looking for a MIG for a reasonable price $500 ish is about my range , new or used. welding is new to me so I dont really know what I am looking for. will be used primarily for bodywork and welding brackets and such to the frame, most drastic thing I can think of right now is a top chop on my (soon to be ) pickup. will be in a garagfe with only 120 so something that would work on that would be nice.... thanks ian
I've got a Lincoln Electric (Pro-Mig 135) with the shielding gas conversion kit and I couldn't be more pleased. Here is a link to a site that has the unit and the kit for $544.36. http://www.weldingmart.com/mig_welder/mig_welder_sp-135_Plus_k1874_2.htm
My brother. He's really good. Can't go wrong with a Lincoln or a Miller, IMO. I got a craftsman a long time ago, I think it's either a lincoln or century. Don't know which. It was about $400 8 years ago. I don't think they have went up that much. Jay
Lincoln 135 is hard to beat. (I have 9 of them in my class room, and have never had a problem with any of them) However I'd suggest you buy tanks and a torch first, if you dont already have them. O/A is far better for sheet metal work, plus you can heat, and cut.
I just picked up a Hobart 120 with the gas setup (no bottle) and a Lincoln buzz box for $300. Not a typical deal, a buddy deal, and those are the best.
I have three Hobarts -a 220 and two 110 [A120AMP AND -135 amps]. they are simple and voirtually trouble free ,considering their usage. I gave 450- 550 dollars for the little ones- they would serve your purpose fine.[will weld 3/16thsto 1/4" steel and are pretty hot for their size. The Lincolns and Milers are nice units also. I can only say one brand I would not recommend-AT ALL.[DAYTONA MIG].I have my own reasons........Good luck man.
Problem with a MIG is that it can get real expensive if you want to weld different materials; its is far from just changing a roll of wire. Plus a Mig cant cut. Im one of a growing group on here who have switched to the Henrob O/A torch since it is so flexible AND cheap to use. http://www.cut-like-plasma.com/?durafix I still have my Astro MIG 13 ($349 new with the gas setup)as well as an antique 220V Miller but they get used less and less.
So what is the thickest metal you can weld with the miller or linclon welder 135's. I am in the market for one and thought of a 185 miller. Is this to big for chassis and sheet metal work.
That Henrob seems like a really cool torch. I didn't seriously consider getting a torch before, but that looks like the one to get. I have been searching for a welding class (I know MIG, I want to learn TIG) locally but haven't found one yet.
www.welders-direct.com Millermatic 135... $550... it can weld up to 3/16".... It is a great 110v welder... the 175 220v can do a little thicker, 1/4" and is $100 more...
286, how well does the henrob cut? What thicknesses can it handle, and is warpage a problem? I'm REALLY interested in getting one, but I'd like firsthand info from someone who owns one.
I've got a millermatic 135, it kicks ass. I've had it for about 7 or 8 years, never had a problem with it.
Have it from a reliable source that the Hobart 135 is a Miller 135 in a different suit. Have seen them at Harbor Freight for 400ish.
i've got an older millermatic 150.works great. bought it used for $400 a few years ago. check you local paper.
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