Welder Advice Needed

[DreamRyder1963]

I am looking at starting some body repair and customization projects soon. I know that I will need to improve my welding skills before I attempt these projects. My problem is that my current welder, a CHEAP Harbor Frieght electric welder, is not up to the task. Therefore, I am looking at getting a new one and I need help figuring out what will meet my needs best. I would like to keep it below $500. I did find this one at Northern Tool.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...3934_200413934

[Bigdav160]

What are your plans for an oxy-acetylene rig? It would not be my first choice for welding. However, there still are old school guys using them for vintage sheet metal repair. I'm sure it takes a lot of practice to keep from ruining the metal.

I'm a big fan of tig welding. It behaves similar to gas welding with incredible precision. The downside is it can be slow, the metal has to be extra clean and can be tricky to weld in awkward positions

[DreamRyder1963]

I was looking at it because in an article I read Gene Winfield recommended that style for welding. It does seem weird to me hence my question here.

[tinydb84]

There are some threads on here that talk about using OA welders on body work. I think the current practice is more MIG/TIG for body work. The OA leaves a softer weld bead but for the stuff we would need on a C10 I think a MIG would be just fine.

If you are only do body work then a 110mig would be just fine and could be had for less than $500. Take a look at Hobart. They are made by the same company as Miller and very reliable.

[72bowtiestepper]

Go with a Mig from either Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln...with any of the cheap welders out there , you are asking for problems. Just my opinion.

[DreamRyder1963]

Something like this?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...7703_200447703

[72bowtiestepper]

Originally Posted by DreamRyder1963

Something like this?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...7703_200447703

That Hobart would be up to the task of sheet metal repair. Get a Argon/Co2 mix gas with .023 wire setup for it. I am not a fan of the flux core wire for light gage sheet metal welding.

[tinydb84]

That one would be fine. If you plan on doing anything more serious go with the 190 or 210MVP. Better to buy one than two when you need it later.

[DreamRyder1963]

The most serious use I can see in the next 10 years is fabbing some mounts and sectioning a floor.

[custom70]

I would at least step up to the hobart 140. It's still a 110v unit and would handle any of your needs.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by custom70

I would at least step up to the hobart 140. It's still a 110v unit and would handle any of your needs.

It's also already set up for gas and comes with the regulator. I love my 140. I've used it on everything from sheet metal to 1/4 plate, and I get great penetration on the 1/4 inch. I don't think you can be the value for the money.

[texasld]

Originally Posted by custom70

I would at least step up to the hobart 140. It's still a 110v unit and would handle any of your needs.

I have the 220v version the 190A. It's a great welder. I really like it. I have a bottle of Argon/CO2 and it welds great. I also used it to weld my frame back together after I did the shortening job. Works great for body work too.

One thing to remember is to buy bigger than what you need because you will end up needing it later.

I got my 190 of of CL for $400 bucks. Brand new.

[cableguy0]

Oxy/acetalene welding is an art with a huge learning curve. It is not a good way for a beginner to start. Your results will be 10 times better with a wire feed gas mig welder. You really cant go wrong with any of the big names for home use. I prefer Millers but they are out of your price range. We use Lincolns at work daily. Hobart I have never used but haven't really heard anything bad. If you can spend a little more to get a bigger machine do it. Nobody ever stood around and said damn I wish I woulda got a smaller welder. Its always the opposite. You will be surprised how many uses and how much stuff you can use a welder for until you have a decent unit sitting in your shop. I completely understand being on a budget but if you can swing the extra cash move up to a 220v machine.

[DreamRyder1963]

Personally I would like to go with a 220v unit. I even have a buddy that has one that I can buy for cheap, I just don't the wiring in the house to use it.

[cableguy0]

Adding a 220v plug isn't a big deal. Its even easier if the fuse panel is close to where you will be working. Nothing more than adding a breaker and running some wire to an outlet.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

Adding a 220v plug isn't a big deal. Its even easier if the fuse panel is close to where you will be working. Nothing more than adding a breaker and running some wire to an outlet.

As long as you don't exceed the total load your panel is rated for. In some cases, that might mean you need to not run the dryer (just as an example) while you're welding, particularly if you have an older home. Most newer homes have 150 or 200 amp service, so you should be fine if that's your situation.

Also make sure you run at least the minimum gauge wire for your amperage/distance. Here's a calculator I use:

http://www.paigewire.com/pumpWireCalc.aspx

Having said all that, I haven't noticed any shortcomings with my Hobart 140, which is 110. I haven't welded up an entire frame, but I've done some serious welding on 1/4 steel on my trailer, and I've never had it cycle out yet.

[tinydb84]

I am running a Hobart 190. I installed a new outlet in my garage. I had a electrician neighbor help me. He did most (all) of the work and I paid him like 200 bucks. After seeing it done I wish I would have just done it myself...but I'm scared of electricity (been shocked a few good times).

[GASoline71]

I have a Lincoln 140C that is a 120V gas/no gas MIG. I weld everything from sheet metal to frames with it, and I can plug it in to almost any outlet on any wall. The cost might be a tad more but it has been well worth it over the years.

Save your coin until you can afford a good MIG welder. You'll be glad you did

Gary

[texasld]

220v isn't bad. If you haven't ever done it before, I recommend having an electrician tie the line into the panel, but you can always run the wire and install the plug yourself. May save you some money. Maybe have an electrician friend come over and show you how to do it. It never hurts to learn.

You can see my welder set up on post #13 of my build log.

[83 Silverado]

If your newer to mig welding and are looking at a welder with an easy setup, one of the Miller's with the auto-set. I started out with a Lincoln 140 from a big box store and run that for years, but just upgraded to a Miller 211 with the auto-set and love the setup. Check out the Miller site for info on it.

[95 S_Trucker]

Originally Posted by 83 Silverado

If your newer to mig welding and are looking at a welder with an easy setup, one of the Miller's with the auto-set. I started out with a Lincoln 140 from a big box store and run that for years, but just upgraded to a Miller 211 with the auto-set and love the setup. Check out the Miller site for info on it.

I have the same welder, I run .030 most of the time, And it will do sheet metal, exhaust, and frame repairs. I only use it on 220v(it came with both plugs)

[cg285]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

Oxy/acetalene welding is an art with a huge learning curve. It is not a good way for a beginner to start. Your results will be 10 times better with a wire feed gas mig welder. You really cant go wrong with any of the big names for home use. I prefer Millers but they are out of your price range. We use Lincolns at work daily. Hobart I have never used but haven't really heard anything bad. If you can spend a little more to get a bigger machine do it. Nobody ever stood around and said damn I wish I woulda got a smaller welder. Its always the opposite. You will be surprised how many uses and how much stuff you can use a welder for until you have a decent unit sitting in your shop. I completely understand being on a budget but if you can swing the extra cash move up to a 220v machine.

i agree on the larger machine and i agree that it's easier for a beginner to start with a mig but i believe the CORRECT way to learn welding is to start with O/A. it teaches you puddle control. beginners with migs start off with bad habits