Welder input/feedback? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

streetstar · 07-23-2007, 01:29 AM

I dont know how to weld, but i want to learn. Main goal is to tackle auto projects (panel replacement, etc.)

Have been told by several that Miller is the only brand that matters, but there is a staggering range of prices for
Millers, --- from $800 to , well, as much as you want to pay.

Wondering what type or model #'s some of you might be using. As i said, i just want one to work on my trucks and fart around with , and will not be doing any commercial work or anything,

need something that a beginner could use if possible.

PS --- this is not a WTB or anything like that

--- just a consumer research

Thanks in advance

Doug

Ivan D. · 07-23-2007, 01:59 AM

Miller is good, but Lincoln Electric ain't bad either, look into those too.

dubdeuce80 · 07-23-2007, 02:41 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/MILLER-MILLERMAT...QQcmdZViewItem

worth the money

*72lb4x4* · 07-23-2007, 02:56 AM

I'm not sure that brand makes a difference once you get into the Miller, Hobart, Lincoln (SP!) area. Miller seems to be well liked. Harbor Freight not so much.

Another question is 120 or 220 volts. This is a big question in terms of power, usability, etc. The 120V machines are ok for sheet melal but not much past 1/4 inch. Depends on your plans.

Spend some time googling...

Metmanice · 07-23-2007, 11:06 AM

Just bought a miller 180 (220 volts) about 2 months ago.

It runs like a champ.

Well worth the money.

69BBsuburban · 07-23-2007, 11:09 AM

I have 2 Hobarts (now owned/made by Miller) A little less $$$ than Millers with less features, but are nice welders.
I use a Handler 135 for bodywork and light fab and just bought my Handler 187 for doing larger jobs, build frames etc.

Check out Cyberweld.com for great prices....

munroe · 07-23-2007, 12:03 PM

we use 2 miller 250s in the shop, one for bodywork setup with .023 wire and another setup with 030 or 045 for everything else

AirMale · 07-23-2007, 12:34 PM

Another vote for Miller, I have 4 friends with Millermatic 210's and they swear by them!

revn67 · 07-23-2007, 01:30 PM

if you have a tractor supply store near you then check out the hobart welders they have there......the hobart187 is a very good welder and definitely affordable, and it handles welding on frames like a champ!

streetstar · 07-23-2007, 11:06 PM

Thanks much everyone ----- that gives me a little better platform to research these things --- i will check out the Millers and Hobarts and try to make a choice from there ---

that Millermatic 180 is right in my $$$ ballpark too

07-23-2007, 01:29 AM	#1
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Welder input/feedback? I dont know how to weld, but i want to learn. Main goal is to tackle auto projects (panel replacement, etc.) Have been told by several that Miller is the only brand that matters, but there is a staggering range of prices for Millers, --- from $800 to , well, as much as you want to pay. Wondering what type or model #'s some of you might be using. As i said, i just want one to work on my trucks and fart around with , and will not be doing any commercial work or anything, need something that a beginner could use if possible. PS --- this is not a WTB or anything like that --- just a consumer research Thanks in advance Doug

07-23-2007, 01:59 AM	#2
Ivan D. glamoros piece o' lowlife Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Redford, MI Posts: 1,164	Re: Welder input/feedback? Miller is good, but Lincoln Electric ain't bad either, look into those too. __________________ The more I drink, the more I drink, the more I drink... diesel, reg cab, long bed, 4 across the rear, single stack, wooden stakes, and lotsa lights - the Hay Express

07-23-2007, 02:41 AM	#3
dubdeuce80 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 213	Re: Welder input/feedback? http://cgi.ebay.com/MILLER-MILLERMAT...QQcmdZViewItem worth the money

07-23-2007, 02:56 AM	#4
72lb4x4 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: DFW Posts: 1,427	Re: Welder input/feedback? I'm not sure that brand makes a difference once you get into the Miller, Hobart, Lincoln (SP!) area. Miller seems to be well liked. Harbor Freight not so much. Another question is 120 or 220 volts. This is a big question in terms of power, usability, etc. The 120V machines are ok for sheet melal but not much past 1/4 inch. Depends on your plans. Spend some time googling...

07-23-2007, 11:06 AM	#5
Metmanice Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA Posts: 39	Re: Welder input/feedback? Just bought a miller 180 (220 volts) about 2 months ago. It runs like a champ. Well worth the money. __________________ '67 C10 SWB Frame off (and smiling)

07-23-2007, 11:09 AM	#6
69BBsuburban Right in front of you. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Roy, Wa Posts: 584	Re: Welder input/feedback? I have 2 Hobarts (now owned/made by Miller) A little less $$$ than Millers with less features, but are nice welders. I use a Handler 135 for bodywork and light fab and just bought my Handler 187 for doing larger jobs, build frames etc. Check out Cyberweld.com for great prices.... __________________ Pinstriping by Josh '78 Chevy Silverado SWB (lowered, 454) '90 Chevy Sport Truck '68 Dodge Charger R/T 1930 Ford Model A

07-23-2007, 12:03 PM	#7
munroe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: hants co. nova scotia Posts: 151	Re: Welder input/feedback? we use 2 miller 250s in the shop, one for bodywork setup with .023 wire and another setup with 030 or 045 for everything else __________________ 87 chev wrangler

07-23-2007, 12:34 PM	#8
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: Welder input/feedback? Another vote for Miller, I have 4 friends with Millermatic 210's and they swear by them! __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

07-23-2007, 01:30 PM	#9
revn67 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: east longmeadow, MA Posts: 540	Re: Welder input/feedback? if you have a tractor supply store near you then check out the hobart welders they have there......the hobart187 is a very good welder and definitely affordable, and it handles welding on frames like a champ! __________________ 67 small windowed,shortbed,fleetside, sbc 327, th350,12 bolt :under the knife: 71 cab for sale in parts classifieds! 2004 black chevy 1500 "finish your beer, theres sober kids in india!"

07-23-2007, 11:06 PM	#10
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Re: Welder input/feedback? Thanks much everyone ----- that gives me a little better platform to research these things --- i will check out the Millers and Hobarts and try to make a choice from there --- that Millermatic 180 is right in my $$$ ballpark too

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