Hot damn and hubba-hubba! I finally, finally am going to have the means to get a welder! Got a new job last week, and they're cashing out the 4 weeks of vacation I never took. This is going to let me buy the welder I've been trying to buy for 5 years now (pet medical problem, 2 cars broken into, one truck stolen, truck mis-hap, bought a dog for the kid's birthday (that was actually a great trade-off), moved to Georgia and got upgraded carpet and kitchen appliances but no welder, another truck mis-hap and another pet problem). So, for what we do with our cars, what brand and model of Mig do you guys recommend? I'm set up for 220volt--most "heavy" fabrication is limited to 1/4-inch, and mayber 3/8-inch material, right? I'm not a production shop, so I don't need something capable of welding bridges on I-75, but I don't want something that I'm going to hate. What brand of welders are you guys using, what models, and are you happy with them or do they fall short in some way? Thanks, -Brad
I went with the Lincoln SP-135 because I didn't have access to 220V. And But if I had 220V I would have went with the Lincoln SP-175. Basically you can't go wrong if you get a Lincoln, Hobart or Miller. They are all good welders. I like Lincolns because I can easily find an of the parts and accessories I might need for them.
Brad - I have the lincoln sp135 and it is fine. I would recomend you get the miller 175. You'll be able to do the heavier stuff for frame brackets etc.. with more confidence in penetration. The welder with more juice will insure better penetration. Millers have metal wire feed parts while the linconln's use plastic. I think the millers are better machines.
i have a miller 185 and it works GREAT. i would like into a 175 to 200 amp range (i think they only make 175 or 250 now). go "true blue".............
Check with you local Miller dealer. I got my Miller 220 for the same price as the 185 and a free spool gun on sale in January. They have some great deals the beginning of the year when it's slow....
I would have bought a Miller but they were just too expensive for me. And I haven't had any problems with my Lincoln.
Brad -- I've got a Lincoln 135 110-volt machine that I got from my brother when he upgraded to the Lincoln 175 220-volt rig. My dad has a 175 too, and we all like 'em. I'm probably going to upgrade to the 175 myself now that the new garage has the juice to run it, and p*** the 135 along to a friend of mine. The 135 is about 7 years old now and have had no problems with it. Steve.
These are some awesome answers. Just exactly what I was looking for. The metal wire feed parts in the Miller may just have won me over, but I've seen more Lincolns in shops and garages than Millers. I'll price both, and see where that takes me. The -175 (Miller and Lincoln) seems to be the most used, from what I've read here and on Hobart's board. At least for car guys. Keep the info coming! -Brad
So Brad, going out of the magazine bidness or just going to work for another one? I bought a Miller 220 and I love it! Almost too much welder for thin metal though...you gotta practice alot!
i get my miller 180 this week, but its TIG my lincoln MIG welder has had no problems in the 2 years ive had it since i bought it used. the only thing i don't like about my lincoln is the NASCAR emblem on the side.
I don't know if youv'e seen http://www.cyberweld.com/ but a friend just bought a miller TIG and saved like $450.00 over what the local dealer wanted. I've used several different Millers and I think they are a great way to go. Have you considered a TIG?
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