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Wire welder info

D

dhopfinsd

Member
I'm looking to buy an inexpensive wire welder. I want to use to welder body sheet metal. I do have access to stick welder for the thicker metal.

What is the best brand? flux wire or gas? 120v or 230v?

Thanks

Don
 
Don't buy a cheap one, you will regret it. Stick with Miller, Hobart or Lincoln. Body work, use gas. One of the small 120 volt will do what you need.
 
The best brands are Miller and Lincoln, followed by Hobart. 220 volt welders are more versatile than 120, but if you're really only going to do body work, you can get by with a quality 120. Flux core runs hotter than GMAW, so it isn't the best choice for that application. If you get a gas capable welder, you can still run flux core on it.

Stan
 
depends on what you call inexpensive.

I was in the same spot earlier in the year, had a stick welder, wanted something for sheet metal.

I bought the Hobart 140. I really like it.

I've got nothing to compare it to, it's the first mig I've used. I know there are cheaper options out there, but to be honest my decision was based only on the "you get what you pay for" fear. I didn't want to go TOO cheap.

I don't regret the purchase at all, but as I say, I can't say for sure that it's any better than a cheaper unit.

Remember too that if you want to use true "mig" you need the inert gas - that involves buying a bottle of gas and refills. An added expense, but you will get better looking welds.

Others will tell you as they told me to go 240 to give you more capabilities with the welder. To me - the ability to bring this 120v welder with me anywhere there's a plug is a HUGE advantage. I can weld at friends houses etc. It's really handy. I've never tried on anything over 1/4" with it. That's what the stick welder's for.

very happy I went with this unit.
 
Check Eastwood! I bought a mig 135 and love it. It comes with gages and Eastwood did have a sale price a week or so back. Not sure if it is still on.
 
I own a Miller 211. It has multi-voltage capability, can weld light stuff on 120 volts, but capacity is limited. I use mine 0n 220V, using solid wire and co2 most of the time. I use it for everything 1/4" and down. Also runs flux core just fine. Cheap - not exactly, last a lifetime - probably. Just an option, one to think about. Ken
 
Ken, I bought a Miller Maxstar 150 (stick and TIG) a few years ago. It has the same dual voltage capability as your 211. I love the flexibility. I've done jobs away from home from a 120 volt outlet, (on a 20 amp circuit) using a 12 gauge extension cord. When I'm home where 220 is available, I can use it that way instead of hauling out one of my full size welders. If I were in the market for a MIG welder, the 211 might be my first choice.

Stan
 
I've been in sheet metal and steel fab for 25 years in addition to farming . A little story about cheap welders . Current owner of company I work for got talked into a $269 mig . It has quit 5 times that I know of . All our other machines are Miller . I have a lincoln 135 at home , worth every penny .
 
The Eastwood is imported [China] . It works okay for a project like panel repair, has parts support and often has free how to vids online Eastwood site.if you give your email.. I don't have it my friend does. If you buy a used Miller plan on 25 bucks for a new liner and some roller wheels, and a pait of dykes, tips., roll of wire . .
 
Miller, Hobart, Lincoln are the "can't go wrong" brands.

There are also some other up-and-coming brands that seem to receive good marks: Longevity, Everlast, Eastwood, Victor/Tweco. The welders are manufactured in China, but they work well and have good parts support as a general rule.
 
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