding with one-two passed form outside this give more robust weld specialy in high pressure this is the TIG MAGIC