I've played around with an arch welder (the one that uses the sticks or whatever), but for automotive purposes it seems like either MIG or TIG (maybe both) is more commonly used. I'm guessing because we are usually dealing with thinner metals or almunium?

Could somebody indentify what to look for in an entry level welding machine?

 

Depending on how serious you plan on getting into it, "entry level" may not be what you're looking for. A good Mig machine(miller/hobart 135/175) can be had for about $500 with everything to get you started and will be able to do just about anything you could need to as far as fabrication on a car(aside from aluminum). Tig welders are nice to have but I wouldn't want to own just a tig welder, start with a mig and then down the road own a tig in addition to the mig. Tig is perfect for detailed, appearance oriented, and very strong welds in damn near every metal out there but start out at around $1500.

 

mig paks is a good one

 

Ive got a lincoln 3200 mig and it does basically everything I need it to do..besides aluminum.It can weld in flux or mig,welds through up to a 1/4" in a single pass and provides clean looking welds.As soon as I get the digi cam in Ill take some pics for you.Very good for entry level and for down the road.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDMotive &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ive got a lincoln 3200 mig and it does basically everything I need it to do..besides aluminum.It can weld in flux or mig,welds through up to a 1/4" in a single pass and provides clean looking welds.As soon as I get the digi cam in Ill take some pics for you.Very good for entry level and for down the road.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That sounds great, but seems a like its a little bit too much for the beginners.

I would suggest a Millermatic 135 MIG welder. Its got everything one needs to get going, except for a mask, gloves, and some gas. Other than that, plug her in and let her rip!!

 

I've been thinking about picking up a Lincoln SP-135, but don't know if I can afford it right now It will definitely pay for itself down the road.

How many of you have went with a 110 machine and wished they would have went bigger?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 5thgencivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How many of you have went with a 110 machine and wished they would have went bigger?</TD></TR></TABLE>

110 is for cream puffs.

 

I'm also thinking about getting the Lincoln sp-135 plus... it's a little cheaper then the millermatic 135.
they both seem to compare in features... anyone know how they compare in quality??

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by turbosi03 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm also thinking about getting the Lincoln sp-135 plus... it's a little cheaper then the millermatic 135.
they both seem to compare in features... anyone know how they compare in quality?? </TD></TR></TABLE>

I can't speak much for Lincoln as I have only been able to tool around with the ones on display. I ended up with a Miller and am VERY happy with it. It is very easy to use, very easy to maintane, and the quality is nice as well. Lincoln is Miller's only real competitor so I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EKology &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

110 is for cream puffs. </TD></TR></TABLE>

With what filling?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 5thgencivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

With what filling? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Cream!! Duhh!

 

how much do these units usually go for?

 

A MIG welder should be considered a long term investment!!

It should be from a manufacturer that you know will be around for a while if you need to have it fixed.

I've got a Miller MM130 and paid about 500 for it (including bottle and regulator). It's been a great unit.

There really isn't any need to have a unit that runs on 220 for most automotive welding!

The only short coming is that you can't weld on aluminum. (stainless steel is possible with the correct wire)

Wes

 

I'm a member of the harbor freight inside track club, I can get the hobart 125 for like 300ish this month if anyone wants me to order one for them.

 

Main question: What are you realistically going to weld?

For rollcages, seam welding, or anything short of 1/2" plate steel, I would stay within the 110v range. If yor going to be welding something serious.

Main thing to worry about is the duty cycle of the machine. Get something with a 60% or higher, it just saves time in the end. If you havent welded before and dont wanna spend a long time wondering what you're doing wrong, find a after high-school career center that has welding. Thats what I did, and I have improved a lot. Actually, I took the class so I had some support for when I got my welder.

Welding is something some people can do well right off the bat, with someone else at the controls. And there are others (like me) who take forever to learn, but feel better knowing how/what to do by themselves.

Rich

 

So is the lincoln 3200 decent to get? Cuz i found sum going for arond 300 bucks...im also a newbie to welding...looking for my first machine.

 

I posted this is some other guys thread but here is what I plan on getting:
I have been wanting a Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder for ever.

$446.00 shipped I believe. Just add a tank and start welding. It seems the best option for me as I will only do a little sheet metal and exhaust etc.

 

The 3200 has been working awesmoe for me so far.Ive used it for exhaust work,roll cages,custom engine mounts and turbo piping.You can weld aluminum,but you have to get the spool gun,that feeds the wires alot faster as aluminum melts easier/faster.The next welder I'm going with will be a TIG,and most likely a Miller.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EKology &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Cream!! Duhh! </TD></TR></TABLE>
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Any opinions on the Hobart 135/140??? I heard hobart is owned by miller (=similar technology?)


why wouldn't you be able to weld aluminum with a mig 135 if you get the correct wire and another gun?

 

My Craftsman flux-core is decent. It was the cheapest one they have too I think.

 

I just bought a thermal Arc 185TSW AC/DC squarewvae TIg/Stick welder. $1800 for welder/cbles etc and a filled argon tank. It's a 220 single phase unit. So far it works awesome only time will tell.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 4gotpasswordAGAIN &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Any opinions on the Hobart 135/140??? I heard hobart is owned by miller (=similar technology?)


why wouldn't you be able to weld aluminum with a mig 135 if you get the correct wire and another gun?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Hobart is a division of Miller. A lot of Miller Mig welders will come with a spool of wire that says 'Hobart' on them. Welding aluminum with a Mig welder looks just plain ugly (even when done by professionals). If you're gonna weld aluminum, go with a Tig machine

 

I got a miller 251 and cant be happier.

Yager-

 

lincoln 175 sp plus