Welders

[dunnc1991]

So now that I'm getting back into jeeps, I figured a welder would more than pay for itself. Now, I know very little about them. There are the 120 and 220 volt models, are the lower power units worth it? I'd like to pick up a decent mig welder. It will mainly be used for small things like floors, or bumpers. Let me know what you have, and any knowledge is always appreciated.

[ftpiercecracker1]

You get what you pay for, plain and simple. That being said if you stick with the big three (Miller, Hobart, Lincoln) you can't go wrong. What ever make/model you choose make sure you get one that can utilize shielding gas. The 'Hobart handler' is an excellent starter setup, just to give you an idea.

 

Oh and be prepared to shell out some doe, good welders cost a good bit. ($450-$800)

[Mattwheels]

110 can typically weld up to 3/16, anything thicker you'll need more juice aka 220. We just bought a millermatic 220? I think it is. which has plugs for 110 and 220, will weld up to 1/4 easily. Welding with it is a dream too, I enjoy welding with it a lot.

[89eliminator]

if your gonna buy one, but a 220V unit.  is your garage setup for 220?  can it be?

[dunnc1991]

I need to get an electrician in to see if I can upgrade my panel. If I can run 220 then that is what I will end up buying. I was wondering about the 110 units in case I couldn't upgrade. I found a pretty decent looking Lincoln mig. I can probably swing $600 roughly to buy one. Like I said I look at it as an investment, so I'm willing to spend a little more for a nice unit

[neohic]

From another thread, but still true...

 

... I would highly recommend taking a close look at the Thermal Arc/Tweco small inverter line (181i, 211i, 252i). I've used each one in the line and each one has its highs and very few lows. The whole product line is based off of multi-process welding. Each one is capable of MIG, stick, and TIG... even though the TIG function isn't all that great in any of them. In the Tweco selection, they just released a smaller yet 141i that I have on order. It's strickly a 110v machine, but I think they're just handy as all get out when it comes to versatility. They're all compact, but they all are very smooth running and offer a bunch of options that most other "happy homeowner" style machines don't even come close to. Best part? Way cheaper than Miller or Lincoln.

 

Good, quality products. Thermal Arc and Tweco do an awesome job of giving Miller and Lincoln a run for their money.

[Timeless]

Buy as much welder as you can afford.  A large unit can still do small stuff, but a small welder can't do big stuff.

 

With a 110 machine, you'll be limited to 1/8" or 3/16" depending on output and whether you use shielding gas or not.  Fluxcore can do slightly thicker material as compared to the same machine using shielding gas.  I strongly recommend doing as much as you can with shielding gas.

 

A MIG is pretty universal and easy to use.  Do your research on google and weldingweb.com, you'll figure it out.

 

I have a Thermal Arc TIG so plus one for them too.  Stick to Thermal Arc, Miller, Lincoln and Hobart.  Don't buy a harbor freight machine unless you want to throw money away.

[dasbulliwagen]

I have a Hobart Handler 140. Its a 110 welder at a decent price. I bought mine at Tractor Supply. Then I bought a gas bottle for it. Even though its a smaller unit and a decent price, once you buy the welder, the gas bottle, extra wire and tips and a helmet you'll have a thousand dollars in it and still not be able to weld really thick stuff. But it will do 99 percent of what I need. So I'm good with it. Just do your research and enjoy!

[Blue XJ]

I have a Lincoln 140 amp machine.  I generally run it on flux core when I weld thicker stuff, since it burns a little hotter.  I have used it to build my Jeep from the 'frame' up, it's welded everything I've tossed at it up to about 1/4"   If it's thicker, I just bevel the edges and doa  couple passes.  I would recommend a 220v welder if you are able to use/afford one.  I was limited to only being able to get a 110v, otherwise I would have gone 220v and been able to weld anything.