Novice wants a MIG, advise ?

ratflinger · Dec 25, 2022

Everlast in the 200 - 250a range. They have MIG only units that will run 120/240. Easy setup, 8" spools, attractive prices, seems to be what you are looking for.

Spike56 · Dec 26, 2022

Thanks to all that replied! It would appear from the responses; I need to seriously consider spending more $$ than I had anticipated and probably choose a 230V model. Now, as time allows, I am looking at different line of machines, so it is a complete reset for me to understand which capabilities and what the machine comes with. Had no idea when I began this search there would be SO MANY machines and OPTIONS and variables.
Perhaps, I would be better off at my local Air Gas store and just pay the price? I am typically scared off by Big Box stores that offer anything that "appears" to be the same but has cryptic "XYZ" numbers attached or ordering this type of equipment online. Have a sneaking suspicion that while a Big Box machine would likely work fine for me, the machines are not the same as say Airgas would carry?
Again, thanks to all. Will have to sell my Miller Stick to afford the quality equipment all recommended. Offered to sell previously but no local takers. Have a Miller Thunderbolt XL 225 AC/DC. Maybe I was asking too much, don't know. Not into shipping anything.

Wolfy · Dec 26, 2022

I would never sell my stick welder. Maybe I weld more thick rusty metal than average but I have to have 6011 rod.

Spike56 · Dec 26, 2022

Wolfy said:
I would never sell my stick welder. Maybe I weld more thick rusty metal than average but I have to have 6011 rod.

Selling *may* be a mistake, you are right. But need the $$ to fund a new machine.

Besides, the vast majority of "planned" welding would be thin wall sq. tubing and or thin gauge rod/wire. I am a total HACK at welding. Any "serious" welding here (which is not much) that requires strength or safety, I call a local friend who is a certified welder by profession.

mikester · Dec 26, 2022

If you don't have someone knowledgeable to work with in person consider taking a welding course to get you started.Buying a welder is like buying a vehicle, so many options its hard to do if you if you don't know what you want. Even harder if you've never driven before...

newbury · Dec 26, 2022

Spike56 said:
Selling *may* be a mistake, you are right. But need the $$ to fund a new machine. Besides, the vast majority of "planned" welding would be thin wall sq. tubing and or thin gauge rod/wire. I am a total HACK at welding. Any "serious" welding here (which is not much) that requires strength or safety, I call a local friend who is a certified welder by profession.

So you've got a friend who is a certified welder AND a

Spike56 said:
Miller Thunderbolt XL 225 AC/DC.

which is a great stick.

I've an Everlast 300A, which is a good stick, and bought a YESWELDER MIG-205DS because it was on sale for ~$320. And I needed LESS power.
/edit - I had used the Everlast for (among other things) to patch some holes in a mower deck. It was touchy getting it turned down so it didn't blow holes in the 10 gauge.

I'd suggest you keep the Miller and look about for another lower price Mig that your friend might support.

K5lwq · Dec 26, 2022

For thin wall stuff a 120V Mig will be fine. Keep the stick for the bigger stuff and spend some time with your friend that is a good welder. He can teach you some tricks that will get you going.

California · Dec 26, 2022

Spike56 said:
Again, thanks to all. Will have to sell my Miller Stick to afford the quality equipment all recommended. Offered to sell previously but no local takers. Have a Miller Thunderbolt XL 225 AC/DC. Maybe I was asking too much, don't know. Not into shipping anything.

I'll take a different approach from the advice you see in this thread:

You have two pro-grade welders for heavier material. You could get started in the world of MIG with a very inexpensive dual-voltage MIG for your lighter work. See my review thread of my flux-only Amico 130A over on WeldingSite to illustrate the absolute cheapest end of the wire-welder market. $149! +$30 for a four year exchange warranty. You don't need to deal with a local welding store for support. You wouldn't need to sell anything to afford a hobby-grade welder.

I've had this a year now and I love it. It's the ideal fill-in for work lighter than what a stick welder does well. At that cost, who cares if its a throw-away after 4 years - and this seems unlikely if no problems have appeared by then.

Amazon has listings for the YESWELDER MIG-205DS that newbury mentioned, and several lesser cost/quality brands. Many MIG's under $200. Just research to find which are real brands (Yeswelder, Amico) and which are one-time batches. This is something new, cheap welders intended for the DIY market at maybe a fifth of the cost of a professional welder.

Just a thought. You might prefer to start with expensive pro gear supported by a local vendor. But there are now alternatives that didn't exist until recently.

JimRB · Dec 26, 2022

I have a Handler 130 that I kept popping the 20 amp breaker. Breaker may be worn out. I bought an Everlast 230I dual input voltage. I installed patches on a Scag mower deck. Worked great. I think that metal was 11 gauge. Welding seems better with the 240 volt machine than the 120 Handler. Could be that I had the roller tension wrong on my old Handler. I should probably get rid of the Handler but it runs off my Honda 5000 generator. Not sure if the Everlast would. That said I have only used the Handler away from the farm twice.

Before I got the 230i i put money down on a Lincoln welder of the same capacity. After waiting 6 months and no product due to the China flu I ordered the Everlast. Yes, many vendors are selling Chinese welders with American names on them. Yes, they may say it is American engineered blah blah blah. Just pick what you like. Note that support from Northern Tool or Harbor Freight may be different than Everlast, Hobart, Miller, Esab, Lincoln ...

I also have an Everlast tig welder. Kind of want a plasma cutter but I just bought a new bicycle that really blew through my toy budget for a few years. I do need some 1" square tubing benders to fix a trailer, unless I find someone around that can bend things for me. Note I am not a welder but I weld. Just like I am not a machinist but I have a small metal lathe and a mill.

Spike56 · Dec 27, 2022

mikester said:
If you don't have someone knowledgeable to work with in person consider taking a welding course to get you started.Buying a welder is like buying a vehicle, so many options its hard to do if you if you don't know what you want. Even harder if you've never driven before...

Good idea about taking a course, but that is next to impossible where I live. Have researched it exhaustively. The closest is about 70 miles away and it is a "full" course, which I am still working so can't attend.

There was a "continuing ED" class at one time (about 35 miles away) but the community college stopped offering it.
The problem with working with my friend (certified) is the same. When he is working, so am I. On the weekends, it is next to impossible to hook up with him... family, errands, cattle. on and on.
So, while that is a terrific thought, it is just impractical. My friend also is mainly a fence / gate welder and is out in the field with his Lincoln generator machine. So, he mainly does stick. I still could learn a lot from him, but again, just can't hook up easily if at all.