jenkinsph
Super Star Member
Iplayfarmer,
Looks like you received some good advice. JJ is right on the money. I have had a Weld-Pak 100 for about 7 years. At best it is ok for hobby and ornamental things. It does ok for automotive panels and some NON-CRITICAL automotive repairs. I would not pay $800.00 with a gas conversion kit and small gas cylinder. If I remember correctly the new welder and gas conversion kit cost me about $375.00 at Farm & Fleet.
It is nice to have when you have some small job that requires portability. Most every place has 110 volt available, but very few have 220V. Mine is still performing ok, but I am going to get a small unit that runs off of 220 because I now have a Trailblazer generator/welder. Whenever I can I prefer to use SMAW (stick). But sometimes a mig comes in real handy for light sheet metal, and I need a unit with a higher duty cycle. I am currently looking at a Hobart 187, and waiting to see if Farm & Fleet has a sale on them. Have fun with the Weld-Pak 100. If you use it within it's intended light duty welding capacity and do not over exceed it's duty cycle, that little welder will serve you for a long time.
I have a Miller Trailblazer and the suitcase mig with assortment of liners and rollers. It will run .023, .030, .035 and .045 wire continuously great machine. A full roll of wire makes the suitcase a little cumbersome but other than that it is great. I set up mine with 50 ft of lead, remote control, and gas hose. You get the weld qality of the Trailblazer with the convenience of a mig.
My next welding purchase will be a stationary mig when I get my new shop built this summer.
Steve