welder selection
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Stoneville, N.C.
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '88 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700r4/OD
welder selection
Every time I turn around, I find I'm needing to weld something arond the house, whether it be on my vehicles or lawnmowers, etc.
What would be the best wire welder to purchase for general use on mild steel without paying an arm and a leg? You know, something small and mobile to keep in your garage.
What would be the best wire welder to purchase for general use on mild steel without paying an arm and a leg? You know, something small and mobile to keep in your garage.
#2
TGO Supporter
i'd look for a GMAW ( solid wire gas shielding) in 110v. buy the largest 100v you can find. it's easy to dial a big machine down, can't dial a small machine up. gas will give you a lot better results than fluxed wire. i'd only buy from lincoln or miller, maybe hobart if the price was right. buying from the "big 3" you'll know you can get parts and have factory support. i'd watch for used ones to come up for sale if you aren't in a rush to buy one.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Stoneville, N.C.
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '88 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700r4/OD
Thanks, ede. I think you're right about choosing GMAW. I'm not a big fan of FCAW (as for as heavy fab goes anyway). I'll stick with Miller or Lincoln due to the fact I can get parts through the vendors that come through the plant where I work. I appreciate it.
#4
Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Holbrook NY
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1982 Z/28 H.O.
Engine: 355
Transmission: t-5
I have used many different welders through working at different body shops and I personally have become a huge follower of millermatic series welders
#5
Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Jamestown NY USA
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 Iroc 91 Z28
Engine: 5.0 LB9
Transmission: WC T5 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.73
I bought a lincoln 255 and never looked back.that would be a little over kill for what you need but i do alot of heavy duty welding.
#6
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Staunton,illinois
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1966 impala , 1998 sebring vert,1978 buick regal turbo, 1991 chevy silverado 3/4ton 4x4 lifted
Engine: 283, 2.5,3.8 turbo 350
Transmission: powerglide,auto overdrive, th350,4L80
i own a lincoln and a craftsman no complaints out of either never had a problem
#7
Supreme Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Central NJ, USA
Posts: 13,414
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
I assembled my MIG setup in a round-about way
1. Bought the Lincoln Electric Weld-Pak 100, which comes set up for flux core, for under $300 (Home Depot did the beat-a-price guarantee against Lowe's for me)
2. Few months later, bought the MIG conversion kit for the Weld Pak to turn it into GMAW for $100
3. A year later (laughs), finally bought a 60 cu ft bottle with the CO2/Argon mix
All that is basically an LE MigPak 10, but I can't add a stitch timer or spotweld timer. (not a big deal for me)
LE's got some new smaller GMAW Mig out... doesn't do as high as amperage as the Mig Pak 10 or Weld Pak 100, but it's about $100 cheaper. Ah; here it is, the "Handy Mig". See http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/p...ProductID=1264 for more info...
For comparison, here's the Mig Pak 10 http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/p...ProductID=1217 and Weld Pak 100 http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/p...ProductID=1182 .
But like ede said; that Handy Mig might restrict you if you ever move up to heavier stuff...
1. Bought the Lincoln Electric Weld-Pak 100, which comes set up for flux core, for under $300 (Home Depot did the beat-a-price guarantee against Lowe's for me)
2. Few months later, bought the MIG conversion kit for the Weld Pak to turn it into GMAW for $100
3. A year later (laughs), finally bought a 60 cu ft bottle with the CO2/Argon mix
All that is basically an LE MigPak 10, but I can't add a stitch timer or spotweld timer. (not a big deal for me)
LE's got some new smaller GMAW Mig out... doesn't do as high as amperage as the Mig Pak 10 or Weld Pak 100, but it's about $100 cheaper. Ah; here it is, the "Handy Mig". See http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/p...ProductID=1264 for more info...
For comparison, here's the Mig Pak 10 http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/p...ProductID=1217 and Weld Pak 100 http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/p...ProductID=1182 .
But like ede said; that Handy Mig might restrict you if you ever move up to heavier stuff...
Trending Topics
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Stoneville, N.C.
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '88 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700r4/OD
I appreciate the info man. That MIG PAK 10 sounds like what I'm looking for. My old cars, trucks and lawnmowers are all I'll need to be welding on. If I need to weld anything thicker than 1/4", I'll take it to work! Thanks.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post