Gas MIG Questions

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Hello, I bought a Miller Pro Core 125 Flux welder about 6 years ago. Did not use it much -frankly, I didn't have a need to weld much. I would like to start learning how to weld as a hobby.

I looked at some community colleges for continuing education MIG welding classes but have not found anything yet. I am told there may be some offering in the fall. In the meanwhile, I just sold my Miller 125 and would like to get a MIG for some hobby stuff; light fabrication of decorative art, floors on old cars, etc. Nothing major like frames, hitches etc. I would like a 220 capable machine with gas. I have a good helmet, good gloves, grinders, clamps, magnet and a jacket. I would like to get a welder now so I can practice and play before I get into a continuing education class in the fall.

I have been reading reviews for PrimeWeld 180. The aluminum spool gun and stick feature is appealing too (just to try, I guess, and use if something comes up).

With this background I have a couple of questions:

1. For the type of work I listed, is PrimeWeld 180 a good machine? I don't see myself fabricating heavy stuff.
2. For the 75/25 bottles, I see 80cu bottles with current date and DOT and ISO certifications for around $320 on Amazon, full. Is that a good place to start? Can I get it refilled when I run out or will I have a hard time finding a welding place that would fill it for me.

https://www.amazon.com/75-Argon-Welding-Cylinder-Tank/dp/B00I4Z6QCY?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks.

 

[Jswain]

What is your budget and how many years of service do you expect out of that price before you are ok with throwing it out and buying new?

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

My budget is flexible. I bought the Lincoln 125 in 2017, did not even put a full spool through it. This will see similar use.

 

[Jswain]

I would look into Lincoln or Hobart, why? Because they are affordable & proven to last, and in 5-10 years if you decide welding ain't your thang, or you would like to upgrade, you will be able to recoupe a large portion of your money by selling the machine.

Selling a welder second hand that isn't miller,Lincoln,Hobart,esab etc... won't be as favorable, if it is still functioning in the first place.

 

[dcg9381]

2. For the 75/25 bottles, I see 80cu bottles with current date and DOT and ISO certifications for around $320 on Amazon, full. Is that a good place to start? Can I get it refilled when I run out or will I have a hard time finding a welding place that would fill it for me.

I'm a very "part time" welder and I get my bottles from Tractor supply. Try to exchange them before their cert expires. I expect there is a better way to do this than amazon.. See your local TC or welding shop.

 

[KSJeff]

Yup. That 180 is fine. I have one. And that Amazon bottle is fine and you can get it refilled for 80 bucks or so (last time I filled..maybe gone up by now). I have the spool gun, but I've never used it and I probably never will. I ended up going to welding school and I'll just weld aluminum with tig. That welder comes with a stinger for stick as well and while I've used the heck out of the electrode, it's always been hooked up to my Tig/Stick machine.

But, it welds Mig as well as anything else I've used at home or in school.

 

[bw77]

On refilling your Amazon gas cylinder, check with your gas supplier.
Worst case, you cannot get it refilled, as in this video.

 

[bw77]

More good tank info here.

 

[Jswain]

For the tank it seems highly location dependant and what gas suppliers are in your area.

I would call around first and make sure you can get your own, owners tank filled without having a lease/contract.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Thanks for your replies, folks. These are helpful.
I will buy the 80cu tank from Northern Tool; there are two of those fairly close to me. They have the exchange program as well so I can just swap the tank. Pay a little more upfront, but in the long run, may be less of a pain.
I am pretty sold on the PrimeWeld 180. Will probably last me my remaining life; not concerned about its resale value.

Thanks again.

 

[Higgy1300]

I get my gas at northern tool also, the small pony

 

[Wamsutta]

I recommend the Lincoln PowerMIG 215 MPi with a 125 cu-ft bottle. I also recommend getting the factory matching cart.

