OK, I have to weld!

[ol Curt]

I can't delay it any longer. I need to learn to weld, particularly sheet metal. I've heard the best way is to just get some scrap and start practicing...but I need to buy a welder first. I doubt I'll ever do much welding beyond the sheet metal on this truck. But if I had to learn to do larger thicker pieces, we do have a stick welder at work.

What should i look for in a beginner welder...110 versus 220 volt...lots of different model numbers..new versus used....it all seems greek to me.

I know if I don't do this, I'll never finish my truck. I feel bad every Thanksgiving when my 73 year old dad comes over and asks if the truck is done yet! He gave it to me and it was my grandpas prior. I just can't see putting it back on the road with bad cab supports and rockers.

[Alan's Classic]

Here is a thread that might help.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=307627

[LILRED66]

ol Curt:

Great...sounds like you are ready to jump in head first. Before purchasing a welder, you may check into taking a welding class at your local Vocational Technical school, community college or mentor with a local restoration shop on a volunteer basis to pick up the basics.

If you do purchase a welder, you might check into the Miller 175 MIG welder and run CO2/Argon gas with .023 gauge wire. I took the advice of my Dad, a certified A&P welder of over 40 years with TWA/American Airlines. This set-up works great for me and you will see it is rather easy to pick-up with some practice.

Keep us posted with your progress and good luck.

[ol Curt]

Looked at a lot of welders online last night. Wow, the good ones aren't cheap. I may have to watch for auctions and garage sales.

[ChiefRocka]

I might be a little bias to Miller, but I think a 110 model (like lilRed mentioned) would be a good machine to go with.

Personally, I have a MillerMatic 250MP...this thing can burn threw 1/2 plate no problem...but never had to use it for that (yet).

I've had this unit for 16 yrs and never had a problem....so I bought a Miller Plazma.

A few years ago, I ran out of wire on a Sunday...so I borrowed my friends 110volt Miller to finish a job.

Plugged it in and turned it all the way up (just to see what this baby could do)....Let me tell you that thing has more than enough juice to handle any kind of body and frame work....It'll easilly handle 1/4 and 3/8 plate.

Just some FYI for ya !

[Oklahoma]

I bought a Hobart handler 130 about 7 years ago and it works great, i have done alot of welding and have never had a single problem with it. I would definatly redcoment it to a beginner welder, for light welding.

[Tx Firefighter]

For welding sheetmetal, a name brand 110v unit with 75/25 gas and 023 wire is all you need.

I have an old Lincoln 110 volt unit with the setup listed above. It's super easy to learn and use and will sew up sheetmetal like no tomorrow.

Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, whatever, the secret is to use the gas and small wire. Flux core is very crude and ugly compared to true MIG process.

[msgross]

that's what I use...

Millermatic 135 (just like Hobart) with 110V. I can only run it on 3-4 (out of 10) or it burns thru most sheetmetal...

Crank it up to 10 and she'll weld a frame...

Buy a Miller, Lincoln or hobart though... get some good gloves, cart and an autodarkening helmet.. Plan on $500-$600 though... well worth it.

[kissingbug1978]

Not trying to hijack your thread here. For us new welders. Where and how do you get the gas? And what is the mixture your referring to?

[msgross]

I get mine from tractor supply... argon/co2 mix

your local airgas shop (or any welding shop) has it as well...

TSC here cost $38 for a #3 bottle... last for quite a long time too...

[protrash64]

I get gas at a welding supply.......

I have a 20yr old mig and its tempermental but it gets it done. Just had to get familiar with it. I agree with all the other comments; get a good welder and it will make life easy. I believe the quality of the transformers and components is key. My friend has Millermatic 251(220v) and it is awesome after using mine. Still, it takes practice and messing some stuff up; you will learn eventually.

[ol Curt]

I am thinking of going with a 110 v unit. I like the price of the Hobart 140. I know it wouldn't be as nice as a Miller, but I'm still looking. I thought I had it made when Tractor Supply listed it as 15% off during shopping hell day yesterday! Daughter had my truck and wife was working....so thought I would just buy it online. Wrong! Out of stock online...local store wouldn't guarantee price this AM.

My dad can do electrical work; maybe it was an omen for me to ask him to wire a 220 outlet in my garage and buy a used one that is a step up.

[msgross]

I think Miller makes Hobart... i've heard that and agree that the hobart 140 looks identical to my miller...

Nice thing about the 110v is that I can hook into 110 ANYWHERE, not just the garage...

[ol Curt]

Found two different Lincoln welders...one on ebay and other on craigslist. If I could just get either of the guys to respond to my email questions from early this morning!

[LILRED66]

One upside to a Lincoln is that consumables are available at The Home Depot and Lowe's, but I chose Miller since my father has used them exclusively for the past 40 + years while working in the airline industry as a certified A&P mechanic, as well as running a small welding shop, since his retirement.

Other than that, I can't speak to the quality or value for your dollar, with the Lincoln.

Let us know which direction you go and how your learning curve is with learning how to MIG weld.

[ol Curt]

Tony,

I haven't given up the thought of owning a Miller. If I could find a good used one I would snatch it. Every critique I have read states that it is numero uno. I have been listening to this little voice in my head that says....you'll only use this a few times, why don't you just buy a cheap one, rent or borrow one? wait.....that voice is my wife!!

[msgross]

I found my miller on Ebay, slightly used, about 40 miles from me..

miller 135, cart, bottle, gloves, large spool of wire, extra tips, auto helmet for about $550...

[ol Curt]

Originally Posted by msgross

I found my miller on Ebay, slightly used, about 40 miles from me..

miller 135, cart, bottle, gloves, large spool of wire, extra tips, auto helmet for about $550...

Thanks Mike, That will give the VOICE...errr my wife hope. If I could just find something she needs welded!

Yours sounds like a great deal. As much as I want one TODAY, I'm going to make it an exhaustive search!

I'll have to call my dad later and aks, but the Hobart gets good ratings. The only difference between them and some of the Millers are the infinite settings. Couldn't one just take the multi position switch off, solder a correct rheostat switch on and have the same?

[ol Curt]

I also forgot to ask. Is the 135 ok? I know they change models often and there is a 140 now. I just worry about availability of parts if needed.

[msgross]

I"m not to worried about parts... Miller is a good company. They are just getting a little more amperage out of the 110v models than they use to, technology I guess...

I know that I can resale mine for very little loss if any at all... My brother abused it a little when I wasn't watching (to slow of wire speed and major popping for a few hours) and it still works like new...

[LILRED66]

Originally Posted by msgross

I found my miller on Ebay, slightly used, about 40 miles from me..

miller 135, cart, bottle, gloves, large spool of wire, extra tips, auto helmet for about $550...

Excellent deal...

[Jtrux]

Mine...



I love it but for what you're doing the 135 or 140 or anything that size would be perfect. I got my used for a good deal but if I was buying new I would of gone with the 140.

[ol Curt]

msgross and Lilred66,

I sent you both a pm

[ol Curt]

msgross and Lilred66,

I sent you both a pm

[msgross]

that looks just like mine... good deal if you can get it less than $450 - $500

http://store.cyberweld.com/mimigwe.html

you can see how much they are new.. check out Indiana Oxygen on Ebay.. I remember them having some good deals. I'm originally from Fairmount, IN...

Northern tool often has free shipping in their catalog and Hobart welders... $479 compare that to Tractor Supply...

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...6073_200306073

Indiana oxygen on Ebay.

http://stores.ebay.com/Welding-Suppl...QQftidZ2QQtZkm