Okay, so I need to get a MIG, quick, and I had a brand name question. Has anyone ever owned or used any Astro Power or Astro Pneumatic Welder? Sorry for the OT, but I've got to buy a MIG by tomorrow for a bit of an emergency. Thank you all very much in advance. -Lucky
Well this is a first. An On Topic question marked as O/T. Sorry I can't help with your question other than keeping it at top.
Never heard of them. -What are you needing to weld? -What are the specs of the welder? -What is your experience in welding with a wire feed?
Okay, how to I change it to mean Off Topic? Sorry about that RASH. I am needing to weld patch panels and rusty ass floors. SPECS: Capacity 1/4” Primary Amps: 34A Welding Amp Range: 30 to 130A Duty Cycle:100-15% Wire Size: 023-.030"/.6-.8mm Spool Size: 4-8"/100-200mm I've used two different MIG machines. One Snap-off and one Lincoln.
OH, wait, I read your message wrong. Scratch the question about changing the topic. That's actually kind of funny. -Lucky
i have an Astro MIG 110,i added a muffin fan in the back so i could weld thicker material without tripping the internal breaker. i like it just fine.
Do yourself a favor and buy a small lincoln. Years from now you will show your kids how to use it, rather then showing them the POS astro you bought as an expensive paper weight. The lincolns are not much more and worth it. Hell, look in your local Craigslist, they pop up every so often. Also, buy a BOTTLE, the "flux core" is crap for anything quality.
At Amazon Specs Sheet from the Maker Page on their site There's a few. Apparently they're made in Italy. That can't be all that bad, it's not China. -Lucky Thanks so far guys.
Oh, undoubtedly on the bottle. Thanks for the advice on that though. And SRI, you paint such a pretty picture! -Lucky
If it's the Italian built one like I had called a Duo Mig, they are a pain in the ass because the wire is never "cold", if you accidently touch the work, even with the trigger not engaged, it will spark and leave a carbon splotch you get clean up or get to weld through... A welder with a steadier hand than I could probably get it to work.
Not exactly my first rodeo. Always ask the guy with all of his fingers in tact but hands (and arms) covered in scars from weld splatter, cuts, ect. He's probably run a few inches of bead or a few turns on a wrench. Oh and to the guys missing fingers, no offence meant, but not exactly a role model.
I guess my post sounded arrogant and a little patronizing but it was the first thing that popped in my head, Man I got too much time on my hands!
i had a lincoln 125 and a miller 130 i had them for about 6 months till i got a lincoln 255 and i have had it for almost 10 years i have purchased 3 other machines (shopmaster 350, 330 abp and a miller mobile unit) since but its still the one that gets used the most Hope that helps Bill
You might look at Hobarts if you decide against this one. I have two of them now, a 125 and a 175 and I love em both. They are owned by Miller now and are pretty much Millers only you don't pay for the blue paint. My 175 even has a Miller gun on it.
Lincoln Pro-Core 100 Any thoughts? With the conversion kit to use a bottle. -Lucky Here's the specs if you don't want to click on the PDF:
Anyone use the Lincoln Handy MIG? Sorry for all the questions, but it's late, I'm bored, and I need a welder by the end of the week. -Lucky
Does that welder you want to buy have to be a 110 volt welder? The short story about buying welders: 1) Buy a name brand-Miller, Lincoln, Hobart. If you ever need parts you will be glad you did. 2) Buy the one with the highest max amps you can afford. 3) Buy one that used the gas, flux core is a PITA. 4) Buy some replacement tips, a roll of wire, welding gloves, and a good helmit. Wear long sleave shirts, when welding. 5) If you do not own a hand held grinder, buy one of those and a few extra grinding wheels, and wear safety glasses. 6) Some welding supply shops sell reconditioned or good used welders at about 1/2 the new price. Gene
Solid advice 50dodge4x4. Unfortunately, it must be 110. Anywhere I'll be working, I won't be able to have a 220 installed. -Lucky
After much deliberation, and a small loan, I've decided to go with the Hobart Handler 140. It's not a Miller or a Lincoln, but it's Made in the USA, and to finalise, Miller and Hobart are both owned by Illinois Tool Works, but Hobart still calls Troy, OH its home, and assembles their welders there. Anyone know about how much a bottle runs? I need to borrow a little more for that. -Lucky PS - Thank you all for your help and debate.
I think you'll be happy with it. It'll have Miller guts and a Miller gun. Like I said, I now have two Hobarts and the newer one has a Miller gun and I like it much better than the Hobart gun. Bottle prices will vary by size. I think you can lease them in some areas. I bought mine quite a while back. Seems the largest bottles available then could only be leased.
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