Tony Conti
Member
Does anyone have a suggestion for a good but not too expensive mig welder? I wont have to use it all the time but I do need one.... so any suggestions?
Depends on what you plan on welding. I weld every day so me personally I like to use a gas setup using argon. I don't like using gasless mig welders and using the flux core wire because the welds just don't look as good. You'll need to give a price range because this can affect it by a lot. You can get a decent welder that you can do stick on as well as MIG.Does anyone have a suggestion for a good but not too expensive mig welder? I wont have to use it all the time but I do need one.... so any suggestions?
Depends on what you plan on welding. I weld every day so me personally I like to use a gas setup using argon. I don't like using gasless mig welders and using the flux core wire because the welds just don't look as good. You'll need to give a price range because this can affect it by a lot. You can get a decent welder that you can do stick on as well as MIG.
Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
X2 on the gas!
Also, what voltage and amperage electrical do you have available?
I think these are good entry-level machines with good versatility for home use, but will have good durability and be easy to find parts for.
https://m.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Equipment/Pages/product.aspx?product=K4498-1(LincolnElectric)
https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welders/mig-gmaw/millermatic-141-mig-welder-m00486
I would buy a small bottle, based on your usage, from a welding supply that doesn't have an issue exchanging the bottle when you let it go out of expiration. Most welding shops don't refill bottles too frequently (unless they are out of your size) and just swap them out. Some will not accept bottles that are out of certification at all. Believe me that it is possible that years go by between projects and your bottles are out of certification before you know it.
Listen to Flusher. He's exactly right. My high school buddy is a professional welder, certified in many specific areas like underwater. He gave me the exact same advice as Flusher said. Stick with Miller or Lincoln.
A $500 welder will be disposable. I did the exact same thing when I was 25, bought a cheap welder. It broke, couldn't get parts and I threw it away. Its more expensive than the 141, but if you can find the money for a Miller 211, you will never buy another welder for your entire life. And if you really don't want it anymore, you'll be able to sell it and get 1/2 to 3/4 of your money back.
https://www.millerwelds.com/equipme...tions-title=millermatic-211-mig-welder-907614
But if that is too expensive, get the 141. You will not be disappointed.
I have a 220v Lincoln 180 Mig Pac and love it. I use both gas and flux core mig wire. I like the flux core as I can get into tighter places with the smaller tip, that the gas nozzle allows. Gas leaves a cleaner weld. The flux core also allows you to weld in an area where you have more breeze, or air movement, which will disrupt the gas shielding. I've never had an issue with weld strength from either. Also have a Lincoln Sq Wave Tig machine which is go for fancy stuff, and occasional stick welds. I agree with the guys above, stick with Lincoln or Miller equipment.
I have a Lincoln 135 from Home Depot I think.Looking to spend between 500 to 700, I know Ill be fixing some exhaust work and I need to put some hangers on my axleback. Nothing like roll cages, I've done that but won't need to at home.
Also I fucking hate stick welding!
I have a 220v Lincoln 180 Mig Pac and love it. I use both gas and flux core mig wire. I like the flux core as I can get into tighter places with the smaller tip, that the gas nozzle allows. Gas leaves a cleaner weld. The flux core also allows you to weld in an area where you have more breeze, or air movement, which will disrupt the gas shielding. I've never had an issue with weld strength from either. Also have a Lincoln Sq Wave Tig machine which is go for fancy stuff, and occasional stick welds. I agree with the guys above, stick with Lincoln or Miller equipment.
Lol stick welding has its purposes. I mig and stick every day almost..tig..not so much. These other guys have recommended some good budget welders. Hell, you could do fine with a standard 120 hobartLooking to spend between 500 to 700, I know Ill be fixing some exhaust work and I need to put some hangers on my axleback. Nothing like roll cages, I've done that but won't need to at home.
Also I fucking hate stick welding!
This ^^^ . . . worth it even if you have to add a 220 line for it.OP,
If you want to kick it up a knotch, I would say definitely go for the 220 volt machine