Want a MIG welder, but what kind?

[Deere Dude]

Right now, the Everlast Power i-MIG is 20% off. It will MIG and Stick weld. I've personally used one down to 22 gauge with .030" wire, and up to 3/8" and 1/2" material with .035".

I just looked at the Everlast website and the prices seem pretty fair. Thanks for the tip. Now to figure out which one.

 

[Cuban]

I recently bought a lincoln electric K2185 its the best handy mig welder,It is relatively light and portable for easy handling,The wire welder comes with fluxcored wire with an option for shielding gas and uses fan cooling to extend its lifespan
But the only cons is that its compact design makes it unable to carry large spools of wire and this will definitely work for you
Its input voltage is 115v,while it isn't the high enough for more industrial purpose it make accessible to householders

 

[Sodo]

I want to weld light steel and maybe heavy sheet metal and have it look fair.
I am not sure if a 110 volt would work well enough for me

Depends what you consider light steel or heavy sheet metal.
Up to 1/4" thick steel, the only difference is the 110v can be easier to put in your truck and move around, and you can use it in a lot more places.

There is no difference in the welds between 110 and 220v if 1/4" thick or below.
I have a 20-foot long dual axle car trailer. There is nothing on that trailer thicker than 1/4" other than the axle stubs.
The amps setting for welding 1/4" steel is the same, regardless of the input voltage, so it makes no difference if it's 110v or 220v.

I'm referring to welds from a quality machine like Hobart/Lincoln/Miller, not some 30-year old discount POS.
The Everlast iMig 140 is a good 110v machine at a great price $399.

Get the C25 gas setup.
You might be a little surprised how much the gas part costs, but your projects will come out much nicer.

If you are ONLY going to weld where you already have the 220v.... I'd get a 220v machine.
And of course 110/220 are very handy too. I have a Miller 110v and a Miller 110/220.

 

[m1garand762]

Based on your budget look at the Hobart 190 tractor supply generally has a decent price but they do go on sale periodically and they do have some 10 and 20 percent coupons occasionally. As far as a bottle goes , your local welding supply should be able to help you relatively inexpensively.

 

[MoArk Willy]

I know you are looking for a wire feed and you said a "toy".
I also have an arc welder but plan on buying a flux core for lighter work.
I am seriously looking at the Lincoln Century FC90.
It is an inverter welder which bumps up the duty cycle a bit.
It is highly rated and is a 120v machine.
I know that some of the "welders" here want you to spend as much as possible because they did.
You don't need a sledge hammer to pound finishing nails.
From what you describe as your needs, a small 120v flux would be fine.
You have a bigger welder for the bigger stuff....you have that covered.

 

[Big Barn]

IMO Chuck (Deere Dude) should get a dual voltage (110 /220) inverter OR perhaps a 220V transformer MIG.

No one is saying he needs to buy a top of the line commercial unit.

He already has a welder suitable for heavier stuff but better to spend a few bucks more for a “toy” that can he can actually weld with and enjoy using....and WANT to use.

No point having a toy that’s not fun to play with.

I think I mentioned IMHO of course....

 

[fried1765]

IMO Chuck (Deere Dude) should get a dual voltage (110 /220) inverter OR perhaps a 220V transformer MIG.

No one is saying he needs to buy a top of the line commercial unit.

He already has a welder suitable for heavier stuff but better to spend a few bucks more for a 鍍oy that can he can actually weld with and enjoy using....and WANT to use.

No point having a toy that痴 not fun to play with.

I think I mentioned IMHO of course....

"OR perhaps a 220V transformer MIG"

The Hobart Handler 190 fits that option just perfectly!

Best price: "IOC" - 1-866-854-7380
$725 with free shipping and no tax.
Amazon is $700 but.... PLUS tax.

 

[abunchofidiots]

I've used a number of different welders over the years. Like some of the recommendations in the thread, dual voltage offers a lot of flexibility. The C25 gas setup (25% Co2, 75% Argon) will give much better welds in a MIG setup. My latest welder is a Vulcan Omnipro 220. The unit has performed flawlessly.

 

[yomax4]

Simply check your budget and buy the best unit that makes sense. Dual voltage inverters on 115v will walk on plain 115v machines. Try a couple and make a choice. good luck..

 

[MoArk Willy]

The OP has mentioned he ALREADY has a stick welder. I don稚 have access to HF here in

Harbor Freight ships to Canada. I understand that doesn't help if you want to see and feel a product before you buy it.
But product reviews are readily available and HF offers owners manuals online for most of their products.