Want a MIG welder, but what kind?

[aczlan]

120v isn’t really enough to weld with. I’d get one that can do 240v. MIG, by definition involves gas. I’d spend the extra for one that can use a shielding gas.

You didn’t talk budget so it’s hard to point toward brands. Lincoln, Miller and ESAB are the 3 main ones you see in the USA. But their are others that have a following like Hobart and Everlast- who helps sponsor this site.

I agree. You can weld with 120v, but it's limited, 240v gives you a lot more options (even if you don't use it often)
I ended up with a Everlast 200 amp 120/240v stick welder and have been very happy with it for my uses (mostly welding rusty stuff back together).

Aaron Z

 

[WranglerX]

Slightly less expensive then Miller is Hobart 210 MPV... Will handle fluxcore (FCAW) and solid wire and shield gas (GMAW) ....

It is 120/240 Volt capable so it makes it portable to sites that do not have 240V, but that also limits its top amperage some...

I purchases the Hobart Handler 140, 120v machine and wish I had gotten something bigger, seems like my welding projects seem to bet bigger and bigger.... BUt will says I am totally satisfies with my HH 140 within its limits of amperage...

Hobart is also owned by same parent company as Miller...

HobartWelders | Welders, Welding Equipment, Accessories & Gear

Dale

 

[WranglerX]

I'm a happy camper with my 110/220v Miller 211 but you will be north of a grand. If you already have a stick welder and plan to stay under 1/4in mild steel you can go with a Lincoln 140watt for $550. The 180watt for a little more oomph will be $700.

Search Results for lincoln welder at The Home Depot

I am sure many here will and probably should point you to an Everlast... more bang for the buck and from what I hear, a solid choice.

MIG Welders For Sale - MIG Welding Machines - GWAM Welding - Everlast

Mark from Everlast is a sponsor here and he might be able to do better than on their website. I suggest you PM him if you are interested in Everlast.

Don't you mean AMPS in stead of Watts....

Dale

 

[jaxs]

Don't you mean AMPS in stead of Watts....

Dale

Thank you for pointing that out,I hadn't noticed before. That's 1 aww shucks Dragoneggs. 1 aww shucks wipe's out 3 of your ata boys so you should be more carful in the future.

 

[dragoneggs]

Don't you mean AMPS in stead of Watts....

Dale

Thank you for pointing that out,I hadn't noticed before. That's 1 aww shucks Dragoneggs. 1 aww shucks wipe's out 3 of your ata boys so you should be more carful in the future.

Crap I hate making mistakes... :mur:

I used to have one flaw... I was conceited, but I fixed that and now I'm perfect!

 

[Cord]

You get what you pay for and Craiglist if full of cheap welders that people can't unload. If you want a wire fed welder on the cheap, then that's where you should shop. I tried renting one of those welders. Didn't even have enough power to weld 10g without tripping. Even then the beads were cold with no penetration. Because these welders don't have gas you can't even use them for sheet metal work on a car. For these reasons, I'd highly recommend waiting and then buying a red or blue machine off of Craigs. I've had several over the years and I'm pretty happy with my red welder. I will admit that blue seems to be more popular in these parts. If that's still too much money, then I'd have to recommend a Lincoln tombstone. Although a very old design, they're a really good welder.

 

[Big Barn]

The OP has mentioned he ALREADY has a stick welder. I don’t have access to HF here in Canada but the reviews from competent sources on Welding Web are very favourable.

Coupled with their current one year return policy on the Vulcan line I’m certain that I would give it a try if my circumstances were similar.

 

[sd455dan]

Nothing against red Blue,HF or Everlast but another contender in an affordable, 120 or 240 VAC Migs

is the Eastwood 250 amp model

$899 Has the ability to run .045 wire to weld up to 1/2 inch steel

and has a full 60% duty cycle @ 250 amps

3 year warranty and some Very positive reviews (4.9 rating with 49 reviews)

 

[fried1765]

In Wisconsin, you can buy the 190amp, Hobart Handler MIG 230v (by Miller) at Blain's Farm & Fleet for $649.99
The Hobart Handler has all 5 star reviews!
Blain's is great to deal with.

 

[Deere Dude]

OP Here, Thanks for the tips because there are many things I didn't know concerning gas or flux.

I am leaning toward a 220 volt larger unit but I have to limit the price to maybe 6-700. Now to check brands and reviews and longevity. I hate to get a brand where a switch of something minor goes out and they can't get anything like it any more. Had that happen with a chop saw. Like new, but older with a bad switch. Had to trash it. $50 is okay but $700 is not okay.