so im looking to buy a welder but not sure which one would be better, so what do you guys recomend im trying to stay in the 500$ range i dont need nothing crazy just a good Mig welder
Do you want a 110v or 220v? I have a Lincoln pro mig 180. Its a 220v got it from Lowes for like $750 or so. They had smaller ones for cheaper but I wanted a 220v. I've welded a lot with mine from sheetmetal to 1/4" plate an its held up great an welded great.
i got the lincoln 140 and love it its a 110 weve built links and notches with it even back halves and have never had any problems. should set u back around 4 bills i believe, then just gotta get a bottle it comes with regulator. i got the 4$ adapter to hold a bigger wheel of wire lowes or home depot
the lincolns they mentioned above are great machines. ive also heard great things about the hobart handler 140. On NorthernTool they run around 500 maybe a little cheaper at tractor supply. All the advice i heard when i was looking for a welder was stick with a name brand like lincoln, hobart, and miller. Just though id throw another option to look at.
I have a Hobart 135 ( there made by Miller), run gas & a flow meter. Have used it for the last 11 years, works great . My frame work was none with a 220 machine! If you plan on doing any frame work ,I recommend you get a 220 rig, they have ones that will run on 110 or 220 now, & that's what I would recommend,through you will have to spend more! And use gas ,not shielding wire, much cleaner!!
I have an Eastwood 135 set up with gas and I love it. It too is a 110v and I believe was right around $400. I have welded everything up to 1/8'' plate with no problem, If you're looking to do frame work I would def get a 220v
Use to have a Lincoln 180 as stated above it wa a 220v machine and I loved it by when I moved I was told I could not add a 220plug in the garage if the place I was renting Sold it am now have the Lincoln 140 and it is just about as good but love it's ability to run on 110v I would highly recommend a 140 if you don't have a 220 plug Also i bought the SG100 spool gun so with my little 140 i can MIG aluminum as well , dont do it much but it comes in handy .
I have an off brand one called a Clarke. I bought it years ago from Gary Olens Sportsmans Guide for around $300 (the mail order catalog that sells bull penis canes, knives, boots and things like that. Basically closeouts.) Its a 110 and I love it. However, I really agree with the above posters to buy a trusted brand. The welders had no problem doing the little jobs I've used it for. The biggest job so far was welding the fender hanger and part of the radiator cradle into a Saturn that a friend wrecked. It did the job with no problems. I use the shielding wire, but like was posted before, I would recommend using the gas as it makes a cleaner weld. If you us the wire, remember to get a good brand. My last wire spool was an ESAB spool and worked great! When that ran out I went and bought a roll from Harbor Freight and it sucks! Upon arching, the wire actually blows out and makes it so the wire has to catch up before it can arch again. This makes it impossible to "run a bead" and is basically not worth buying. Increasing the feed rate just makes it happen faster. My plan is to purchase a good, name brand one. A 220, and I'll invest in a tank. That way I can keep the one I have with the sheilding wire as a "Mobile welder". Just for quick jobs or to haul it to someones house since it won't have the tank to lug around. Hope this helps.
ive got the eastwood 175, which is 220. and it works awesome. plus eastwood has great cutomer service.
thanks guys im shopping around for them now hopefully to get it in time for xmas so i can notch my truck and let the projects began.
Miller!!! Love my Miller And it's 110 and 220 Just change the plug it comes with I ran it for over a year with 110 Added a 220 breaker It works better on 220 I vote for a Miller!!
