Do I need a MIG Welder?

[rankrank1]

Your current stick welder can easily handle 1/8" thick metal without burning through. Some 3/32" 7014 should run like a dream. If that is too much penetration then 5/64" 6013 or 3/32" 6013 can easily handle that task. Much thinner than 1/16" thick though and you pretty much dreaming if you want to weld it with stick and especially if it has to look pretty.

That said if you are dead set on getting a wire feeder then do give the Hobart 210MVP a serious look. 115 volt portability plus 230 volt for serious power when needed. Spool gun compatible if you ever want to weld aluminum later too. You can run flux core in any mig but gas is the way to go. The Hobart is likely a welder to last you the rest of your life and a homeowner is not likely to outgrow it either. If you catch a sale and some coupons you might luck into the ballpark neighborhood of a tad over $700. If I could recoup my money that I have invested in my much older Lincoln SP-135P (which is a fine welder but only 115 volt) then I would buy a Hobart 210 MVP tomorrow to replace it.

 

[sixdogs]

Thanks for the advice guys...

...

Its a little sticker shock right now.

Not exactly the same but it's a little like scrimping on a life preserver. When you need it, you'll sure wish you upgraded. Do it now.

And the guys that say get 220 are right. I am a beginner, lightweight intermediate so my opinions are new but I would only have a 220 unless I was exclusively doing thin sheet steel or welding beer cans together.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Not exactly the same but it's a little like scrimping on a life preserver. When you need it, you'll sure wish you upgraded. Do it now.

And the guys that say get 220 are right. I am a beginner, lightweight intermediate so my opinions are new but I would only have a 220 unless I was exclusively doing thin sheet steel or welding beer cans together.

Hmm, I have a few beer cans. Maybe I can make something with them.

After some more reading I agree that if I do get one it will be 220.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Hmm, I have a few beer cans. Maybe I can make something with them. After some more reading I agree that if I do get one it will be 220.

Maybe a "Festivus" pole?

http://jonathanturley.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/festivus-pole.jpg

 

[adirondackmtnman]

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

I have the Hobart 140 also. A pretty capable little rig IMO. I started on a flux core only Hobart 125 ez, and for what it was, it did ok. BUT, on thinner stuff and sheet stock, it was very easy to burn through and make a mess, and with only a couple settings, almost impossible to dial back enough to do the thin stuff properly IMO. The 140 does really well, and would make you a good beginner for gas.

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[cartod]

Santa got me the Hobart 230 for Christmas. I haven't fired it up yet mainly because I don't have a 220 outlet in my garage........yet. I am wondering if my 5500 watt generator will run it?

 

[FredH]

Your generator may run it on lower settings but ????? Brother has a Miller 212 and a miller bobcat , bobcat runs the 212 although don't think the 212 has been maxed out while welding . With that said , a bobcat is in the 8000 watt range I believe , guess I could look up the spec's , just seems like that is were they are in watt production , ( the older bobcat's , not the newer ones which produce even more watts )


Fred H

 

[sixdogs]

Hmm, I have a few beer cans. Maybe I can make something with them.

After some more reading I agree that if I do get one it will be 220.

There are some really talented guys that post in this forum and beer cans would be no problem for them. I'm afraid to mention one name for fear of forgetting others but you should see the high quality of their work and welds. Ask anything and they are nice enough to answer and explain until you see the light. I was a newbie but now I'm less of one from their advice.

There is a thread of show me your welds but you would have to search for it.
Wait, here it is...

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/234051-lets-see-your-welds.html

 

[GPintheMitten]

Thanks. I probably show some, to learn, not to brag. Hah.

 

[Markcuda]

to learn, not to brag

You are only bragging when you can weld tin foil.LOL