Stuck with MIG over stick for a boiler patch last Wednesday

I know everyone swears by stick welding for repair work, but I grabbed the MIG gun on a 1/4" steel patch because it was faster. Got the job done in 40 minutes with no slag to chip. Has anyone else had better luck with wire feed on boiler repairs?

2 comments

2 Comments

mary77610d ago

Man, you say "got the job done in 40 minutes with no slag to chip," but I gotta ask - did you check for porosity or any pinholes after you were done? I mean, I get the appeal of moving fast, but on boiler repair, I worry about gas coverage with the wind or any draft in the shop. Idk, maybe it's just me being paranoid, but I've seen MIG leave tiny voids on thicker plate that can become a problem with steam pressure over time. How solid was that weld after you ran it?

hannahw309d ago

Nah, you're not being paranoid at all - that "no slag to chip" line actually got me thinking too. I used to swear by stick for boiler work because I figured MIG would always leave some hidden porosity, especially on thicker stuff. But honestly, after watching a buddy run a dual shield wire on a boiler tube repair last month with zero wind issues in the shop, it kinda changed my mind. He did a dye pen test after and there was nothing, so I think modern gas setups with a good shroud can handle drafts way better than people give em credit for. Still, I'd never trust it outside on a windy day, but if the shop is sealed up tight, I'm starting to come around to it.