Which mig welder?
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 667
Likes: 59
From: Lufkin, Tx.
Which mig welder?
Didn't know which section to post this in but figured there are alot of people here that do some of their own fabricating. I'm thinking about getting a mig welder to work on some projects I have in mind and was wondering what brand or size some of you might recommend. Not planning on welding anything real heavy, just small projects.( exhaust, brackets, etc. )
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
I bought a Hobart 140 Handler...runs on 110 house current, you can turn it down low enough to weld sheet-metal or crank it up and weld your frame...I cut and widened my frame with mine.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ci_sku=1646140
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ci_sku=1646140
Novice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I have a Miller and realy like it. They dont make my model any more, but something like a Millermatic 180 would be great for light the light fab of pipes and brackets. Later you can add a spool gun if you want to play with alum.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 51
From: Ft. Worth
Didn't know which section to post this in but figured there are alot of people here that do some of their own fabricating. I'm thinking about getting a mig welder to work on some projects I have in mind and was wondering what brand or size some of you might recommend. Not planning on welding anything real heavy, just small projects.( exhaust, brackets, etc. )
One thing to consider is using flux core wire which doesn't require gas like co2 or argon. IMO, as a welder for over 40 yrs, I like using wire with gas, it's alot cleaner. It is a little more expensive with the gas because you have to get bottles of gas and, regulators.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,836
Likes: 1
From: 2000 Softail FXST
[QUOTE=Tom84FXST;7391373]I bought a Hobart 140 Handler...runs on 110 house current, you can turn it down low enough to weld sheet-metal or crank it up and weld your frame...I cut and widened my frame with mine.
+1 on the Hobart, good price and reliable. TSC has them on sale regularly.
+1 again. I did the flux core for a long time then broke down and bought a bottle, I could kick myself for waiting so long.
To the OP here's a link that can help you with some good info http://weldingweb.com/
+1 on the Hobart, good price and reliable. TSC has them on sale regularly.
One thing to consider is using flux core wire which doesn't require gas like co2 or argon. IMO, as a welder for over 40 yrs, I like using wire with gas, it's alot cleaner. It is a little more expensive with the gas because you have to get bottles of gas and, regulators.
To the OP here's a link that can help you with some good info http://weldingweb.com/
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 667
Likes: 59
From: Lufkin, Tx.
Thanks for the suggestions. Used to weld years ago, mostly stick and then flux core. Saw some Lincoln machines at Lowes and Home Depot, just haven't been around welding in a long time and wasn't sure what might be a good 110v machine for what I'm looking at doing. I'll check out the Hobart at TSC and do some reading on that link that Lincoln33 mentioned.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 12
Do yourself a favor and go gas. It is so much cleaner. I've used the Hobart mentioned above, and I can say Hobart makes a quality product. I have a cheap Chicago Electric that came from Harbor Freight. It's a 220v welder, uses gas, and it works just fine. Picked it up for $50 at a yard sale.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: CA
Yea Gas is the way to go, Flux core works allright if it's thicker metal and out of sight but still don't like doing it. Gas is more expensive but it's not too expensive, and worth every penny. once you get the bottle it's even cheaper to refill it.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 502
Likes: 66
some of the Home Depot Lincoln welders will not accept a gas kit and they are made with different componets for cost.
I bought a Lincoln from Home Depot and returned it for that reason and I called Lincoln and they told me the welders are made especially for discount stores.
Ps see if the guy at Home depot can explain duty cycle.They usually don't know much about what they are selling
I bought a Lincoln from Home Depot and returned it for that reason and I called Lincoln and they told me the welders are made especially for discount stores.
Ps see if the guy at Home depot can explain duty cycle.They usually don't know much about what they are selling
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: s.w. pa.
go to a local welding supplier and talk to them too...some have a demo area...talk to them about bottles to...buy, dont rent...
Stargon(mix) for steel
Argon for Aluminum if your going to get a spoolgun
Lincoln Reps also have a place to demo machines...
one of the ones i have is an L-Tec(now ESAB) 250...
on my way out...post more later
Stargon(mix) for steel
Argon for Aluminum if your going to get a spoolgun
Lincoln Reps also have a place to demo machines...
one of the ones i have is an L-Tec(now ESAB) 250...
on my way out...post more later