Topic: Choosing a Welder

[lucky]

If I was going to get a 120v mig, I would recommend a Lincoln over a Miller. My friend has one of each, and the Lincoln has performed the best. His workers used to argue over who got to use the "good" welder, so he got another Lincoln, and now uses the Miller for odd jobs away from the regular welding stations.

Lincoln got the jump on Miller by introducing the first Mig welding machines in the 110V range, the SP125.

[lucky]

All of the welding questions would be better addressed at www.weldingweb.com

[cgswss]

Forgot to mention... While your at the welding store, let them suggest some "rip off" protective gear and a proper mask.  I suggest you get used to welding with those heavy leather gloves they will suggest and always use them.

For brands, well I would suggest you talk more with the welding shop.  I personally have a little Miller 140 with spool gun that I use for about 90% of the things I weld.  I also have a bigger 220 unit, but its nice to take that little 120v unit to the work and be able to weld from a 120 socket.

[Lostboy Steve]

 I Mig for a living and I'll tell you this: DO NOT BUY A SNAP-ON MUSCLE MIG 120v (mm140sl). I have one with every attachment you can buy. Including a spool gun for aluminium. Once a year I have to change out the diodes. For this reason it sits in a corner now and is ONLY used for aluminium. My Lincoln 120v works the best for steel and stainless steel. Its smooth, and works well at 120v. At work I have a Millermatic Vintage 220v. That's a hell of a machine. I've welded tiny thin stuff with it and I've welded snow plow brackets back onto frames with it. WORKS AMAZING and its about 22 years old. Never had to service it, EVER.

[750K]

Buy the best machine you can afford, with the most options you can get into. Something from Miller or Lincoln or Hobart and you'll be happy I'd expect. Miller has some dual voltage units that can run on 110v and 220v which is nice depending on where you are, get something with a gas hook up. Nice to have the ability to run gas or flux core.

[Stev-o]

Twisted - I've been considering getting a Lincoln 120V.  What is the trick to welding SS?

[lucky]

Twisted - I've been considering getting a Lincoln 120V.  What is the trick to welding SS?

You can get all the up to date info at www.weldingweb.com

There is no "trick " to welding stainless with MIG, but it can be hard to do with a 110V MIG.
Some machines can do it and some cannot. But only thin gauge.
The 220V MIG machines will do it for sure.
You will need the Tri mix gas and it is expensive. You will need a spool of the stainless 308 wire, and the liner in the welding gun needs to be compatible.

If it is a small job and it is at least 1/8 inch then you can buy stick
(SMAW) electrodes in 308 stainless. It is not recommended for uphill at more that 10º but it can be done. They sell the stainless stick electrodes down to 1/16 inch.

[socalenduro]

Thanks for the help everyone.
The garage currently only has standard 120 power (mayber there is higher voltage outlet for the dryer, id have to look as im using a gas dryer currently. Some places are wired for both)
Sounds like a Lincon MIG is the way to go for me to play and learn on. Then if needed buying a better unit in a year or so.

Ill check out at welding store. I used to own a bike shop so I understand the whole boutique vs chain store thing.

[lucky]

You are going to have more questions.
I would go to www.weldingweb.com for good advice in the future.

Learning to weld is more than just running a bead.
Different MIG welding machines and sizes require different techniques of holding the gun and the angle of the gun. Pushing or pulling technique. Make sure to read the manual all the way through. It talks about that in the manual.

The preparation of the weld joint, and cleaning of the weld groove is very important.
The amount of "stick out" of the wire from the nozzle of the gun.
Types of welding gases and the pressure the regulator should be set at.
How to use welding tank pressure regulators and how to bleed them and shut them down.

Have fun!!

[socalenduro]

yeah im sure ill log pleanty of hours on that and a few other reference sites...
and im sure my questions will be endless....

[70CB750]

I have Lincoln MIG too, it paid for itself many many times, I am sure you will like it.  I built two trailers with it, fixed my jeep and my tractor plenty of times - welding is k knitting for man

And Lucky is right, good weld starts way before you strike the arc.

