Good MIG for Autobody

[Mr onetwo]

Hey Guys, I am looking for opinions on what small MIG I should buy for sheetmetal.This machine will be used just for autobody panels, patches and sheet up to around 14 gauge.Doesn't need to be portable and I have 220 in my shop.I would assume it should have a stitch or pulse feature. I have a machine (modded HF 151) that I use on material up to 3/8", but it doesn't work well on thin stuff.Thanks in advance for your comments!

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Hobart Handler 140. Works great for me.

 

[sometoyotaguy]

I have a lincoln weld pack that has worked ok for my bodywork. I only use it a few times a year, so I can blame lack of practice for my mediocre welds.

 

[creativecars]

Any of the big 3's welders will get the job done. Lincoln, Miller and Hobart all offer similar 110v machines, but I am really interested in their multipurpose machines at this point. 110 and 220v power when you need it.

I think more of the key is .023 E70S6 wire and Argon/CO2 mix gas. Practice will give you the results you want.

Not a big fan of the stitch/pulse features... nothing that I cant control with my finger.

 

[Slackerzinc]

How much are you looking to spend? A multi voltage machine would cover both thick material and thin stuff

 

[90zcar]

I have a miller 211 which does 110 and 220 but if you have a 220 outlet n plan on keeping it there I would go with the next model down but strictly 220. Maybe a miller 180
That's just what I have. No need to get in a ******* match here tho. Lincoln and Hobart are good aswell. It's kinda like ford Chevy dodge kinda thing


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[countryroad82]

I run a small body shop so this is my forte. I personally have a Hobart 135 which is the predecessor to the 140. It's served me well for welding panels, making frame repairs (you've got to change your wire for that and double weld to ensure perfect penetration), building metal art, etc. I've been patiently waiting for a deal to come by for a bigger machine but I've gotten by with this unit since I was in high school. So for you look at the Hobart 140 or Miller of similar size. I have a buddy that has a Miller 211 it's a nice machine as I've helped him out at his shop installing panels at his place. I hate the auto set feature, but that's just me.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

I have a Lincoln weld pack 100 that I did the gas conversion on. done tons of bodywork with it, welds great.

 

[Stooge]

I have the miller 211 that I use for all of my sheet metal needs on either voltage, although a lot of the time I have .030 in there rather than .023 simply because its not a dedicated sheet metal machine and .030 works for me as a good all around wire. I never use the autoset feature for thin materials but every once in awhile on some thicker stuff, I will use it.

 

[OldmanB]

We've been in the welding business for over 30 years, have 2 Lincoln's and 3 Millers, 1 Esab all are good, except for our almost new Miller. I have to say Miller Electric warranty service is the worst I have ever encountered and we won't be buying anything new from that company anytime soon!

 

[Showkey]

If your on a budget........I would look at Eastwood

 

[454ragtop]

Would you consider used? Have an older Airco, actually came out of a body shop, 230 volt, 130 amps, has spot and stitch setup, Have seen similar 160 amp Airco machines as well. These are HD pro grade machines that are pretty bullet proof.
HTH, Jim

 

[Davi]

Probably not much use with you being in the US but I'm lusting over this one

http://www.weldequip.com/portamig-mig-welders.htm

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Subscribing

 

[slip knot]

Hobart Handler here too. 175IIRC. it does all the thin stuff I ask of it. I run gas instead of fluxcore too. highly recommend the gas.

 

[STANIMAL]

Hobart Handler 140. Works great for me.

This is the one I bought . Great price and welder .

 

[JessieBoyle]

Anybody tried millermatic 141 here ??

 

[K-Dog]

My shop recently got the 212 and I really like it a lot. I have yet to come up with a complaint.

 

[motofool33]

i would go for an inverter machine i really like my longevity unit wish there customer service was a touch better though. im a welding inspector by profession, and this machine makes me smile every time i use it making my welds look way better then i think i am every time.

 

[sberry]

If this was a budget matter would certainly take a look at the HD 240 v Lincoln, it's a 180 T and very good.

 

[Bill Anderson]

@Mronetwo, the Miller 211 dual voltage that 90zcar mentioned is one smooth machine, probably one of the best, smoothest welding migs i have ever used. If u can get something like that, it would be the last machine you would ever buy for home/diy use. It also has a spool gun plug in on the front panel, so you don't have to swap out guns. You simply leave a spool of aluminum in the spool gun, and you're ready to weld aluminum without major setup hassle. Also, Zoro has about the best price if you can catch one of their coupon promos.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I have a Hobart Handler too but mine is the 187. It is a 220V only machine. I have done a lot of sheet metal with it and it is also better for thicker stuff that you WILL end up doing once you have a welder. I started with an older Craftsman 110V machine and very quickly outgrew it. You likely will too. I know several people who swore by there 110V machines but when they switched or tried a 220V machine they all wondered why they bothered with the 110. I can still go as thin as I want but can go thicker than I ever need.

 

[1badbird]

Lincoln 135 here and good so far.

 

[Rlfd213]

I just picked up a 1 year old Lincoln MP210 for 500.00 today... Score