Mig Welder question
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From: Wilmington DE
Mig Welder question I have been reading the posts about Mig welders recently, and have checked out a couple around my area. It seems the Home Depot 3200HD setup is very well priced. This weekend I took a trip out to a local welding supply place and looked at their selection. They also had a 135 amp Lincoln welder that looks virtually identical to the one at Home Depot. The main difference was the welding store one had an "infinitely" adjustable voltage output (a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j) as opposed to the Home Depot's 4 setting dial. And of course the welding store one was more expensive, $589 for the welder, regulator, spool of wire, etc.
My question is if this adjustable voltage output is worth it? I have never welded before, but plan on doing floor pans, frame work, etc in the near future. What do you guys think??
My question is if this adjustable voltage output is worth it? I have never welded before, but plan on doing floor pans, frame work, etc in the near future. What do you guys think??
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From: TEXAS
Re: Mig Welder question Adjustable voltage allows you to weld different thickness with better acuaracy. For example, the amount of heat(voltage) to weld 1/2" plate would blow a hole though thin metals like floor pans, fenders, headers, and anything else very thin. Where as the voltage for thin metals will not penetrate enough to weld thick metals. By being able to adjust the voltage, you can weld different thicknesses of metal with the same machine.
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From: Mi./Al.
Re: Mig Welder question If you plan on having only one welder ( I have a mig, stick welder and a cutting torch ) I would suggest you go bigger and get the SP175Plus, you'll be able to do you're lighter work as well as frame work.JMO
Al
P.S. If you're just starting to weld I would also get the Lincoln mig welding video.
Al
P.S. If you're just starting to weld I would also get the Lincoln mig welding video.
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From: Wilmington DE
Re: Mig Welder question So I see that the different voltage settings allow you to dial in better for different gauge metal. But is it worth it (~$150) to have multiple/"infinite" settings as opposed to the Home Depot's 4 settings? Or can the fewer settings be dialed in with wire feed speed?
Re: Mig Welder question bought one of those 3200HD from home depot.they work great.used it to weld in my rollbar from wolfe on the 98z.paid 410 for mine instead of 437 since they were missing the casters and nuts and bolts to install the cart.the fewer settings could be dialed in with the wire feed speed like you mentioned.
Re: Mig Welder question I think it would be worth getting the Lincoln or a Miller with more adjustability. Do an online search. I found the SP-135T for $389 and the SP-135 Plus for $488. Both prices included shipping, which should get you real close the Home Depot price + tax. 
I love my 3200HD, it has worked great so far on exhaust, sheetmetal, and light frame work. The 4 settings seem to work just fine for me. I also like that it can just plug into an ordinary wall socket.
I shopped around quite a bit, and the Home Depot kits were the best value for the dollar IMHO.
Tony
I shopped around quite a bit, and the Home Depot kits were the best value for the dollar IMHO.
Tony
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I got mine from Harbor Frieght for $99 !!! It was on sale at the time:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44567
Works for the simple things I use it for...
Tommy
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44567
Works for the simple things I use it for...
Tommy
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Launching!
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From: Wilmington DE
Thanks for all the feedback. I may shop around a bit and if I can't find the SP-135 Plus deal for around the same as the 3200HD, I will probably get the HOme Depot one. Thanks!!!
I think the sp-135 is a little bit higher price than the 3200hd.that would be your best bet to shop around and compare price but Im sure the 3200hd would suit your needs.
I LOVE my Millermatic 210! 
You get what you pay for when it comes to MIG welders. A flux wire unit from Harbor Frieght is *almost* worth the $100 it costs; plan on spending 10 times that much for a good MIG. Or just spend $2000 and get a TIG; those are a lot better anyway as long as you aren't in a big rush. As a minimum, get a MIG that has a heat range selector, a continuous feed rate ****, and shielding gas. Using flux wire will give you some really crappy welds; I wouldn't want to weld on my car with that.
You get what you pay for when it comes to MIG welders. A flux wire unit from Harbor Frieght is *almost* worth the $100 it costs; plan on spending 10 times that much for a good MIG. Or just spend $2000 and get a TIG; those are a lot better anyway as long as you aren't in a big rush. As a minimum, get a MIG that has a heat range selector, a continuous feed rate ****, and shielding gas. Using flux wire will give you some really crappy welds; I wouldn't want to weld on my car with that. Last edited by Cal; Oct 29, 2003 at 03:15 PM.