Which would be the best MIG Welder?
Which would be the best MIG Welder? Im thinking of going to get me a MIG this weekend and I was wondering if anyone had any input on the 110V welders. Should I go ahead and get a 220V. I haven't checked the price difference in the 2. Anyone have any experience with the 110? Lincoln or Miller? Best place to purchase?
By looking at your signature, it doesn't seem like you are the kind of person that buys stuff that has barely enough power. Go ahead and get a Millermatic 252, or a Millermatic 350P if you want to go all-out. Either one will accept a spool gun for welding aluminum. I bought mine from IOC (weldingsuppliesatioc) on ebay. Quite a bit below retail. Check them out at Miller's website:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/
I made the mistake of buying a 110v welder and I quickly learned. Buy a 220v and you won't be disappointed. I have used the Miller and the Lincoln and I prefer the Miller. It seems to have better control.
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
i recently bought a 110 lincoln weld pak 3200 and it welds way better then expected. my welders at work run off 440 so this is a baby welder to me but for around the house it seems like it will work great. if you plan on welding lots of stuff over the course of a long span, then go with 220, more output and the price difference is neglible.
I have owned a Hobart 140, and that runs off of 115, i hooked that up to a 30A 120AC outlet and it would weld 1/4" in one pass at the highest current 25% CO2 75% Arogon on mild steel, .035" wire!
It all depens on what your are going to use the welder for...
It all depens on what your are going to use the welder for...
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
i used lincolns innershield wire with great results, low splatter smooth bead good penetration, just remember that the sheilding gas cools your weld so you will have to run your machine hotter. if there is any doubts about your welder not being able to penetrate the thickness of metal being welded, use the innershield wire with no gas. it actually welds surprising well.
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By looking at your signature, it doesn't seem like you are the kind of person that buys stuff that has barely enough power. Go ahead and get a Millermatic 252, or a Millermatic 350P if you want to go all-out. Either one will accept a spool gun for welding aluminum. I bought mine from IOC (weldingsuppliesatioc) on ebay. Quite a bit below retail. Check them out at Miller's website:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/
I dont think a beginner should buy a machine that is $$ 1900-2400 (252) or higher with the 350 mp if he is never going to use it. Those are for heavy fab work, and made to be used hard. I doubt he will ever need the capability to weld 1/2 plate steel in a single pass.
The most I would recommend for him is the MM 212, maybe the MM DV12 or 180.
Then again, he could save a few bucks and get a hobart handler187 I think is the model....
Anyways, if he is serious on picking the right welder, head over to miller's online forums and post the question there...
I have a miller 110 V welder, the 135 series MIG welder myself and so far for what I have used it it works great. If you are just going to use it on fairly simple things like exhaust and other fairly thin metals the 110 V will be fine. I am pretty sure the guide for the miller 110V welder says it will handle 1/4" thick steel with no problem. I however have not welded anything that thick yet so I can't say for sure. If you are worried go with the 220V version for extra welding power but I love my 110 for simple jobs.
We have big welders at work. I can't imagine having to weld anything over 1/4" thick on my car. I just wanted to know if anyone had used the 110 welders for I have not. Im no pro but I use the big migs and stick welders at work. I just want something to weld exhaust, make brackets and help my neighbors on there farm equipment and etc. I was wanting to compare the big 110 to the small 220.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
mine is 110. it is rated at 135 amps. that is plenty for around the house, but sometimes you find yourself around the shop needing slightly more.....i would go with 220 just to be safe.
Last edited by 01ssreda4; Sep 24, 2008 at 07:55 PM.
220 now or 220 later... Happens to almost ANYONE who welds. Save your $ and get the 220 right from the beginning. Once you get used to welding and pick up a 220 after a 110, you'll want one. I like the small 220 machines for a good compromise in power/$... The Miller or Lincoln 180/185 machines are BOTH great machines. Find the best deal you can online and take it to your local dealer. Getting a welder repaired through a local dealer when you bought it there is MUCH easier than the alternative.
We have big welders at work. I can't imagine having to weld anything over 1/4" thick on my car. I just wanted to know if anyone had used the 110 welders for I have not. Im no pro but I use the big migs and stick welders at work. I just want something to weld exhaust, make brackets and help my neighbors on there farm equipment and etc. I was wanting to compare the big 110 to the small 220.
The miller Dv12 is a 110/220 dual input voltage machine, that goes up to I think 180 amps... perfect for the home user...
I bought a Miller 210 a year ago (220V) and couldn't be happier with it. It's been replaced by the 212, but not much has changed. It's rated to 3/8" in a single pass. I can't imagine having to weld anything over 3/8" for any of my automotive applications, but I've welded some 1/2" plate with it in a couple passes for another project. I wanted to buy the best piece I could afford, and something that I'd never have to replace for lack of power. I second BADD SS's suggestion to check out the Miller forums. That's where I researched before I bought mine, and never heard anything negative about the MM210.