Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

I am brand new no welding, but have some ($200-300) money available to buy a welder. I would like to be able to do some panel replacement, and weld in holes and such.

I am not looking to fabricate frames from scratch or build steel buildings for a living. I just want to learn to do some minor body work like replace rockers and cab corners.

Would any of you recommend a 110 MIG welder? Am I just wasting my money if I buy a Clark brand or other no-name brand?

I know there is a thread about what welder is the best ever, but I want some info on what would be the best for me.

Thanks

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

great question, i was thinking of the same thing...always good useful info from this board....

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

Ive used the campbell-hausfield (?) before... Works good even woth no shielding gas, works great with it... 110 outlet. Home depot buy if i remember correctly.
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VAPORIZERINFO

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

I purchased mine from Sears and have used it about 10 years on my resto pickup. Welded in all floor pans, rockers and anything else that needed welding. I know there are better ones out there but mine did very well for the money. I saw one at Sears last weekend for about $350.00. I had to purchase the gas bottle from a local gas supplier, but all in all, it was well worth the money. Just my opinion.....

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

I have a CH also using gas. Has served me well. Get at least a 40# bottle.

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

i used a lincoln 135 forever , upgraded a few years ago to a bigger lincon. i've never used or heard from anyone who has used a cheaper grade welder . do yourself a favor , spend a few extra bucks on a gas kit , the flux core stuff is ok , but if you use gas sheilding you will get a much cleaner weld . i spent roughly 500 in my old (135) set up , but it was well worth it . i've fixed repaired fabricated more stuff for myself and others than i can shake a wiggle stick at.

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

I have used a Lincoln 100 with the gas kit installed new when I bought it about 7 or 8 years ago with no problems at all.


CR

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

I already have a bottle half full sitting in the shop just no welder. No doubts about using gas.

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

i have a lincoln weldpak 100 at home and have had no problems with it(6-7 yr.old).my work bought a new lincoln weldpak 3200hd with all gas hookups and that thing is sweet.its still 120volt but it welds hotter than mine at home,but it cost about $450.00(homedepot).you can buy the smaller one without the gas hookup for around $320.00.

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

Look at a Hobart 325.... Harbor Freight, Home Depot has em' around $350

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

I have a hobart and a miller and love them both.

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

I have a lincoln also when i first got it i used the flux cored wire it was ok but theres no comparing it to gas, I'll never go back to the flux wire. Another thing that i like so well about the 110 welder is that its so mobile, we have chicken houses and there's always something broke in them, just last week i had it on the back of my 4 wheeler backed up to the doors welding on a feed bin.

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

I suggest a Lincoln..Maybe a Weld Pak. I suggest using a Lincoln or Miller due to the fact that any service needed or relpacement parts are plentiful and easy to find. Although I have heard of many people using off brands I have never run one over a long period of time. Definately don't skimp on the gas, Get yourself a good gas setup. And also a descent helmet. You can pick up a descent auto darkening helmet, just a starter for bout $85 and it can make all the difference in the world.

Practice, practice, and when you think you got it practice some more. It will pay off.
-Jake

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

I was looking on HomeDepot.com, and they have one (item # 160893) and I was wondering if it was any good.

Todd

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

Get the best one you can. If there are any welding shops in the area they may have a used one that was traded in. If they have gone through it you could get a heavier duty used welder for the cost of a hobby setup. Or you could come and borrow my TIG. But whatever you do, get the gas bottle, not the flux core.

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

Probably the best deal I see out there in the USA are from toolking.com


They sell reconditioned hobart welders with 6 month warranty for the price range your after, as well as other brands.
http://www.toolking.com/category.aspx?categoryID=323
I'd say a good welder for typical light duty body work is the 135 / 140 range Hobart welder.
They sell on ebay also.

They list some of there products in Grades...B grade having a few scrathes and such,..from guys I've chatted with..the B grade aint that bad, and the cheapest.

Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder
 

I bought a Lincoln weldpack, I never welded or seen anything welded, in about 30 minutes I was sticking things together. lol.