 

[KSJeff]

One thing you didn't mention that made a very big difference for me as a new welder is glass. I use the Lincoln 3350 and it made a night and day difference in my ability to see. Also, setup your welding area with some extra lighting. I'm 53 and I find that the more light I have the better. In school I used the little harbor freight 750 lumen LED magnetic flood light.

Also, there are cheater lenses that can fit into the 3350 that add magnification +1, +2 just like a set of bifocals. Since I wear bifocals I run a +2 cheater lens. You may not need that, but if you do, it's a must have.

And third, drop by a welding supply store and get some good gloves. They come in sizes so go in and try them on. Trying to mig with a bulky stick glove and old hands is unpleasant. I still use stick gloves, but I use the Black Stallion 750. They run about 30 bucks and last me about 100 hours of welding. Mig is hotter than stick so don't try to get by with thin gloves (like Tig gloves).

Good luck and have fun.

 

[no704]

Use straight CO2. Much cheaper and works as good if not better for me.

 

[BD1]

Exchanges can be frustrating and using Northern is a great choice. I would see if you can get a 125. You'll get more gas for your money.
75/25 does a great job with minimum spatter. If you are thinking of Co2 the supplied regulator with the machine might not work. Check with manufacture and see if they can supply compatible regulator.
Check out the weldingweb site, this maybe helpful. https://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/

 

[Brianf60]

Based on your expected use you do yourself a favour and stick with 75/25. It doesn’t sound like gas refills are going to be a common occurrence and better quality/ easier welds would be more important.

 

[bdbecker]

...I will buy the 80cu tank from Northern Tool; there are two of those fairly close to me. They have the exchange program as well so I can just swap the tank. Pay a little more upfront, but in the long run, may be less of a pain...

I'm a big proponent of the Thoroughbred gas exchange program, especially for DIY/hobby guys like us. It is really nice to be able to swap a tank on a weekend or weeknight instead of having to wait for the banker's hours most weld supply shops operate under.

If you ever want to go up to the 125, you can get full credit for the 80 you bought when you turn it in. You'll only need to pay the difference in cost for the tanks. I started with a tiny tank and worked my way up to the 125 as funds allowed. The price for a straight 125 exchange is right in line with what my local Airgas charges - never more than a couple bucks different one way or the other whenever I've checked in the past.

 

[BigMike782]

If you want to run CO2 you will need a CGA 580 to 320 adapter and a Western CO-6 gasket/disk.

 

[BigMike782]

If you ever want to go up to the 125, you can get full credit for the 80 you bought when you turn it in. You'll only need to pay the difference in cost for the tanks. I started with a tiny tank and worked my way up to the 125 as funds allowed.

That is not the case at all welding suppliers.

 

[bdbecker]

That is not the case at all welding suppliers.

No, but it is with the Thoroughbred exchange program that Northern Tool uses. Which is another reason I prefer that to Airgas.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

If you want to run CO2 you will need a CGA 580 to 320 adapter and a Western CO-6 gasket/disk.

Thanks for the part number, but I think I will just stick with 75/25.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Ok, I ordered the PrimeWeld 180 from PrimeWeld website, and a 40cu empty Thoroughbred 75/25 tank from Northern Tool. Once I get the tank, I will take it to NT's Colfax store and get it exchanged with a full one. Funny, but if I order the Thoroughbred tank from NT's website instead of buying it at an NT store, even after paying shipping, it comes to be about $50 cheaper.
Also, pleasantly surprised that PrimeWeld did not charge sales tax and they have a $25 coupon (WELCOME25).

 

[GarageHobbyist]

On refilling your Amazon gas cylinder, check with your gas supplier.
Worst case, you cannot get it refilled, as in this video.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Update: I love the Prime Weld 180. Works great with 75/25 gas. Empty tank was easy to replace with a full one at Northern Tools. I can now actually lay down some nice welds. I will work on dimes next. I also picked up a Harbor Freight 286lbs welding cart with 3 drawers and a helmet garage with this week‘s 15% off coupon.