First welder
08-15-2017, 01:06 PM
#1
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First welder I am thing about buying my first welder looking for some input. I have used a stick a few times in high school. I am think mig what would be a good choice I don't want to spend a small fortune. Most work would be on cars.
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08-15-2017, 03:59 PM
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It all depends on what you will be welding on a car. I would suggest getting a welder that has a power input of 220 volt, this will give more of the ability to weld up a material thickness of 1/16" to 3/8" and not have any issues. If you are looking to buy a name brand welder i suggest first a Miller then Lincoln. There are other non brand welders that are pretty good, just depends on your budget. I have been in the pressure vessel industry for 38 years and our choice has been
Miller, Lincoln, Airco which is no longer around. They do make combination welders which are Stick, Tig and Mig of course they are more expensive but you have the best of all if needed.
The other consideration to look at is with mig you really need to use a shielding gas so as to have a real sound weld bead. You can use self shielding wire but it just does not work as well. Hope i have been of some help!
Miller, Lincoln, Airco which is no longer around. They do make combination welders which are Stick, Tig and Mig of course they are more expensive but you have the best of all if needed.
The other consideration to look at is with mig you really need to use a shielding gas so as to have a real sound weld bead. You can use self shielding wire but it just does not work as well. Hope i have been of some help!
08-17-2017, 07:25 AM
#4
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220V welders are nice, but unless he already has or has the ability to install a 220V circuit in his garage, I highly doubt it is a suitable answer as a beginner.
Check Craigslist to see what is available locally. You can find some good deals on there. Unless you are trying to weld things thicker than an 1/8", a 120V Mig welder will suit you just fine. Stick with Miller or Lincoln, and you'll have a good machine.
Look for one that can do gas or fluxcore for versatility.
Check Craigslist to see what is available locally. You can find some good deals on there. Unless you are trying to weld things thicker than an 1/8", a 120V Mig welder will suit you just fine. Stick with Miller or Lincoln, and you'll have a good machine.
Look for one that can do gas or fluxcore for versatility.
03-01-2018, 07:05 PM
#5
whats your budget ? a dual voltage welder gives you room to grow if you get a 220v circuit later on .seen a welder use extensions cords from 2 separate electric circuits,and combine them with a 220 v outlet .check Everlast welders .
03-01-2018, 07:29 PM
#6
TECH Fanatic
I have a Lincoln Pro Mig 140 and I love it but have had trouble with the "ABCD" power switch - dirty contacts stop the wire feed. It is working great lately and I bought my bottle for Argon / Carbon Dioxide rather than pay 12 bucks a month rental. This 120 volt AC welder has done everything I need for my 1970 El Camino.
Rick
Rick
03-15-2018, 05:48 AM
#7
I been around welding for 20 years, if you are looking to do just hobby type stuff, a wire feed mig would suit you fine. If your looking for room to grow and not a ot of expense check out the everlast 200 amp ac/dc tig stick machine. So you can do aluminum and other odd alloys,Either way go at least 220v
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03-22-2018, 08:44 PM
#9
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Look for a used mig(gas capable) not wire feed only(flux core). Have them demonstrate it for you. You should be able to get into a used 110v mig welder pretty inexpensively. If you have 220v access for your welder, it of course will weld heavier gauge metal(but will be more expensive) but welding on cars 110v will do about all you need.