Question for welders

jjcc246 · Dec 7, 2005

This has probally been hit on several times but here it goes again. I have two Lincoln 225 AC buzz boxes. I don't weld alot but once in awhile I need to. I'm thinking of selling the buzz boxes and getting a mig or flux core, probally a Lincoln because I have had great luck with them. Now the question. I want something that I can weld thin and thick and produce a nice looking weld. I do well with the stick welder but of course not good for thin materials. Probally the thinest I need to weld would be 1/16" and thickest 3/4", and 99% would be steel. I would also use 220v. I usally weld inside so wind is not a problem, although paint or rust might be. I'm looking for something easy to use and economical. I don't want to run to the supply house every time I need to weld something. I'm totally dependant on the TBN guys. If the majority says stay with the stick, that's what i'll do. If you guys decide on a flux or mig, then I'll take your word for it. Like I said I'm an occasional welder just looking for a better finished product. Thanks in advance.

MadReferee · Dec 7, 2005

You will get your best answers from either the Miller Motorsports Forum or the Hobart Welders Forum . Your question has been asked and answered on these forums at least a zillion times. You will also get better info there. BTW, both forums are NOT brand specific. They talk about all brands regardless of color.

HomeBrew2 · Dec 7, 2005

I've been thinking about the same thing. From experience and what I've gleened from others, I just like a stick for 1/4" and thicker stuff. I'd keep one of the buzz boxes and buy a 90amp 115V flux core welder. Being able to easily carry around a good welder and plug it into any 115V outlet offers GREAT flexibility. I'd try to get one that allows and add-on mig kit in case I wanted to upgrade to that functionality later.
Cheers!

cmhyland · Dec 7, 2005

I just purchased the Lincoln 3200HD mig welder from Home Depot.

The unit comes setup for Flux core wire but has the regulators for GMAW.

The unit is 135 amp and requires 20 amp 115V

I love this machine...

I just new at welding so other more knowledgable people may have different opinions,
but for me it works great.

The machine was 459.00

Regards,
Chris

Soundguy · Dec 7, 2005

You could always sell one of the tombstones and get a mig welder.. .. use that for the 'thin' work and 'pretty' work.. and keep the tombstone for the 3/4 " thick painted rusty metal.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Soundguy

3RRL · Dec 7, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You could always sell one of the tombstones and get a mig welder.. .. use that for the 'thin' work and 'pretty' work.. and keep the tombstone for the 3/4 " thick painted rusty metal)</font>

I agree with soundguy...
I have both and use them exactly in that manner.

bobodu · Dec 7, 2005

I think that if you don't do a lot of welding,your're not likely to spend the big bucks it'll take to buy a decent MIG.The company bought an $1100 Hobart to replace the BIG Lincoln they had (owner took it home....), what a step down!!!
Hobart IronMan 210

Get at least a 175 amp MIG and keep one stick.

Gumby6 · Dec 7, 2005

I only had the Mig/GMAW until today. For reasons stated here, I needed a stick welder for thicker materials/paint & rust.

My preference is to grind clean, whenever possible, for the strongest/cleanest weld, but conditions do not always allow.

You'll love that wire welder though. The right tool for the right job. You'll appreciate having both.

cleatus · Dec 7, 2005

I use my Tombstone to weld exaust pipe at low amp settings and have the best results with 6013 as it seams to frezze faster and I don't try to run much more than a tack. I've never had a pipe come apart at the weld. It don't always look good. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

redharley · Dec 7, 2005

Got to agree with soundguy buy a smaller mig for the stuff 1/4 and smaller it will look like your full time job is welding.You could probably get one of the smaller 220 models or higher amperage 110 depending on what you want to spend.Keep one of those buzz boxes that you are use to for the bigger and dirty stuff.A mig to weld up to 3/4 will set you back $1200-$2000 for decent one.I use a miller mig at work that will weld 3/4 it's great,but can't justify the cost for at home. Have fun Red /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif