Welder

[CWW]

I am in the need of a welder to start my sheet metal repair, I do have a Lincoln stick welder but that is not ideal so my question is what has everyone had the most secess with wire feed or tig?

[Sheepdip]

More bang for your buck right here. A couple of years ago I started building my automatic gates for my property and my Old Miller went south, it was cheaper to replace it than repair it.

I'm an old guy so I was not going to spend big bucks on a welding machine, I found this Klutch Brand thru Northern Tool. It does Stick, Tig, Wire Feed and comes with an Aluminum Spool Gun.

It is dual voltage 110-220 will weld Sheetmetal right on up to 3/8 material

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...3067_200833067

[jocko]

I've gotten reliable service out of mydual voltage Millermatic 211. It's never broken on me, but Sheepdip makes a good point - it does come down to how much you want to spend up front - I'd also throw in that you'll probably want to consider how often you intend to use it AFTER this project - that can also affect your decision on how much you are willing to invest.

[Warrens69GMC]

For sheet metal and 1/4" and smaller, Hobart 140

https://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500559.../dp/B009X43F38

[mr.mud1]

i had an old Lincoln stick welder,bought a 180 Lincoln mig and never used the stick welder again.i love my 180 Lincoln mig.they go on sale here all the time,now i'm looking at a 210 Lincoln MP but as already said,how do you plan to spend and will it get used as time goes on?an old friend of mine who was for 30 years,a welding shop teacher advised against a tig years ago when i asked,not that a tig won't do it but all around general work,i think you'll find more use from a mig,all the brand name welders are good,which ever you decide on.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

For sheet metal and 1/4" and smaller, Hobart 140

https://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500559.../dp/B009X43F38

I don't think you can do better for the money. And even though it's only rated to 1/4 inch, don't be fooled. I've done 3/8 with excellent results. You just need a good chamfer and access to both sides.

[BASE]

It's amazing what these inverter machines can do with 120V anymore. I think my 211 can keep up with the old syncrowave in terms of amperage.

If you want a machine you can grab and weld stuff together for the next 20yrs or so I'd buy a big name machine. If it's just for one light gauge sheetmetal project then any of the smaller inverter machines will probably be fine. Just check reviews and make sure the consumables are available.

[Big Kev-O]

I have never taken a welding class and had no experience welding when I deceived to watch a few YouTube videos and give it a try. I filled the gas tank hole and the mirror holes easily with my Hobart 210 mig. I tried TIG welding but the learning curve was much faster with MIG. I don’t think you need a fancy welder just to do body work, one of the budget brands would do the job. Just get a welder and go for it!

[Accelo]

I have had too many issues with inexpensive inverter machines.

I would purchase the best Mig I could afford.
Easy to learn with excellent versatility.
I have a 110V Lincoln that has served me well for decades.

[CWW]

I need to retire the Lincoln stick welder it was my grandfather's and he taught me how to weld with it. I like the idea of the 3 in 1 and the duel voltage. I won't be doing a lot of heavy welding anymore soa smaller one should do the trick

[LS short box]

I've had a Miller 211 auto set for 15? years and it's worked well. Dual voltage is nice if you really have to burn something in.

[NJ68stepside]

This is what I bought

POWER MIG® 140 MP® Multi-Process Welder
Part #K4498-1

Comes with mig setup. Need to buy the tig and stick connectors


https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en/Products/k4498-1

[HO455]

As stated the learning curve for TIG is much higher and the process is somewhat slower. Especially for beginners.

One thing to consider with multi-process welders is that you will need different gases for MIG and TIG. The multi-process machines will take up more real estate for the accessories and tanks.

Welders for the most part brand names usually mean a better quality machine and a better warranty. Fortunately there are lots of reviews to read and watch. The better reviews will discuss things like lead connections, cooling fans, circuit board construction, in addition to the basic specifications and how the machine "feels" when it is welding.

Now the "feel" of the welder is somewhat esoteric and based on personal experiences it may not mean much to the beginner but, it can help pick a quality welding machine when lots of reviewers have similar opinions of the machines "feel".

