MIG Welders - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cerebus · 05-13-2009, 12:43 PM

So I got some pricing from a friend of the family's on some welders.

Which would you guys pick?

Lincoln MIG 120VAC @ $750
Lincoln MIG 230VAC @ $875
Miller MIG Dual voltage (120VAC & 230VAC) @ $1156

Will only be used for repairs on my truck as a past time / hobby.

KB71C10BBSUPER · 05-13-2009, 01:21 PM

I use a Miller 210 @ home and a Miller 250 @ work (great welders). If you need to weld the larger/thicker parts its always nice to have the power. The 250 is nice because you can really dial it in when using smaller wire for the sheet metal. Always cook

with gas (steel mix) when welding sheet metal. Flux core is not the way to go for doing sheet metal.

Ackattack · 05-13-2009, 01:25 PM

I have a Miller 180 (230V). Haven't had a problem with it. I've welded some really thin sheet metal all the way up to 1/4" thick DOM tubing for my Jeep's suspension.

I don't think the dual voltage is worth the extra $

ej69c10 · 05-13-2009, 01:31 PM

Personaly i would go with the miller to me they are the best machines out there. but for around the house the lincolin MIG 230VAC would do just fine. the lincolin MIG 120VAC you will find your self wishing it hand a little more power and isn't near as consistent as the 230v.

72 Cheyenne402 · 05-13-2009, 01:32 PM

I have a Hobart 210 and I am happy with it

cerebus · 05-13-2009, 01:49 PM

Thanks for the input guys.

Whats the real plus to a Dual voltage unit? Just being able to bring it over to a buddies house? If its on 110VAC it needs to be on a 20A circuit anyway?

I'm not sure if there is a point to going with the dual voltage.

Sinister · 05-13-2009, 01:51 PM

I have a 120 volt Lincoln 3200HD that's been working out pretty well. I like being able to plug it in any where. I voted for the Miller if you have the cash.

redneckgirl · 05-13-2009, 01:54 PM

There is a good sticky in this forum on welders. Check it out and you can get some good information too. I moved this here so you could get some more feedback

Ace in the hole · 05-13-2009, 02:00 PM

All the above will work great. I have the power mig 140c from lincoln and love it. At 140 amps output it can handle a wide range of welding. If, like you say, you will only use it for sheet metal/ body repair the it will do you just fine. Any one you buy you want the gas set up for sure.

I would also look to see if the models listed have fully adjustable heat range, some only have 4 or 5 taps. I like the ability to make small adjustments in heat settings.

ftgauto · 05-13-2009, 02:04 PM

Miller 230 challenger is what I use! It's AWESOME for everything!!!!

fixit-p · 05-13-2009, 06:32 PM

Miller 300 at work Millermatic Challenger 172 at home and play the 172 is very impressive at 220 volts input I can run E70T-1 dual sheild wire with very good penetration on thicker metals

karlbenz · 05-13-2009, 09:47 PM

i got a millermatic 21, works fine for me

mark 68 · 05-13-2009, 10:50 PM

I got a lincoln 110 flux core mig for the house. I use 480 three phase welders (lincoln and miller) at work. My 110 flux has welded sheetmetal to rollcages. With no problems. I like the 110 because it can do anything i need plus its pretty portable with out having to worry about a place to plug it in (220).

cerebus · 05-14-2009, 10:31 AM

How many amp circuit breaker did you guys throw in?

I went to buy 12 gauge wire and a 20 amp breaker and realized that probably wont be enough.

Would 10 gauge wire and a 30 amp breaker be suffice?

BYoung35 · 05-14-2009, 08:36 PM

Try Habor Freight i orderd a reconditioned one for under 150 .
Shipping was only 11 dollars.

nuke1 · 05-14-2009, 09:14 PM

miller 210 here

Skirkpat · 05-14-2009, 09:39 PM

I have a Miller 210, way overkill for the hobbiest, but a great welder. I do not have to take it on the road very often, but when I do, I have an extension cord I built that plugs int a dryer outlet.

Driveway Dreams · 05-14-2009, 10:12 PM

One of my good buddies has the Miller dual voltage. It is a great welder. Like said above, you pay more for it but it is worth every bit. I would not cheat yourself out of the opportunity to buy ONE welder. You buy the 110 now and then down the road you want a stronger welder because the 110 is not capable enough. So you buy it too. Pay a little more ONE time if you can. That welder is great and will last you a long time. Oh, by the way...he picked his up within the last year, welder, tank, cart, full bottle, for just under $1000. Make sure your family friend is treating you right.

cerebus · 05-15-2009, 12:38 PM

Dont forget this is CAD $

Driveway Dreams · 05-15-2009, 04:17 PM

Oh got it. Not sure the conversion rate right now but guessing that is a fair deal. Like I said. You will be very happy with the welder if you can bite the bullet and pay it out now.

