Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

boundstaffpress · 02-14-2006, 03:10 PM

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

nevada70chev · 02-14-2006, 03:13 PM

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

Jayss109 · 02-14-2006, 04:47 PM

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.
________
VAPORIZERINFO

Botietruck · 02-14-2006, 04:54 PM

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.....

**dennislbrooks** · 02-14-2006, 04:57 PM

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

jbon64 · 02-14-2006, 05:50 PM

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.

CoolRide · 02-14-2006, 06:02 PM

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

boundstaffpress · 02-14-2006, 06:15 PM

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

lilred67 · 02-14-2006, 06:34 PM

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.

weasel29gm · 02-14-2006, 06:47 PM

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

68cajun · 02-14-2006, 10:30 PM

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

ChevyCrazy67 · 02-14-2006, 10:50 PM

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.

sweet n rare67 · 02-15-2006, 04:22 AM

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

toddtheodd · 02-15-2006, 07:47 AM

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

Todd

low'n slow · 02-16-2006, 12:38 AM

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.

Rod · 02-16-2006, 09:39 AM

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.

motocrosschump · 02-16-2006, 10:25 AM

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

02-14-2006, 03:10 PM	#1
boundstaffpress Jamie Hyneman is my twin Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: La Junta, Colorado Posts: 705	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 __________________ Justin SOLD 1967 K10 Fleetside, 283, Front and Rear Posi SOLD Color Wiring Diagrams Now in High Resolution V8 and Cab and Cab and Chassis

02-14-2006, 03:13 PM	#2
nevada70chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: reno, nv Posts: 646	Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder great question, i was thinking of the same thing...always good useful info from this board.... __________________ 70 LWB, 350/350 A/C, P/S, 3 Tone Paint (white cap, primer gray with black guide coat)

02-14-2006, 04:47 PM	#3
Jayss109 Active Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 235	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. ________ VAPORIZERINFO Last edited by Jayss109; 04-27-2011 at 11:34 PM.

02-14-2006, 04:54 PM	#4
Botietruck '71 chevy s.bed/s.side Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 1,571	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..... __________________ STILL PLAYS WITH CARS...AND TRUCKS!! Parents! Be good to your kids...they get to choose your nursing home! 250 I-6 with a 3 speed Saginaw and Borg Warner Overdrive...She's got overdrive!

02-14-2006, 04:57 PM	#5
dennislbrooks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Williamsburg, Ohio Posts: 1,798	Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder I have a CH also using gas. Has served me well. Get at least a 40# bottle.

02-14-2006, 05:50 PM	#6
jbon64 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: sidney , illinois Posts: 312	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. __________________ hey.....smell my finger 64 nova wagon , 63 nova convertible

02-14-2006, 06:02 PM	#7
CoolRide Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Spokane Washington Posts: 85	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

02-14-2006, 06:15 PM	#8
boundstaffpress Jamie Hyneman is my twin Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: La Junta, Colorado Posts: 705	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. __________________ Justin SOLD 1967 K10 Fleetside, 283, Front and Rear Posi SOLD Color Wiring Diagrams Now in High Resolution V8 and Cab and Cab and Chassis

02-14-2006, 06:34 PM	#9
lilred67 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: weatherford,texas Posts: 1,003	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.

02-14-2006, 06:47 PM	#10
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,097	Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder Look at a Hobart 325.... Harbor Freight, Home Depot has em' around $350 __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 38YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

02-14-2006, 10:30 PM	#11
68cajun 68 C/10 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Houma Louisiana Posts: 367	Re: Advice on an inexpensive MIG welder I have a hobart and a miller and love them both. __________________ (2009) GMC Sierra Denali 6.2 AWD (67 C/10 fleetside SWB) (2018GMC Yukon Denali) Wifes Car

02-14-2006, 10:50 PM	#12
ChevyCrazy67 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Dothan Alabama Posts: 2,604	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. __________________ Kevin 1967 C-10 swb fleetside 1968 C-10 stepside 1999 Z71- sons dd 1999 2wd silverado-my dd 2003 Tahoe- wifes dd

02-15-2006, 04:22 AM	#13
sweet n rare67 Young truck fanatic Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The wonderful Mat-Su Valley....Palmer, Ak Posts: 253	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 __________________ '67 Chevy Longstep 2wd 350 w/4spd manual Muncie M21. My first project. Proud to be Valley Trash

02-15-2006, 07:47 AM	#14
toddtheodd The oddest Todd around Join Date: May 2004 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 1,418	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 __________________ "The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them bathed in tears, to ride their horses and clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters." Ghengis Khan IIOY???

02-16-2006, 12:38 AM	#15
low'n slow Too Dumb To Know Better Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 883	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.



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02-16-2006, 09:39 AM	#16
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	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. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife. Last edited by Rod; 02-16-2006 at 10:07 AM.

02-16-2006, 10:25 AM	#17
motocrosschump Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Texarkana, AR 71854 Posts: 397	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. __________________ 2006 Titan SE Crew Cab Daily Driver 2005 Mazda Tribute (Wifes car) 1969 C10 SWB 350/3 Fleet "Max" 1969 Chevelle 2 door 350/3

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