Mig Welder Question???

[StormRider]

I am thinking about getting a mig welder so I can do my door skins and my rocker panels on my truck. Plus I think that it's just real handy to have one around. I don't too much about mig welders though. My question is with so many brands and so many different amps and volts and gas or no gas that I am confused on what to get. I guess my budget is 400 or less if that is possible. Would a 200 one without the shielding gas be able to do the welds that I need. What is that shielding gas used for anyways? Thicker metal? More heat? Any one know of a good place to buy one online? Anyways, was just wondering if any of you experienced welders out there could point me in the right direction. Thanks.

[Morgsie]

I'd go 220v (or at least something 220v capable), gas, either Lincoln or Miller. Gas shields the arc from outside contaminants and gases which may react with the weld. Flux-core is evil, at least with sheet metal. The big concern with welding sheet metal is warpage. With gas you can (in theory) weld faster and do less warpage aswell as minimize corrosion. I've seen both flux-core and gas, just fork out the extra and money and go with gas it's worth it in the long run.

PS: Check out this welder from Lincoln. They're about $600 and it comes with everything you need for a gas setup minus a tank. I wouldn't f*ck around with anything less myself.

[Palf70Step]

I got mine (same unit shown in link) from this place. It was a reconditioned setup (from lincoln) Came with the same warranty as if it was new. I haven't had a bit of problems with mine for sheet metal.
http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/c000184.htm
Comes with everything but the tank (and a decent helmet)

[cooters]

never use flux core for body work, i recomend a 220 unit, they work a little bit better and allow you to weld bigger stuff.

[twotrucks]

I would go down to your local welding shop and buy there. I would buy either a Lincoln or Miller, I have a SP135 plus (infinite voltage and wire speed adjustment) 115 volt unit. I have welded all my sheetmetal rust repairs with it and some 1/8" steel. Do get the gas. By buying at a local welding shop they can help with your questions and service if needed. Plus you will need to go there for your bottle refills.

[sleepyboy]

Originally Posted by cooters

never use flux core for body work, i recomend a 220 unit, they work a little bit better and allow you to weld bigger stuff.

[boundstaffpress]

Don't be afraid to ask you local shop about used equipment. You can probably get a much better unit and stay inside of your budget. $400 is tight, but not impossible.

[lpaine]

Buying a used welder is a good way to go, I recently bought a used lincoln mig pak 15 for $350, it's hardly been used, an old guy sold it in the classifieds here, actually my wife spotted the ad in the paper, that welder new is worth about double what I paid for it, plus no tax. Gotta love those bargains.

[JCA1972]

I got this lincoln from sears, I have welded the floor panels and rockers with no problem, good price too, all you need to buy extra is the tank. I got mine on ebay for $80.00. It cost about $12.00 to fill the tank up at the local welding supply.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

[hexafamily]

I've got a Hobart 135 with gas shield. Works good and rebuilt the floors, rockers and corners on our '72. It's a 115 volt. Works good on body panel and other light stuff, but not good for any heavy welding. Years ago tried using a flux core machine on body panels. As they say, it runs hot, splatters the weld and just real hard to use without warping something.