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Old 07-27-2011, 01:53 PM   #1
1980c-10 mybaby
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best welder

What kind of welders does everyone have/use on there projects? im looking to one day notch my frame and 4 link it... would like my welder to handle that no problem... just curious on what i should look at getting


thanks guys
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Old 07-27-2011, 02:25 PM   #2
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Re: best welder

I`m using a lincoln 220 .I got it at a great deal, you can weld argon n then it can weld aluminum with a few adjustments(tank,wire,)

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Old 07-27-2011, 02:26 PM   #3
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Re: best welder

I have a couple of friends that own Harbor Freight Welders and love them. If you buy the warranty for $20, you can't go wrong. They have welders that are good for big and small projects, you just have to look through their small selection.
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Old 07-27-2011, 03:05 PM   #4
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Re: best welder

I have a Millermatic 210. With welders you need to pick the best you can afford. Make sure it will handle the capacities you want it for, plus a little extra. You want to be able to grow into it, rather than having to replace it as your needs grow.
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Old 07-27-2011, 03:07 PM   #5
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Re: best welder

I have a Miller 211, its MIG, love it. Welds upto 3/8"
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Old 07-27-2011, 03:44 PM   #6
1980c-10 mybaby
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Re: best welder

How thick is the frame on out vehicles
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Old 07-27-2011, 04:43 PM   #7
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Re: best welder

I dont know exactly, but between 1/8 and 3/16"
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Old 07-27-2011, 08:10 PM   #8
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Re: best welder

I just got done using my friends Hobart 140 Handler. It did a great job welding up some 3/16" steel for the frame. I also used it for my exhaust that I fabbed up. For my limited skill it was a good welder.
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Old 07-27-2011, 08:26 PM   #9
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Re: best welder

I bought a miller 140 auto set. My shop has 210 but my home doesnt so i got that instead of the 180 in order to be able to take it home. Love it so far, the auto set is nice if you dont feel like playing around with heat settings. Welds great, easy to use. I have welded patch panels, small projects and fishmouthed a crack on my frame.
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Old 07-27-2011, 08:26 PM   #10
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Re: best welder

I use a Millermatic 250. I'm a big fan of made in America stuff.
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Old 07-27-2011, 09:50 PM   #11
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Re: best welder

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gyawo View Post
I bought a miller 140 auto set. My shop has 210 but my home doesnt so i got that instead of the 180 in order to be able to take it home.
I have an older 140 that doesn't have the auto-set. Works awesome for thinner material and small tubing. It will do frame rails, but it doesn't like it very much. You have to go slow because it runs out of duty cycle and shuts down.

We have a newer 185 at work. In addition to the auto-set it has the automatic voltage switching feature. This machine works really well for sheetmetal up to 1/4" (if you lay on it). Doesn't like 120, but on 240 it will run a bead as far as you can reach without a problem.

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Old 07-27-2011, 11:29 PM   #12
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Re: best welder

I have an old as dirt Lincoln 220 volt cracker box, a cheap flux core 100 amp mig and access to a Hobart 285 and an old as dirt gas powered cracker box. The last two will weld up to one inch plate in a single pass.

This was done on the Hobart. It's 3/4" plate I used to build a custom doubler.


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Old 07-27-2011, 11:52 PM   #13
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Re: best welder

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Old 07-28-2011, 12:54 AM   #14
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Re: best welder

I purchased a Miller 211 autoset, love it, just shortened my frame with it. Excellent machine.
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Old 07-28-2011, 06:40 AM   #15
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Re: best welder

I've got a Miller 252 for Mig, and a Miller 165 for Tig. Miller Extreme 375 for Plasma. Strange as this might sound I prefer Lincoln wire.

I know quite a few guys with Miller 140s, and they're real happy.


I don't know about Harbor Freight welders, but I know the prices are real attractive. That company has come a long way, I actually shop there quite a bit for other stuff.
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Old 07-28-2011, 07:17 AM   #16
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Re: best welder

Hobart 210 Handler,I call it my generic Miller. It'll weld little to big,Northern Tool had it on sale
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Old 07-29-2011, 06:20 PM   #17
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Re: best welder

Miller 180. Used to have a Miller 252 at work.
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Old 08-05-2011, 12:26 AM   #18
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Re: best welder

i have a miller DVI (dual voltage input) and i love it.
you can run it on 120 volts witch will do just about anything you would want.
and i can take it to friends house and do work, most people only have access to a 110 plug.
you can also run it on 220 volts and run at a higher amperage to be able to weld thicker material.
works great for me. my .02
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Old 08-19-2011, 04:57 AM   #19
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Re: best welder

I like my Miller 211
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