mig welder preferences

jimmysisson · Jan 25, 2009

I notice the OP just put his question up and then ducked - lots of slag flying around! I'll second the poster who recommended used big mig - lots of power and good reliability, plus you can dial it back for light work. I too learned on OA but like the mig better, indoors at least.
Jim

MJPetersen · Jan 25, 2009

Nothing like a good argument huh? No seriously guys, I do not think that anyone would disagree that a high amp mig would be the best choice, but there is a thing called money constraints for some of us.

I learned many years ago in High School on a Lincoln buzz box and tried the brand new tig machine on aluminum (failed miserably on it). When I worked heavy equip I used the big Lincoln 2/71 Detroit Diesel powered on a trailer and other more portable engine powered welders on service trucks. I must confess that is very spoiling. When we came to Poland I needed/wanted a welder to make a gate and got what I could afford, a small 140 amp $100 off brand box. It is not much, but when it is not over heating it does weld, if you have the right rod for it. I had never used a Mig until I bought the Esab C-170 about 6 months ago. It is a real machine and I do not anticipate ever needing anything else.

In all equipment purchases we have to balance what we need/will need and the resources available ($$$). It often is a personal choice based solely on our perceptions and research. To each his own. You can do big projects with a small welder, but the time, for prep and production, will be greater. It is a trade off, like so many things.

I will not get into the 110/220 debate--all we have is the 220 and 380 3 phase. Tag back!!

Mike

scrout · Jan 25, 2009

I found a Lincoln 175 MIG on Craigslist for 200 bucks and bought an 80 ft bottle of 75/25. My first metal project was this:
YouTube - bandmill
I think I put an 11 lb reel of .035 on this thing so far. I would love to have a Miller 250, but this thing does just about everything I need.
More $$ equal more amps and more duty cycle, but I have never even reached a duty cycle limit on the Lincoln yet. Pretty decent product.

Dale1995 · Jan 27, 2009

Well guys I have good news tonight, I finally broke down and purchased a new Mig welder, After much deliberation over whether to buy A Lincoln 180-C, or a Millermatic 180 autoset, I got the Lincoln, Both Machines were within $30.00 of each other, and after looking at all the features I like the red one better (I'm partial to red!) The dealer was really great to deal with, he even threw in a large bottle of gas and a 11lb. roll of wire with it. I can't wait till tomorrow to put it together, I also got a cart and cover for it. My wife had been wondering what I was searching for on the internet for the last week. She finally told me to just go out and buy what you need and don't worry about it! (she didn't have to tell me twice) So I thought I would go out and make her happy and buy this welder. I also bought a spool gun for welding aluminum. ( I wonder if she will let me get a Plasma cutter?) Now I'm wondering how I am going to break the news to her to tell her I'll be in the garage if she needs me.... I'm a lucky man in Northen Maine.

Scooby074 · Jan 27, 2009

Good purchase. Im a little more partial to blue myself

Youll be happy you went with the 220V machine.

bobodu · Jan 27, 2009

Dale1995 said:
( I wonder if she will let me get a Plasma cutter?)

Don't push it....you can tell her how good she'll look in a red Corvette....but there's no good waxing you can give a plasma cutter.

deputyrpa · Jan 29, 2009

I recently purchsed a Ready Welder 1000 ADP portable DC Mig welder. It'll run on batteries, and will also connect to CV Mig and CC Arc and stick machines. It welds from 22 ga to 3/4" alunimum and steel with up to 400 amps (100% duty cycle with gas). I have a large farm, and most of my repairs are in the field. It's what I need. Once I get a shop, I'll get a Mig machine. So far, the Ready Welder has been suprisingly efficient and easy to use. I have to build a little cart for it, because the batteries are heavy! Currently I use a Radio Flyer with knobbies...

jayste · Jan 30, 2009

Well, I might as well jump in here to. I just found a new-in-box Lincoln Pro Mig 180 on craigslist. Been looking for a while and found this one this week. Went and got my 75/25 gas today and plan on breaking her in this weekend. I can relate to the folks commenting about the big power units. I used to use them in the manufacturing field. But then again I don't see me making any 1/2" wide fillet welds in the near future either. I've got the old electrode burner on standby if need be. I went with the 220v input unit because I've got it handy and I wanted to be able to get a little higher in max amps. I know I'm limiting myself in flexibility of using it in different places but that's the way it goes. After I get the machine crate, that I brought home, that's made of 2X2 angle iron, cut apart I'll try it on some ramps I've got plans to build. I'll let you guys know what I think about my new red box. Have a good one.

DanD78 · Jan 30, 2009

I started out with a 250 amp ac welder for $50 and just thought I couldn't live with out a 110v mig. I finally did get a 110v Lincoln with gas and soon found it had limits. If you shop around there are other MIG options out there. I have worked my self up to a Miller XMT 300 cc/cv power supply and run a Miller voltage sensing suit case that I keep flux core dual shield for heavy stuff and a Miller 22A wire feeder with solid wire for other welding. The suit case can also be used with my Bobcat generator welder for portable use. These are stand alone feeders. Then of course the XMT 300 can be used for stick welding using cc mode. Watch auctions, EBAY and put the word out at your local welding shop what you are looking for and you can put together a pretty sweet system for not a lot of money.

Watch what you buy. A lot of larger welders are 3 phase and will not work on single phase most people have at home. All my stuff was bought used and suits my needs just fine

Dan

Dale1995 · Feb 5, 2009

jayste said:
Well, I might as well jump in here to. I just found a new-in-box Lincoln Pro Mig 180 on craigslist. Been looking for a while and found this one this week. Went and got my 75/25 gas today and plan on breaking her in this weekend. I can relate to the folks commenting about the big power units. I used to use them in the manufacturing field. But then again I don't see me making any 1/2" wide fillet welds in the near future either. I've got the old electrode burner on standby if need be. I went with the 220v input unit because I've got it handy and I wanted to be able to get a little higher in max amps. I know I'm limiting myself in flexibility of using it in different places but that's the way it goes. After I get the machine crate, that I brought home, that's made of 2X2 angle iron, cut apart I'll try it on some ramps I've got plans to build. I'll let you guys know what I think about my new red box. Have a good one.

I too just bought a lincoln pro mig180c, I just played with it this week and I love it....I used to do all my welding with a stick welder....but I see that it will start collecting dust. I wanted the 220 volt so I could do some heaver metals...yes it limits me to where I can weld...but am able to access that area very easily. Now I am looking for projects to weld or things to repair! I can't believe I have been without this for all these years....Loving My Lincoln In Maine