[Stev-o]

If your dryer is gas, I'd bet the elec outlet is 120V.

[chewbacca5000]

This thread is very timely as I have wanted a welder of my own for some time to weld up exhaust or other thin steel pieces and am looking at a mig 140 either lincoln or hobart. I am also considering real gear mig 140 after watching a youtube video real gear mig 140 At $300 doesn't sound like too bad of a deal.

The only thing I don't like is how fat the bead is.  Will using smaller diameter wire make a smaller bead?  Is it necessary to have a big fat bead?

Also, how much does a bottle of 75/25 argon co2 gas cost?

Thanks!

[chewbacca5000]

This thread is very timely as I have wanted a welder of my own for some time to weld up exhaust or other thin steel pieces and am looking at a mig 140 either lincoln or hobart. I am also considering real gear mig 140 after watching a youtube video real gear mig 140 At $300 doesn't sound like too bad of a deal.

The only thing I don't like is how fat the bead is.  Will using smaller diameter wire make a smaller bead?  Is it necessary to have a big fat bead?

Also, how much does a bottle of 75/25 argon co2 gas cost?

Thanks!

After posting this I found a supply near where I live and can get welder, cart, helmet, regulator, and starter wire for $400.  Does not seem too bad of a deal.  The guy behind the counter was helpful and said Tibco something sells replacement parts.

[lucky]

All of these welding questions are expertly answered on www.weldingweb.com

They even have reviews of some of these off brand machines and you can see failure rates parts, availability problems frequency etc.,.

[Bailgang]

The only thing I don't like is how fat the bead is.  Will using smaller diameter wire make a smaller bead?  Is it necessary to have a big fat bead?

Also, how much does a bottle of 75/25 argon co2 gas cost?

Thanks!

Check out the site Lucky recommended because even if all of us were certified welders (which I am) you'd still probably get different and or conflicting answers because we could all be certified for different welding codes.

[socalenduro]

Should i look at www.weldingweb.com?

[lucky]

Should i look at www.weldingweb.com?

What do you have to lose???

[lucky]

The only thing I don't like is how fat the bead is.  Will using smaller diameter wire make a smaller bead?  Is it necessary to have a big fat bead?

Also, how much does a bottle of 75/25 argon co2 gas cost?

Thanks!

Check out the site Lucky recommended because even if all of us were certified welders (which I am) you'd still probably get different and or conflicting answers because we could all be certified for different welding codes.

I could answer all of your questions about welding gas cylinders  but it would be better for you to go to www.weldingweb.com

[lucky]

This thread is very timely as I have wanted a welder of my own for some time to weld up exhaust or other thin steel pieces and am looking at a mig 140 either lincoln or hobart. I am also considering real gear mig 140 after watching a youtube video real gear mig 140 At $300 doesn't sound like too bad of a deal.

The only thing I don't like is how fat the bead is.  Will using smaller diameter wire make a smaller bead?  Is it necessary to have a big fat bead?

Also, how much does a bottle of 75/25 argon co2 gas cost?

Thanks!

I will send you a PM about your video and your problem with that weldment.

[socalenduro]

i was just busting your balls... as you had mentioned the site 5 times at that point...
i have in fact looked at the site, and im not rushing to buy a welder... going to do my homework first.
your imput really has been helpful

[lucky]

i was just busting your balls... as you had mentioned the site 5 times at that point...
i have in fact looked at the site, and im not rushing to buy a welder... going to do my homework first.
your imput really has been helpful

The reason I was trying to point you that way is that welding is and can be a huge subject. Selection of welding machines, Selection of welding tanks and rental issues,
Gloves, and welding helmets is a long discussion in itself.
Each one should be carefully considered.

[Stev-o]

I wonder is you ask a SOHC Honda question at www.weldingweb.com
will they refer them to this website?

[lucky]

I wonder is you ask a SOHC Honda question at www.weldingweb.com
will they refer them to this website?

If I "Want to learn to weld" I would go to a welding website.

[Mtmooradian]

I'd buy a welder and weld.......