I have searched the forum because I thought this was asked but could not find anything... I am looking to buy a good welder. I am best at MIG welding (though it has been 4-5 years since I have used one). My garage is set up for 220... What should I look for in a welder or a recommended brand/model? I have used a Lincoln and a Millermatic.... As for what I plan it to use it for.... mainly patch panels and making brackets and things of that nature.... Mostly body shop related stuff. Any recommends? Thanks
I have A Millermatic 175 220v. You can't go wrong buying quality. I had a Miller Econotwin 150 that I TIGed with that had High Freq. I would liike to buy a new Miller TIG when I get the chance.
I have a Miller 251 220v and have a 252 new version of 251 with pulse ordered for the shop... I have had my 251 for a few years of full time shop use and it has never missed a beat. If you go tig, I have a Miller 180SD.that I really like..... Jason.
im actually using a Linde, but ive used both Lincoln and Miller, they are both pretty comparable. personally if i had to buy a new welder i would get a Lincoln Power MIG 255C
I'm still using a Miller 35 I bought about 35 years ago. Only thing I have done to it is put a Tweco gun on it.
There both good as is linde,and hobart,dont get off on a brand ,look for adjustability and duty cycle,and make sure to get gas .The older welders use copper windings and tend to have a higher duty cycles than some newer stuff due to aluminum windings.
Just bought a Miller 180. I absolutely LOVE it for flexability...it will weld up to and beyond what it claims, and, it is still good for sheetmetal. Its versatile, small, cheap, and functional.
Buy more welder than you think you need. I bought a Lincoln wirefeed MIG years ago and find that now I weld more that patch panels and exhaust, it isn't enough. I like the new 255s. Get the gas. Feel the burn.
I had a 110v MIG up until a few weeks ago, and it ****ped out on me. I upgraded to a Lincoln 175HD new in the box on ebay for $430 shipped. The next best deal was a refurb Hobart 187 at Toolking.com I'm really liking the 220v Lincoln... it's a whole new world of easy welding! On the other hand, I would have jumped at a TIG had I found one for the right price... c'est la vie. Ben
I have a lincoln 255, i think its to much welder for body shop stuff, I would IMO suggest looking at a 175, rather miller or lincoln, My next purchase is a syncrowawe 200....
If this welder you are looking for is going into your garage I would suggest getting more welder than what you need. You will never know when you will need it for something else. Whats the sence in buying an inadequate tool? If you go to your finer welding supply places sometimes they will have open houses so you can try out products. If they fix welders too, then sometimes they will have welders set up in the back for customers to try out. Just ask the clerk if you can demo some welders. Look for duty cycles and buy name brand too. so that if something does break shops will have parts available to repair it. I have a Millermatic Syncrowave 251 and I really like it alot. I've welded with Lincoln's they are good too, but I prefer Millers. Find a shop that specializes in welding and talk to the people that work there because they can set you straight on what it is you need exactly.
The Jalopy Journal
