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General Topics/Tech TipsDiscussion on break in periods, rider comfort, seats and pad suggestions. Tech tips as they become available will be posted here.
Hello HD fans!
I have been sticking metal together for 1 year. FCAW is what I have been learning with. I make small blades, art, fix-it projects, lamps, etc.
I would like to try GMAW.
I do not have 220 at my place.
Lincoln, Hobart, Miller, Esab, Eastwood?
I appreciate any information on a good choice for me.
Weshicatwelo!
well not to say you cannot find a good mig on 110 but i find the 220 versions better. as far as brand, all +/-'s. the sears/craftsman unit was only a tacker and wasn't that great, they are made by several diff mfg's. the lincoln i have is 220 but i rate this as a D-. all it did was put steel guitar parts together and i fail and the failure is a common issue so choose wisely on model. the model i have and several others are line voltage sensitive and will blow out the circuit board which just as soon buy a new welder. some of the boards are not available anymore, but to the plus, lincoln does have great support. i was able to rebuild my board to a better degree from the schematic lincoln sent me. usually when the go, it burns they markings but the schematic does list components and values.
if you just want to toy around till you like it, go cheap, the hf unit could be a cheap beginner. but all said and done, buy the best you can afford especially if you want to push it.
my 3rd is a miller spool gun that attaches to my trailblazer gasoline welder, it is a hoss, break it out when i need serious.
i just got into tig and it too is an add on to the trailblazer.
I have a Hobart handler 140 ..works great...IMO the 120 volt version is better for welding things like sheet metal as the 220 models will not turn down low enough to not burn through...
I have messed with several 120 volt Lincolns in the past...they made good door stops...
I learned on a Harbor Freight mig that had only high and low settings. Spatter, burn thru, yuk. My local guy recommended a Miller 141 and I bought it. Works great on everything from sheet to 1/4" plate.
I make art items, mostly bugs and critters out of discarded Harley parts and stuff like rebar. Having a real welder is a big deal. I've just invested in a welding table and a bunch of v blocks, clamps etc. The Strong Tools website had stuff I didn't know I needed.
Very cool, sounds like fun. @keith_stepp is the resident expert in this field among many others from what Im hearing. Perhaps he may be willing to share some tips.
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new welder
