Do I need a MIG Welder?

[Arc weld]

I think I'd look at an Everlast. Mark is very knowledgeable on this forum and is a regular contributor to it. The extended warrantee for the Longevity is outrageous!:shocked: The 2 year extended warrrantee is almost as much as the total purchase price. That's just ridiculous!:confused3: Solid wire MIG is the way to go though.

 

[k0ua]

Do you need a MIG welder for this project. NO, but it would sure make it easy.. can you do it with your Lincoln?, Yes you can. Either some 3/32 7018 or some 7014. A MIG welder is just made for what you want to do. But some 7014 is very easy to run and makes smooth welds. You can hold a very tight arc, or even drag the flux it is so easy to run. But I am not trying to talk you out of the MIG if you want to try one, I am just saying you can do a good job with what you have if you want. Good luck on your project which ever way you decide to go.:thumbsup:

 

[JimRB]

I got a Hobart Handler 140 that I use the .023 and .030 wire with mixed gas. You have bit less spatter then with the flux core wire. At least that has been my experience. It works fine with small gauge metal. For thicker projects I visit my friend with big Miller equipment and weld myself or pay him or one of his guys to fab something up. You can find the Hobart for about $500 without a gas bottle. Hobart I think is the lower priced stepchild of Miller. With the gas the weld are much cleaner. No slag chipping either.

Here is a quick article on shielding gasses to expand on what the experts were saying. MIG Welding Shielding Gas Basics

 

[Arc weld]

If you're making a cab, you'll also need to make the doors and other components. If you're going to need to weld anything lighter than 1/8" MIG is the way to go. 1/8" and above, your stick machine is fine.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Thanks for the advice guys. I sent Mark at Everlast a pm to get his recommendation for the stuff he carries. Seems that quite a few members here have purchased from him.

Its a little sticker shock right now.

 

[haveissues]

Whatever you do, get a 220v machine. I have a lincoln 140 and am now shopping for something larger. My main gripe with the 140 is I keep hitting the duty cycle. Turns out it is only 20% @ 90 amps. I think I might bite the bullet and get the miller 252.

 

[Markcuda]

Last year at about this time, I bought a Everlast 250P from Mark/Oleg, I am very happy with it.

 

[Markcuda]

I think I might bite the bullet and get the miller 252.

What is the going price of a new one now? 2500ish?

 

[haveissues]

Found it online for 2117 but will check my lws on Monday.

 

[Markcuda]

Ok, I just checked Cyberweld, they are $2,248.00