I'm wanting to be able to weld sheet metal on cars and exhaust pipes or repair more than anything. Is there a gas mig that I can look for that will produce decent welds for both? I've seen migs weld roll cages so I would think there would be one with more than enough flexability. Just clueless when it comes to it.

Thanks for your input.
Rob

 

guessing this is more for hobby than "work" so you are going to want something inexpensive but still quality...I would suggest this. they make some quality stuff and stand behind their product, and they have awesome customer service. i don't personally own this particular Mig, but i have their Tig and love it. just make sure that you get plenty of practice on some scrap and get a feel for the machine before doing any real work. i have a bunch of welds on my car from when i first started that either look like ****, didn't penetrate very well, or were so built up that i spent most of my time grinding off the crap. now my welds are nice and consistent and leave minimal slag

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-1...5a-output.html

 

X2 on the above linked welder. Will be everything you need to hobby weld on your car.

 

ya. or get a lincoln. i have a lincoln mig welder and i love it. it was like 400$ and ive welded endless hours with it

 

I'm sure you can build exhausts and do body work just fine with that eastwood but I'm not sure how it would handle a rollcage to be honest. I would go for at least a 160amp+ machine and you should be good. Migs have a good resale so whatever machine you get if it's not enough for you you can always sell it.

 

miller 211

 

Thanks for your inputs! I plan on getting one this friday. I don't know if the local welding supply place or Lowes will get my business. Neither will if I can find a nice used one...

 

I'd recommend a Hobart Handler 125 over the Eastwood 135. The Hobart can actually go up to 130 A.

If you want something that can do roll cages, get a Hobart Handler 140. It has plenty of power to do 0.095" wall tubing with full penetration. Even the Handler 125 can do it if you are good at MIG'ing and controlling the heat, but not optimal with those materials.

Both the Hobarts have great low end, with a really soft arc. You can do a 22 ga butt weld with no issues on the low end.


On the resale front, an American made machine will always hold its value better than a foreign made machine. That's just how the welding world is. Support is also there buying from one of the "big guys" (basically Miller/Hobart, Lincoln).

 

Miller millermatic 250 we have 3 at our welding shop I've used one for two and a half yearsthere great we do everything with them from pipe to headache racks for trucks. We run 70s6 .035 wire with c25 gas (75% argon and 25% carbon).