Buying through a local business usually means you can try the machine before you buy. In addition many times local distributors have free classes that come with the purchase of a new welding machine.

Auto body sheet metal welding is harder on the wire drive and electrical components as you have to spot weld all the seams. The starting and stopping of the welding process puts extra wear on the machine. Once again a quality machine will pay off in long run.

[KQQL IT]

Primeweld tig225x

Kids been using it up for a year.

[Palf70Step]

I have an old Lincoln SP100 110v welder. For sheet metal it is great. Believe it or not, Harbor Freight has some good ones to get you through. I like this guy and he is pretty straight on his evaluations of things.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwH3yoSHTmQ

[Grumpy old man]

The OP lives in the middle of NOWHERE even close to a city , Buy a Hobart or Lincoln welder that it's easy to buy replacement parts , He'll still have to buy/rent a tank and refill it and wire I'd be looking for the closest welding supply company before deciding on any welder and buy what they sell .

[LS short box]

Just a note in regards to gas bottles. I have a large bottle on my welding cart. But since you always run out of gas on the week ends I have small bottle as a spare. Also at least around here where ever you rent or buy your bottle from it's the only place you can get a new one when you run out of gas.
Buy a good cart that has shelves below so you can store welding supplies.

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by LS short box

Just a note in regards to gas bottles. I have a large bottle on my welding cart. But since you always run out of gas on the week ends I have small bottle as a spare. Also at least around here where ever you rent or buy your bottle from it's the only place you can get a new one when you run out of gas.
Buy a good cart that has shelves below so you can store welding supplies.

I, for the most part, run Flux Core wire and save the gas for hard wire applications when you need a little more neatness to a project

[68 C10 Driver]

Ok, I'm the cheap guy of the group. I bought a Flux 125 from Harbor Freight when it was on sale for $99. I then converted it to a DC welder and it welds like nobody's business. Great penetration, very little spatter. I have done all of my cab welding with it...cab corners, inner and outer rockers, floor patches, and under dash cowl repairs.

That cheap-azz welder is still chugging along. Just thought I would share.

😁

[May70]

I have a Hobart 210 and it has been great. Its dual voltage but I only run it on 220 because it opens up the lower range selections it seems. I can really dial it in well.

[GASoline71]

I have a Lincoln 140C and love it. I liked the 140C because the dials don't have presets in them, and you can fine tune a little better.

Gary

[CWW]

Thanks guys I think I talk to the company that comes to the pasta plant and see what they offer I talked to the maintenance manager and I can get my name on the list and they will bill me for the gas at a employee discount this might be my best bet for service

[mongocanfly]

I started out many yrs ago with a Lincoln 220 stick...then went with a Miller 235 stick
From there I moved to a Hobart 185 mig..been using that for near 30 yrs.. its starting to act funny and I fear it's near its lifes end
Probably gonna catch it here, but I recently bought a Vulcan 220 mig/tig/stick.. will run on 110 or 220v
For the price , this is a unbelievably good welder.. at harbor freight...I know I know..
They just sell it, they dont build it..
I work Industrial maintenance..at work they replaced several defective Miller tig rigs that cost over $3500 each with the Vulcans..
I've never tigged much, but I tig welded up my entire stainless exhaust system on the IH.. I'm impressed
If you go tig, you'll need 100% argon...on mig you'll need a mix 75/25..
So if you want both you'll have to have 2 bottles

[Dead Parrot]

Another Lincoln 140C owner. Have yet to do the vehicle body repairs I originally bought it for. Have built two deer feeders and a stand for a deer blind plus several smaller projects.

It says it will run on a 20A 120V circuit. But if you set it for near full power, you will often pop that 20A breaker. It really wants about 25A at full power. Plan on installing a 30A circuit and breaker. Haven't tripped the 30A breaker even on full power runs.

Supposed to be able to use CO2 for shielding gas in addition to the normal 75/25 mix.

[crushermechanic]

I have the Vulcan 215 mig from HF and love it. It uses Tweco consumables. I think it welds as good or better than the Miller we have at work. I have welded up to 1/4 perfectly. I also run it on 220.