how thick do we really weld, what welder to buy?

I love my miller 210 but pricey

 

I agree 100% with the power issue of 110 vs. 220volt welder. I use a Lincoln idealarc 250 and it works well. We have it reverse polarity so you can tig better. Although it is a scratch arc machine. I like the Miller Maxstar 200 with lift arc. This is a nice stick/tig unit. Unless you are doing it for a living it might not be a good choice due to price. I I were to go Mig I like the miller 212 millermatic or 252 millermatic. Both are great machines.

 

As far as migs I originally had a Clarke130 amp 110V mig. I used it for several years and did quite a bit of welding with it but sometimes it just really wasn't enough. I also had a miller 250 amp arc welder. I finally decided I needed to step up to a 220 machine. I bought a miller 175 mig and sold my 110V one. I definitely don't regret it. One thing I really like on the miller 175 versus the lincoln 170 is the miller is infinitely adjustable. If you can afford it, go ahead and get a smaller 220V machine. Thats not to say the 110V machine if its a good one wont get the job done if used properly. You realize now that your getting a welder, you will want a plasma cutter or torch right?

John

 

Figure out what your budget is and get the absolute biggest one you can. Granted you might not weld 1/2" plate on a reg. basis but it would be nice to not have to sub the work out to someone else if the time does occur.

 

I have an old Linde 220 stick. I firmly believe it would weld two battleships together. Thickness is not an issue.

I want a welder for the 95% of stuff I want to weld. It all seems thing. Less than 1/4 inch. Most seems 1/8 or less.

To fit the bill, it seems I need a 110, with the option of sheilding gas, variable output and polarity reversability. Do I have it all? Lincoln, Miller, Clarke, or any other good name brand is fine. All are good.

Anything else?

Thanks and keep the information comming.....................

 

I've said before the Hobart Handler series in 110 volts. I have an old Handler 125, amazing machine. Andrew (1970 CJ6) just bought a Handler 175 (?) and he seems to like it. Gas hook ups and everything. I didn't know migs were polar reversible?

 

Polarity reverse if for shield gas or (rev) flux core. Can't give you the science but to change between the two types of wire polarity must be changed.

Might be surprised on how much 3/16+ you'll end up doing with the ability.
3/16+ bumpers, tire carriers, steering box mounts, sliders...?

X2

 

I've been looking into buying a new welder myself. I think I have decided on the lincoln power mig 180c welder. It the new lincoln portable type model 220v with infinity heat setting and wire speed. Also, looking to buy at homedepot or lowes.. they have the lincoln weld pack, or a Pro mig 180. These welders are slighty diffrent and have lower quality parts.. or so I've read/heard. Look on ebay, prices seem to be very good with shipping. I also heard about the hobart handler 187, and great things about it..

Also, if you ever want to weld aluminum.. you can buy a spool gun attachment for your mig welder - the diffrent brands of welders, the spool gun price varies.. I think the lincoln comes out cheapest for the spool gun setup. Another thing to think about..

 

I used a 110 MIG w/ gas for just about everything and it did well. I had to be patient on the 1/4 stuff though. When it came to welding the new spring hangers all the way around on the CJ5 I borrowed a Hobart 175 (220v) from a friend to get the job done. It was like night and day comparing the 110 vs. 220. I am now in the market for a 220v MIG myself.

 

X2. I welded the motor mounts out of 1/4" plate with my 135 and it worked OK. I beveled the joints from both sides and made multiple passes. Worked like a champ. I probably wouldn't weld anything thicker than 1/4", though. For anything heavier I have a buddy with a stick welder. The 135 with C25 cover gas really does good on the 18 gauge sheet metal for the body panels.

tommy b

 

I bought the Lincoln 175 SP, a 220 volt model. I'm not much of a welder and have limited experience but I have made some decent welds while still practicing. My welder buddies say I got a sweet machine in that some machines of the same identical model will weld better than others.
It's way more than I'll need for a long time and if I take care of it it'll take a guy like me forever to outgrow it. To me it's an extension of my various hobbies.
I believe in getting the best you can afford even if it's more machine than you are capable of using now and you'll have it to grow into.

 

I bought a Miller 185 in January '98 and it has been a great machine.Most of my welding is repairing my equipment and heavy material.I have used a Miller 135 110 volt machine and was VERY impressed with it!I think I am going to buy a 135 for doing the Jeep work.

 

I have a Hobart Handler 135 and it works great with sheet metal and have done all of my frame welding with it except when I fabricated the outboard spring brackets (I used the 220v at school). Like what some have been saying, if you decide on a 110v, just make sure you prep the joints well; beveling and such...

I wanted a 220v but I had to get a new circuit installed in the house, which means upgrading the panel also...in my case

I don't know if there's a scientific/electrical proof to this but I've switched to flux core a couple of times when welding thicker frame brackets. It just seems to be "hotter" and penetrate better...??

 

What do you guys think of those harbor freight mig welders?

 

While mine did most of my body work and I thought it was ok. Then i got my Hobart handler 140 and I realized how bad that HF welder was. I can weld thinner and thicker and the weld actually looks like a weld and not a bunch of globules of metal stuck to some other metal.

My 140 this weekend welded some 1/2in steel after some serious beveling and a total of 4 passes( 2 on each side). I would not use this for stuctural stuff but I was making some narrow steel into wide steel.

 

Here's a Gomer Pile question from someone that would like to start welding. Whats the difference in mig, mig with gas, and tig. I know you can do aluminum and detailed welding with an ac/dc tig, plus they are rediculously expensive and I have yet to win the lottery to be able to sup[port myself and kids. Can mig with gas get the job done just as well as tig?

 

Here's a couple of sites that should give you some help in making a selection and some tips on MIG welding procedure.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/helpmechoose/

http://www.millerwelds.com/education/tech_tips/MIG_tips/

tommy b

 

Looking for something that will do an outstanding job on body panels, and an okay job on frame repairs, spring/shackle hangers, bracketry, and the like. There is a Lincoln 135 for sale locally on CL that includes a bottle, cart, and auto darkening helmet. Seems like a good deal for the package. Would this be enough welder for me?

 

Yup it should great for your needs Clint. We use a older Lincoln 100 w/gas at work for panels and it works well. Use it at least 10 hours a week.