Small MIGs Really any difference?

CTyler · Oct 28, 2004

I've had a Craftsman 90 amp mig welder for about 12 years or so. Welds 3/16 just fine 1/4 is pushing it and is a lot of prep work and wait time due to the duty cycle. Not worth it for 1/4. I bought it primarily for sheet metal/body work.

I would go with one of the big three though. Try to use them first if you can. On the Craftsman, it had a VERY narrow sweet spot. So you had to dial it in perfect and make sure it was clean clean clean.

A few months ago I bought a Miller 251 cause I got tired of paying to have bigger stuff welded up. MAN is this thing easy to weld with!! Easy to change the bead width and penatration.
What a machine! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

g42guy · Oct 28, 2004

Chim
Can you go up to 1/4" steal with yours??

Guy

MadReferee · Oct 28, 2004

I have a MM175 and weld 1/4" tubing and 3/8" flat bar all the time. The 1/4" can be done in 1 pass while I usually do multiple passes on the 3/8" depending on the application. I can successfully weld up to 5/8" plate using multiple passes.

I have also built several 3pt attachments (landscape rake, dethatcher, carry all, and others) and have yet to have a weld break or crack. It's all in the technique and takes some practice but the MM175 is definately up to it.

EastTexFrank · Oct 28, 2004

There's lots of good advice here. Let me say that was in exactly the same position as you just over a year ago. I got a 110v Lincoln Weld-pac 100. It uses .035 flux-core wire (no gas) and it did just fine on all the light stuff that I used it for and I could take it anywhere (at the farm) to work, unlike a 220v machine. Like I said, it did just great until I needed to put a new deck on an old shredder. Now that was hard work for the little machine, and for me, because of the 20% duty cycle and the 3/16"(?) sheet I used but we got it done. Right after that though, I bought a Hobart Stickmate (220v) and wish that I'd had it for the shredder job. It would have been so much quicker and easier. A few months ago I had the opportunity to play with a friend's big, gas shielded MIG and Oh My Lord, what a difference. After learning to weld with the little MIG and the stick, welding with that bigger MIG was so much easier and the welds were probably the prettiest I've ever made.
So, in answer to your question, for what you say you have to do, probably any of the brands in 100 - 125 amps would suit your needs. Flux core is just fine but gas is probably better if you want to mess with it or all your welding is going to be done inside. Personally, I find flux core to be more convenient although messier with more grinding and clean-up. I will warn you though that once you start, it won't be long before you are yearning for a bigger machine.

One other thing. As someone who is just beginning, get an auto darkening helmet. They're getting cheaper all the time. I first looked through one belonging to Jim Inman at the Texas bridge building get-together and went straight home and got one. They're magic. You won't believe how much easier it'll make things.

g42guy · Oct 28, 2004

THANKS for all the great replies. I think I can see a trend here and knowing myself I think I would fall into the trend (needing a larger machine once I start getting into projects). It's like when I bought my Kubota, everyone told me to get the loader. I didn't NEED a loader I told myself... six month later I bought a loader and have used it close to at least once a week every since.

After a little research here and the other sites, I'm leaning toward a Lincoln SP-175 Plus. I would need to have a 220 wired up out in the shop. Where can I find some info on that?

Anyway, keep the info coming!

Guy

shadled · Oct 28, 2004

I have a Lincoln Pro Mig 135. I made my toothbar and fabed my snow plow mount on my 1977 dodge.. I have no problem welding 1/4" steel. However I do need to use gasless wire to weld 1/4" steel. Which is not that big of a deal, just splatters a little more..

Jim_in_Omaha · Oct 28, 2004

I have a 135 Millermatic. I has the infinite voltage control. I believe the Hobart version may not. Thin stuff it works wonderful. Shop around and you can find either one for a good price. I recommend getting the large gas cylinder if your going to use gas. Exchanges are not that much more than that midget cylinder here.

My 2 paso's worth is this: Unless your wanting to take it to other places (where 120v comes in real handy) get the 220v. It just ain't that much more in the long run. On ebay I see that the Hobart 180 is about the price of a Millermatic 135. And the Miller 175 is around 85 more than the 135.
Jim

EastTexFrank · Oct 29, 2004

( I would need to have a 220 wired up out in the shop )

That is one of the "problems" with bigger machines and was part of the reasoning behind my getting the little 110v MIG in the first place. I have 220v at the shop but not at the farm. With "Little MIG" I can take it over there, plug it in and I'm ready to go. Otherwise, I have to load up whatever needs fixing and bring it back to the shop at the house if I'm going to use the 220v stick machine. Guess I'm just lazy but that's a lot more work, especially if it's only for a 10 minute "stick it back together" job. Transportability is a minor consideration but still something worth thinking about.

I guess what I'm saying is that it doesn't hurt to have 2 machines. Man, it's easy to spend somebody else's money. Having said all that, I think if I was doing it all again, I'd probably be looking at the same type of machine that you are, the Lincoln 175 looks pretty good. I've never used one but I'm sure some of the more experienced welder here will be able to tell you.

chim · Oct 29, 2004

Like the others said, 1/4" is done handily. I lucked into a 50+ foot piece of 10/3 SO cord. When I installed the 220v outlet in my garage, I kept it right inside the one overhed door. That gives me more than enough "leash" to get all round a large paved area outside the garage.

A 2-pole 30 amp breaker and #10 copper to the receptacle I installed does the job. I did use a 50 amp plug and receptacle, because I look at that as the weakest link - a connection that relies only on the tension of the blades (no bolts, screws or wirenuts).....................chim

LeRoi · Oct 30, 2004

No one on the board has mentioned Daytona Mig , so heres my plug.
I bought one of their small 110 V mig only machines to learn how to weld. I also bought an auto darkening helmet.
Mine is about 6 years old and has never failed to provide good service, keeping in mind the limitations of any 110V welding machine, it's hard to beat. Along with everyone else that uses one, I also love the auto dark helmet.
Leroy