Welder Help

[kell0026]

I am looking for a Mig welder. I have 400.00 to spend I am looking for a good 110v for my projects. Can anyone steer me in the right direction of which one to go with? I already have a Lincoln BUZZ BOX, that my dad and I restored and this is sweet. But I am looking for a portable that I can do small things with. Please help. Thanks Chris [email protected]

 

[windswept4]

kell.....i have the buzz box too; and, like you, I am also looking for user suggestions as to a suitable Mig. Please share any reader suggestions! Thanks [email protected]

 

[Synergy]

I am impartial to Miller. Its all I have ever welded with. I have a Miller 135 MIG, that I can use for light work or portable. I run it with .030 wire and 75/25. If I need flux core I can swap it easy enough.

Check Craigslist often, you can usually find some deals.

 

[mayday0017]

That's a really neat welding cart! Makes me wish i still had my mig, I gave it up and bought a big Miller tig since I noticed I really have needs for welding aluminum more then anything... Looks like it can hold about everything you need all in one organized package!

 

[Synergy]

Thanks! When I bought the welder the salesman tried to get me to buy the cart for $80 IIRC. I said no thanks, I will weld my own. He laughed and said "They always say that, and then come back and buy it!" Well I showed him that pic when I went back into the shop for some supplies. He was .

 

[imom]

Synergy... I can't see close up pics, but that's a nice looking cart...looks high end professional cart. How well does the chop saw cut your aluminum bars? I see a big metal blade.

 

[lilredex]

Another vote for a Miller (135). Usually run .023" wire, but have toyed with .030", flux core, and even silicon brz. wire.

If I were doing it again though, I'd go with the "220 V." version. They have a lot more capability, as I have found the portability issue is not such a big deal for me...........it never leaves home.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

i have a cambel housfield but if i did it again i would go with a lincoln, miller, hobart or esab

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Check out the Northern Tool branded 135; it has some great reviews.

 

[Synergy]

Synergy... I can't see close up pics, but that's a nice looking cart...looks high end professional cart. How well does the chop saw cut your aluminum bars? I see a big metal blade.

Thanks
Composite blades are for ferrous metals or concrete/masonry. Never cut aluminum with that type of blade, it will cake up the blade and can lead to catastrophic failure. For Al I use my Hitachi (wood) chop saw with a Freud carbide blade for Al.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Check out the Northern Tool branded 135; it has some great reviews.

Since he has only $400 that would be the way to go. They are very good welders....

 

[Synergy]

Since he has only $400 that would be the way to go. They are very good welders....

Use the coupon code in the Hot Deals section. I just saved 50 bucks.

 

[fordzilla90]

I just got an Eastwood 175 this past winter. It is great. Also came with a spool gun. They have a 135 in your price range.
Their stuff has great reviews and a 3 year warranty.

Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

 

[onelochevy]

Been using a Lincoln 135 from Home Depot for several years with no complaints.

 

[kell0026]

Thanks guys for all of your input and help. I really appriciate someone elses point of view.

 

[kell0026]

So I went to Northern tool online and found a Hobart 140 on sale for 494.00 and used the promo code here. and got 50.00 off and they took off another 5.00 + free shipping and Hobart through in a welder pack. I got a new welder for 444.00. I am so stocked right now. I can't wait to start some of those projects I have been waiting to do..

 

[Link-Belt]

Nice score.

I am a union ironworker and do a lot of welding at home I have a Lincoln T 120 and it has yet to fail me.

 

[38Chevy454]

Strongly suggest to make sure and get the gas shield set up. Flux core will work, but is a mess. The solid wire and gas shield is much cleaner and easier to see your welds when learning.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Yes Mig is definitely cleaner; no clean up. However FC allows a little better penetration which can matter on a 110v unit at the upper limits of it's ability. On the other hand, Mig does gauge metals with ease. I think both would be handy to have around if all possible.


OP, I've had a little WeldPak for a couple years now that runs FC only. I've used it a lot. It definitely has limitations but it was my first welder and a gift from dad. It'll stick around no matter what. I'm currently starting to look for a bigger FC/Mig too. I think you'd do fine to find a 140 if the 110v unit is the one you can run at your place. Read reviews, as many as you can find.

If 220v is remotely an option, jump up to the 180 sized units. Price wise, they'll go anywhere from $450-$800 new and used.

 

[buening]

Keep in mind you'll need to find a bottle and get it filled, which in my area is about $200 for a new bottle filled unless you go with a very small tank ($100ish then).

 

[emeraldcoupe]

i have a lincoln weld pak 100 that i did the gas conversion on. great little machine.

 

[kell0026]

Right on guys. Thanks for the advise once again. I will be getting the gas setup soon. I have welded with my dads Miller 220V mig he made friends with the high school shop teacher and they ordered it though the High School and payed about 2000.00 for it. I bought my first Motorized Barstool with it. and I also have a Lincoln Buzz Box we restored. I use it for heavier gauged metals. I can't wait to start welding!!!

 

[Murphy4570]

Gas setup on the little MIG machines is definitely preferable to flux core, makes a much nicer weld. Easier to weld as well, as flux core seems to run a bit hotter, making it harder to weld on thin stuff without melting through.

If you haven't picked up a 110 welder yet, check your local craigslist. Older Lincoln SP models go for about $200-300 used. Here's mine, works very well: