Suggestions for Welder
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Regardless of whether you choose MIG or TIG, the Lincoln or Miller units in the 175-185 amp range are capable for practically any automotive use. If you aspire to welding aluminum, TIG is the preferred process, although I prefer it for all uses although it is a slower process than MIG. I've owned a Lincoln Squarewave 175 Pro TIG for a few years now and would recommend it. The current model is rated at 185 amps. I'd be perfectly happy with a unit from the blue team as well though.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,189
Likes: 206
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Millermatic 175 if using 220v isn't a problem 
I made a heavy duty extension cord to reach around and outside the garage.
I'm about to buy the optional aluminum welding gun.WB
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/
I made a heavy duty extension cord to reach around and outside the garage.
I'm about to buy the optional aluminum welding gun.WB
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/
Last edited by Don Rickles; Mar 26, 2006 at 06:08 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
I recently upgraded from a Century 100 I bought from Sam's Wholesale Club over 10 years ago to the Lincoln ProMig 175, it works great. Got it off of eBay for about $100.00 less delivered than the out the door price from Lowe's.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by shafrs3
I recently upgraded from a Century 100 I bought from Sam's Wholesale Club over 10 years ago to the Lincoln ProMig 175, it works great. Got it off of eBay for about $100.00 less delivered than the out the door price from Lowe's.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 10
From: Big Pine Key FL
I'm kind of a Welder Junkie... Not a great welder just a junkie 
I have in order of aquisition
Lincolin 225 AC/DC Stick 220V
Oxy-Acetelene Torches 0V
Hobart Handler 135 MIG 110/220V - 75/25
Hobart AirForce 400 Plasma Cutter - Now CNC'd 110/220V
Miller 210 Multi Process MIG with a wand and spool gun 220V - Tri-Mix
Miller Spectum 375 Plasma cutter 110/220V
Miller Synchrowave 200 TIG 220V - Argon
I have the 110/220 setups so that I can use them in my race trailer on the generator, the small welders run out of capacity pretty quickly. Watch the duty cycle, if your doing a lot of welding more is better.
IMHO
I have in order of aquisition
Lincolin 225 AC/DC Stick 220V
Oxy-Acetelene Torches 0V
Hobart Handler 135 MIG 110/220V - 75/25
Hobart AirForce 400 Plasma Cutter - Now CNC'd 110/220V
Miller 210 Multi Process MIG with a wand and spool gun 220V - Tri-Mix
Miller Spectum 375 Plasma cutter 110/220V
Miller Synchrowave 200 TIG 220V - Argon
I have the 110/220 setups so that I can use them in my race trailer on the generator, the small welders run out of capacity pretty quickly. Watch the duty cycle, if your doing a lot of welding more is better.
IMHO
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
From: Chandler Arizona
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by War Bonnet
Millermatic 175 if using 220v isn't a problem
I made a heavy duty extension cord to reach around and outside the garage.
I'm about to buy the optional aluminum welding gun.WB
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/
I made a heavy duty extension cord to reach around and outside the garage.
I'm about to buy the optional aluminum welding gun.WB
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/
gthis is what I have - I love it!!!
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: Ocean City MD
I have a Millermatic 135. It is a 115v welder and works great for a small welder. I have used it for a few years now. If you are looking for a lighter duty mig than the 135 is enough. I was going to get a tig welder but picked up a plasma cutter first.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
glad i inspired you to spend money,i can feel the boost in the economy already....i think you are on the right track the Lincoln 175 is a 220v volt unit and looks nice so does the Miller 175.....my only comment is watch the actual model numbers there is a difference between the Lincoln 175t and 175 plus....the one to get is the 175 plus because it has both infinite wire speed and infinite heat settings....and if you are going to do this do it just once ...and i think either the 135 plus or the 175 plus (if you have 220) would be good choices or the equivalent Miller or Hobart unit
the same goes for the Lincoln 135t and 135 plus (this is a 120 volt unit.)
i have used the snot out of my little weld pak 100 and if i wasn't thinking of welding in my own IFS i would have no need to upgrade. i do have a 240 volt stick welder and the oxy/actelyene set up for heavy welding...
the same goes for the Lincoln 135t and 135 plus (this is a 120 volt unit.)
i have used the snot out of my little weld pak 100 and if i wasn't thinking of welding in my own IFS i would have no need to upgrade. i do have a 240 volt stick welder and the oxy/actelyene set up for heavy welding...
Last edited by bobs77vet; Mar 26, 2006 at 10:08 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Jclgodale3
That's actually the one I have been eyeing...any major limitations?
I can compensate for the lack of infinitely variable heat setting by varying my hand speed.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by shafrs3
No limitations, my old one had the infinitely variable heat setting and the new one doesn't. No problem, 'cause I have and infinitely variable hand.
I can compensate for the lack of infinitely variable heat setting by varying my hand speed.
I can compensate for the lack of infinitely variable heat setting by varying my hand speed.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
no need for infinite variable heat setting, however a range divided in a good number of increments is helpful, you can always influence it w/ the wire speed.
All I can say is, buy the biggest one you can afford, you may not seem to need the duty cycle or the amps but you will come across something and you wish you had a bigger welder. Mine is a 275 amp max one right now and I have yet to run it all out but I have had it over 200 on multiple occasions.
All I can say is, buy the biggest one you can afford, you may not seem to need the duty cycle or the amps but you will come across something and you wish you had a bigger welder. Mine is a 275 amp max one right now and I have yet to run it all out but I have had it over 200 on multiple occasions.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by shafrs3
I'd consider around $500 good price, thats what I paid for mine to my door. There are several currently up for auction on eBay.
Already watchin' a few, thanks!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by shafrs3
I don't know the answer to this but if you have a p/n, Lincoln has a web site thats informative.