Not sure where to ask this.....

[softballnrd27]

Looking for a decent welder that I can use in the garage for most automotive projects. Shouldn't have to weld on more than 5/16" thick metal. Will probably try to build a bumper and a roll cage but other than that it will be used for filling holes and suspension mounting for the 4x4. Found a decent Lincoln at home depot for a good price, I just want opinions.

[ca180]

Check out this site

weldingweb.com

Great information there, and some very experienced people.

[softballnrd27]

anyone with personal experience with a certain brand? Good or bad?

[pissonNOS]

i bought a hobarthandler 210 im very pleased with it and im sure it will do what your looking for heres a link http://www.hobartwelders.com/product...ed/handler210/

[Kim57]

I've been using a 220 volt Lincoln for years and am happy with it. Any of the name brands should work out just fine.
Kim

[LockDoc]

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I have a Lincoln stick welder and a Lincoln wire welder and I am happy with both.

LockDoc

[67ChevyRedneck]

I'm interested in this info as well!

Are you asking about mig or arc welders?

For migs, does it really matter if you use flux core wire or gas? I bought a cheap harbor freight flux core mig to do my fuel filler door and fill my fuel patch, but since then, I've been told that primer/paint don't hold well to flux core wire??? Is that BS or...?

When I start work on my fleet bed I'd like to get a better welder (I'll need to do my fuel door mod again, shave the markers, and do some patchwork.)

[Shane]

Remember either Blue (Miller) or Red (Lincoln) and you won't go wrong either way. Both build quality machines that range from the do-it-yourself hobbiest 110 volt units up to the industrial size units.

P.S. there is no such thing as a flux-core mig ... it's either flux core OR it's MIG.

[Fred T]

If you're getting a wire feed welder, get one with shielding gas. The welds come out far cleaner and smoother, so you have less cleanup to do. They also make stronger welds, since the gas helps keep out the impurities.

Both Lincoln and Miller make good welders. And buy one through a local welding supply. Then you get questions answered and service when you need it.

5/16 is a little thick for a wirefeed, but it can be done. Go with a 220 volt model.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by Shane

Remember either Blue (Miller) or Red (Lincoln) and you won't go wrong either way. Both build quality machines that range from the do-it-yourself hobbiest 110 volt units up to the industrial size units.

P.S. there is no such thing as a flux-core mig ... it's either flux core OR it's MIG.

Thanks

[Liz]

there are a few posts on this in the paint and body section as well. lots of good info to be had there

[pissonNOS]

Originally Posted by Shane

Remember either Blue (Miller) or Red (Lincoln) and you won't go wrong either way. Both build quality machines that range from the do-it-yourself hobbiest 110 volt units up to the industrial size units.

P.S. there is no such thing as a flux-core mig ... it's either flux core OR it's MIG.

shane do you mind do clear up what they call a welder with out shielding gas? I was always told it was a fluxcore?

[Shane]

You are correct. While both are wire fed welders, a wire fed welder that doesn't use a shielding gas is just a flux core welder ... not a flux core MIG welder.

A MIG (metal inert gas) welder uses a shielding gas, thus the Inert Gas portion of the MIG name.

[pissonNOS]

thanks for that they taught us about GMAW and MAW but neer really went into it that much

[Billhilly]

I (unfortunately) weld alot with fluxcored (gasless) wire, through a Lincoln 170T. Unless you are doing alot of work outside just don't even go there. Go with a solid wire and gas. Better in every way than the fluxed wire, and the fumes and flux won't kill you dead! But the Lincoln runs like a dream, and has done for years.

Bill.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by Fred T

And buy one through a local welding supply. Then you get questions answered and service when you need it.

I bought my Miller from the local AirGas dealer. I've never had a problem with it, but it's nice to know they're there just in case. I may be wrong, but I doubt Home Depot will help you with service.

[TennesseeZ]

I bought my L-Tec 225 used, from a friend's friend who owns a welding supply. Got a good deal, very happy with it. I also recommend getting a brand name that parts etc will be available for, getting a 220V wire feed with shielding gas, and dealing with a local welding supply. If you're near Dalton, I can recommend someone.