MIG Welding
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,235
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
MIG Welding
We've shared our experiences regarding compressors, painting and many other repairs that require specialized tools but don't recall talking about welding.
I need to pick up a basic, hobby type of welder that I can do some basic car stuff as well as home repairs. What do others do? I see where Harbor Freight sells anything from $80 (1/4" plate) to $400 units.
Harbor Freight Welders
I need to pick up a basic, hobby type of welder that I can do some basic car stuff as well as home repairs. What do others do? I see where Harbor Freight sells anything from $80 (1/4" plate) to $400 units.
Harbor Freight Welders
Last edited by hunt4cleanair; Feb 9, 2008 at 05:16 AM. Reason: add link
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
you're not going to weld 1/4" plate with a $80 welder. that thickness (and size) of metal will dissipate the heat too quickly. also, be sure the unit you purchase can be used with gas. you'll get a smoother weld with less splatter than flux wire.
jeff
jeff
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Don't go cheap here. It will be frustrating trying to weld with a cheapo welder. Get yourself a Miller or Lincoln 135 or better yet a 175 and tha twill be able to tackle just about everything in the garage. They are not cheap but good quality never is. You might be able to pick up a good used one for a little less.
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 2
From: walpole ma
Don't go cheap here. It will be frustrating trying to weld with a cheapo welder. Get yourself a Miller or Lincoln 135 or better yet a 175 and tha twill be able to tackle just about everything in the garage. They are not cheap but good quality never is. You might be able to pick up a good used one for a little less.
It is the only way to go.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Miller 175 Mig Welder
I have a Miller 175 mig welder in my restoration shop that is 20 years old , gets used every day , and has been trouble free. It will weld anything that you throw at it. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 857
Likes: 1
From: Morrisonville Illinios
I picked up a Lincoln 140 Mig from Indiana Welding (Found on ebay bought direct). It 110v unit and one of the best things we have picked up my son really caught on to it and within a day could do sheet metal. The real cheap units don't have adjustable amps and are really tough to get parts for when they break. Hay since you drive one of the RED WHITE BLUE cars keep your welder made in the USA also.wro87
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Warrenville IL
How hard is it to teach yourself to weld? I've got a couple of things that need some work like the frame bracket for the #4 body mount. I don't know how to weld and don't own a welder but it would be cheaper to buy one and learn than pay for a visit from a welder.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,681
Likes: 200
From: Waterford Mi
First time I used a wire feed welder was on my frame mount repair. I use to arc weld as a kid but that was a long time ago and I never did get the smooth welds that a pro does. The wire feed 110V welder I used made a quick job of it and was a lot easier then I remember acr welding or even torch welding. If using one with gas is even better then I think I would have had even better welds. Mine are strong but weren't the best looking; I had to weld extra so I could grind them down smooth.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 857
Likes: 1
From: Morrisonville Illinios
Buy a really good one (see listing above) and use mix gas. The book is alot of help and practice makes perfect. Like I said my son picked it up real quick after a day. Made him build a rolling cart for the tank and welder and then a couple of rolling tables. Hell he is teaching is 12yr old sister. I let him use flux wire first to play and then with the sheet metal went to gas. It is not all that hard. Practice Makes perfect and you will be happy withthe results
Good Luck wro87
Good Luck wro87
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
You could go cheap here, but I wouldn't recommend it. The reason being is once you learn how to weld, your capabilities will grow very fast, and the cheap welder will no longer be sufficient for you and your projects. Plus, if you buy a good welder, you will have it for the rest of your life. Its just like an air compressor - you first started off using an impact wrench and air ratchet, and now you want to use an air sander and sandblaster - it is no longer big enough to meet your demands. Save up some money and buy a Miller welder. I believe the one I have is the Millermatic 175...its the cat's ***. The newer model is the Millermatic 180..which is almost exactly the same. They both use gas, not flux core. Flux core sucks...you want to use a mixture gas of argon and co2 (I think that is what mine is). The millermatic 175 I have is 220 volt - it is much better than the 110 volt models on the market, but you need to install a 220 volt outlet in your garage. Get a 220 volt unit, they are way better.
Last edited by stinger12; Feb 9, 2008 at 11:54 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,435
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From: Kalamazoo Mi
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
I have a 240V Sears MIG welder. It's not the biggest or best, but it was affordable and meets my needs. Unless you don't and can't use 240V, don't be tempted to buy a 120V welder to save some $$. And go with gas from the start. Flux core wire welding really sucks - spattering, smoke, rough welds, etc.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Also wiring up a 240 volt plug is extremly easy to do. I have wired and rewired many a circuit in my life and had no problems. A lot of people are afraid of wiring. It is extremly easy and simple to do. Go to the book store and read about it or ask here. Don't skimp out on power just because you only have a 120 circuit. Going to 240 is easy.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 129
Likes: 7
From: dallas pa
the miller 175 is a great welder,the amp draw on 240 is around 19 amps so you will not need a large breaker-just use one from the electric heat from one room, preferably the mother inlaws guest room and you will solve 2 problems.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Quebec Canada
Plug your machine to 220v and by all means 185 amp MILLER or more
so you can claim to be Tim the tool man Taylor
I have a welding shop, all i have is Miller. 185, 210 migs.180, 275 tig water cooled on the 275. 3/8 plasma cutter. Never had problems.
Tony.
so you can claim to be Tim the tool man Taylor
I have a welding shop, all i have is Miller. 185, 210 migs.180, 275 tig water cooled on the 275. 3/8 plasma cutter. Never had problems.
Tony.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
You can snag a Hobart on Ebay pretty cheap, but the best deals will be in your local Pawn Shops. I just picked up a Miller Maxstar 150 TIG for under $250, so it pays to search.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 1
From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
Buy the best you can afford I have a 120 volt mig that will weld 1/8" but is best for sheet metal. for anything else I have a 175A 240 Miller (great machine) an older 160A 240V Controlled System (welded my Car trailer with this one) and a 250A AC/DC Stick/scratch start TIG and a 3/8" Hypotherm Plasma cutter.
The right tool for evey job
Steve
The right tool for evey job
Steve