I am going to buy one tomorrow. I am looking at some options...any advice on types and sizes? I found a 110 amp mig real cheap ($125) This will probably do the body stuff but how heavy would it go? Thanks for advice
advice: buy as big a machine as you can afford then spend a little more because the day will come when you wish you had. 110v is for televisions and toasters. get a 220v machine. buy a miller.
If your doing strictly sheet metal you should be alright. After you get proficient you'll want to upgrade to a bigger/better machine. It sounds bargain basement, so make sure consumables are readily available. It doesn't matter how cheap you can get it for if you can't find the proper parts.
+1 for the Miller. I have a 180 and I used it to build my whole truck. Body, light tubing, and frame. definately the way to go. You get what you pay for.
My 2 cents........ all the past posts are right.. if you get the right welder you will be able to do sheet metal and frame's etc.... Just use the right wire size for the right job..
You get what you pay for...cheap welders I've had in the past were just junk. I've got a Miller 180 and it's a great machine. Whatever you end up buying make sure you can use gas and solid wire because flux core sucks...especially on sheet metal.
Good info. I looked at a Millermatic 180 but hated to turn loose of the extra money since I have 7 kids at home but it would be worth it in the long run I'm sure. You have all helped me make up my mind...I'm gonna spend the extra money and tell my wife it was "on sale" just like them damn clothes she buys.
As already posted here get the biggest one that you can afford when you get the money then wait awhile and put more money with it to get the one up from that one. Do it once and, do it right, don't ask me why I say that. Don't forget the HTP brand I have an HTP 200 welds up to 3/8" and down to 26 gauge has also has time lapse and Rate settings also 6 settings for heat with 4 fine tuned settings on each of the 6 heat settings (24 total)and makes me look like a decent welder, just as good if not better than a Miller or Lincoln at less money and takes all the standard consumables. I started with a little Lincoln weld pack but haven't used it at all since I bnought the HTP from Paulweldit. The 110 welders okay up to 1/8 anything over that and it is overtaxed.
Just like Ford guys and Chevy guys there are Miller guys and Lincoln guys. I have used Lincolns most of my life and never had a problem. I have a SP175 MIG machine that will weld up to 3/8 plate and a Precision TIG 225 for Alloy and stainless projects. Buy the absolute best you can afford even if it is a used machine. Most dealers or sellers will be happy to let you try the product before buying. Also buy a good helmet, Lincoln sells a Vista 3000 series that auto darkens and has a large lens that us old farts that wear tri-focals can use.
For personal / home workshop use, as far as MIG i started off with a 110v AstroMig (Cebora Pocket30). Great little machine. Had it for 7 or 8 years, recently gave it to a friend. About a year ago i got a Hobart Handler 210... love the thing. As much as i liked the 110v unit, it was a world of difference. another huge difference between the two: consumables. some of the odd/small brands are a nightmare to find replacement parts and consumables for. The big name brands (miller/hobart, lincoln, esab, etc) are way easy... and consumables are often much cheaper as well.
Ive got a HTP 110V and a 220V miller 175. I really like the HTP and use it almost exclusively, even for mild frame work. I bought it in the early 80's when Jeff Noland first started the company. It's been dead reliable & seems much more solidly built than the Miller. I went back to HTP for my Tig setup last year. Alan
Mark me down to reinforce what everyone is saying. 110 vs 220 Miller machines in my experience are like night and day.
I use a Miller 220 vac regency mig. Panels to frames never have to stop a project due to not enough penetration. Buy once and save in the long run. Usually there are some good deals on used ones.
Where's all the guys that were going on about how good Clarke welders are? I'm still waiting for my pictures dammit. Miller/Hobart & Lincoln, all good entry level MIG's.
i'm running a lincoln 180c 220v great machine.. go with a 220v machine and dont look at anything else, if you get a 110v unit you'll regret it in 6months...
I've got an old Millermatic Vintage that I love. I'm looking to get a nice used TIG welder as soon as I can afford it. Go big or go home. You'll never regret buying a quality tool. You always regret buying cheap.
I have an old Linde unit 300 amp. we used to build folding planters before the big guys offered them. that machine will burn 3/4 inch material all day. works just as good all the way down to about a 1/4 inch. look around someone may have an old relic like this. parts are still plentiful. just my two cents.
I bought a Lincoln 110 off the ebay store of Indiana Oxygen. It was a factory reconditioned machine with the Lincoln factory 3 year warranty. It arrived in the factory box looking absolutely brand new. It came with everything except the mig gas bottle. I use it for body work but it will weld a 1/4 inch. I have had it for 4 years and use it a LOT. Works great and came at a very good price with free shipping and no sales tax. For the hobbyist it can't be beat.
I started with a lincoln 110 mig and finally sold it and bought a 220 lincoln much better i can weld up to 1/4" with it the 110 mig was good for sheet metal but i needed to be able to weld on frames and such, so if i were to do it over again i would buy the 220 to start with just my 2-cents worth!
Don't forget about Hobart. I have a Handler 140, it runs off 115V. It's a very versatile machine for the price. It can weld up to 1/4 inch (I haven't had to do it yet), but the Handler 187 uses 230V and welds up to 5/16 inch. You can buy them at Fleet Farm and Tractor Supply stores. They are made by Miller Electric, so the quality is there.
Yea, what he said! I have a Campbell Hausfield 105 thatis a 110v and want to know if it's me or the machine. I think it might be both!!!!!
I first bought an el-cheapo 110 MIG. Never could get the SOB to weld right even on sheetmetal. Dumped it and I've had a Hobart 135 110V for about ten years now. It still welds great. I just did some test welds on .125 wall because I wanted to do some roll cage work, and I was amazed at the penetration I got when I cut the welds apart. Now I weld on cages with complete confidence. And of course, Hobart is owned by Miller. That said, a 220 MIG is on my to-buy list one of these days; I'd like to do some heavier fabricating and I think I'll get past the capabilities of the 135. When I do, I'll keep the 135 for light duty work. And I'll probably buy another Hobart.
I have a Clarke 125EN 110v machine. I have the gas kit they sell with it and have had good results. I dont trust it with anything structural, but sheet metal, exhaust and other small jobs it does well.
duty cycle duty cycle duty cycle! the most important aspect of welding. Most 110 welders have a 20% dc wich means you can weld 2 min of every 10 min, just fine for stitch welding which I do w/ a millermatic 140 otherwise I use a mllrbobcat 225 and an LN25 suitcase. big investment but I can weld ANYTHING w/it .025-.072+ But I'm w/everybody else get a 220 model youll be happy ya did.
My 2 cents also. MILLER/ HOBART. Same outfit now. Some time ago I got a Hobart Handler 175. This is a 220 volt machine. Now it is sold as a 180. I have used it for thin to thick,(1/4 inch with .030 wire). Does everthing have have thrown at it. Got the best deal at Tractor Supply Company. On sale, with a additional weekend coupon- $485.00 and that included the roll around cart to boot. This was just before Miller and Hobart merged. DO NOT waste your money on a 110 volt unit.
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