Want a MIG welder, but what kind?

[MoArk Willy]

but want a toy, basically.

Thanks, Chuck

Did you say how much you wanted to spend for this "toy"? Sorry if I missed it.
That would go a long way in pointing you in a direction more suitable for you and your budget.

 

[California]

Harbor Freight ships to Canada. ...

But watch out for Canada's import duties (taxes). One of my first Ebay sales was a $7 slide rule to Canada, I think to an antique store owner. The customer went nuts when she was charged some exorbitant amount for not only import taxes, but also UPS's standard fee for representing her at Customs.

Later, I was selling surplused Y2K computer gear. Most of the Canadian customers understood Customs and only a couple cancelled their auction win after determining total cost.

Hopefully the process works better now.

 

[Big Barn]

But watch out for Canada's import duties .

Hopefully the process works better now.

Nope. It’s hit and miss.

 

[MoArk Willy]

But watch out for Canada's import duties (taxes).

Interesting. I suppose one in Canada could place the order and get to the checkout phase to see the final cost.
I imagine it would have to be calculated at that time for payment.

 

[Deere Dude]

OP here. Still looking. Am interested in some you guys mentioned such as Everlast, Miller and Hobart. Not sure about HF, just a little gun-shy about their expensive stuff. I want 110 and 220 so I can use my generator for remote area welding. I am kind of a sledge hammer for a finishing nail kind of guy. But, I need to talk to my neighbor to see how gas works and where to get it along with the cost of keeping a supply on hand.

I finally got a little money to play with but I would figure about $700 would be all the fun I need at this time. Taking a trip soon and all my projects are done so after Sept I will start looking at sales more closely.

Thanks for the tips,

Chuck

 

[m1garand762]

Gas last a while once you get good. Any welding supply has it, it's not that expensive, some steel shops and fabbers around here sell it as well

 

[MoArk Willy]

If you can weld indoors without any wind (or fan) then gas is fine. Many welders prefer arc or flux for windy conditions. Wind can blow the shielding gas away from the weld.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Sale here

HTP Welder Sale August Only | JIMBO'S GARAGE - YouTube

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

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..

Yes they do.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

One thing you really don't see or get explained (how convenient for the manufacturer, and how unfortunate for the consumer!) is that most 200 amp transformer, and even some inverter MIGs are really not much more than 150 amp MIGs. They are very seldom rated at maximum duty cycle. You'll see a duty cycle rating fo 30% say at 130 amps or something like that, but when you get to 200 amps, you are down around 5% duty cycle. People will say that it doesn't matter, but those are the people that have never used a true 200 amp MIG like the Power i-MIG 200 at 35% duty cycle at 200 amps. When you compare, compare rated duty cycles and rated amperages. That is a far more fair comparison between units when you are factoring cost of the unit into the purchase decision, trying to get the most per dollar spent.