Mike 85 · 05-15-2009, 11:05 PM

Whatever the "brand",The real advantage is the adjustable heat range.
I've found this out the hard way and "if" I had it to do over,would likely chose a Miller 185 or whatever it's called now for this feature alone.
I have a Hobart 140 I think it's called now and it does a great job but doing bodywork,the adjustable heat controll would be a BIG advantage.
Yeah,you can do thicker material with a 240V machine as well as a longer duty cycle but the portability of a 120V is just hard to beat if you do a lot of buddy work. As far as the electric circuit involved,unless you running it WFO,a regular 120V outlet and "standard" extension cord is fine. Now if I'm runing it to the MAX,yeah, I want a 30A circuit and a 10ga cord.
Mix gas,75/25,is the way to go. Even CO2 still gives a less than great weld.
Flux Core is for lawnmore's and general welding,NOT for bodywork.

bac1755 · 05-16-2009, 01:00 AM

I have a miller 252 at home and love it. never used lincoln but have heard they work good. I just like miller.

GBC10 · 05-16-2009, 08:49 AM

I have a Miller 180 auto-set. Works awesome.

woodymm3 · 05-18-2009, 01:00 PM

i would check craigslist before you buy anything. i had a great experience. i got a hobart 120 a cart a regulater a helmet and some extra tips.... plus the guy sat there and taught me basically how to weld. I was just picking one up to learn how and he provided a couple hours of free instruction. all that for a mere 300 bucks. Not too shabby. I love the welder and am still practiceing to get it perfect.

View Poll Results: Which welder would you pick?
Lincoln Power MIG 120VAC @ $750	4	17.39%
Lincoln Power MIG 230VAC @ $875	8	34.78%
Miller Dual voltage MIG (120VAC and 230VAC) @ $1156	11	47.83%
Voters: 23. You may not vote on this poll

05-13-2009, 12:43 PM	#1
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	MIG Welders So I got some pricing from a friend of the family's on some welders. Which would you guys pick? Lincoln MIG 120VAC @ $750 Lincoln MIG 230VAC @ $875 Miller MIG Dual voltage (120VAC & 230VAC) @ $1156 Will only be used for repairs on my truck as a past time / hobby. __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

05-13-2009, 01:21 PM	#2
KB71C10BBSUPER Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Valley Center, Ca. Posts: 37	Re: MIG Welders I use a Miller 210 @ home and a Miller 250 @ work (great welders). If you need to weld the larger/thicker parts its always nice to have the power. The 250 is nice because you can really dial it in when using smaller wire for the sheet metal. Always cook with gas (steel mix) when welding sheet metal. Flux core is not the way to go for doing sheet metal.

05-13-2009, 01:25 PM	#3
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: MIG Welders I have a Miller 180 (230V). Haven't had a problem with it. I've welded some really thin sheet metal all the way up to 1/4" thick DOM tubing for my Jeep's suspension. I don't think the dual voltage is worth the extra $ __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

05-13-2009, 01:31 PM	#4
ej69c10 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pace, FL Posts: 28	Re: MIG Welders Personaly i would go with the miller to me they are the best machines out there. but for around the house the lincolin MIG 230VAC would do just fine. the lincolin MIG 120VAC you will find your self wishing it hand a little more power and isn't near as consistent as the 230v.

05-13-2009, 01:32 PM	#5
72 Cheyenne402 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 581	Re: MIG Welders I have a Hobart 210 and I am happy with it __________________ 1972 Cheyenne 402 LWB 2005 Silverado X-Cab 5.3L 2004 John Deere L120 20HP B&S

05-13-2009, 01:49 PM	#6
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	Re: MIG Welders Thanks for the input guys. Whats the real plus to a Dual voltage unit? Just being able to bring it over to a buddies house? If its on 110VAC it needs to be on a 20A circuit anyway? I'm not sure if there is a point to going with the dual voltage. __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

05-13-2009, 01:51 PM	#7
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: MIG Welders I have a 120 volt Lincoln 3200HD that's been working out pretty well. I like being able to plug it in any where. I voted for the Miller if you have the cash. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

05-13-2009, 01:54 PM	#8
redneckgirl Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bel Air, Maryland Posts: 4,853	Re: MIG Welders There is a good sticky in this forum on welders. Check it out and you can get some good information too. I moved this here so you could get some more feedback __________________ The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there... and still on your feet. Stephen King Last edited by redneckgirl; 05-13-2009 at 01:58 PM.

05-13-2009, 02:00 PM	#9
Ace in the hole Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA Posts: 538	Re: MIG Welders All the above will work great. I have the power mig 140c from lincoln and love it. At 140 amps output it can handle a wide range of welding. If, like you say, you will only use it for sheet metal/ body repair the it will do you just fine. Any one you buy you want the gas set up for sure. I would also look to see if the models listed have fully adjustable heat range, some only have 4 or 5 taps. I like the ability to make small adjustments in heat settings. __________________ 1970 K20, 350--- SOLD 05 silverado extended cab short box- duramax Jeep wrangler unlimited

05-13-2009, 02:04 PM	#10
ftgauto Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ft. Gibson OK Posts: 86	Re: MIG Welders Miller 230 challenger is what I use! It's AWESOME for everything!!!!

05-13-2009, 06:32 PM	#11
fixit-p Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Yay Area CA Posts: 2,329	Re: MIG Welders Miller 300 at work Millermatic Challenger 172 at home and play the 172 is very impressive at 220 volts input I can run E70T-1 dual sheild wire with very good penetration on thicker metals

05-13-2009, 09:47 PM	#12
karlbenz Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: kannapolis, nc Posts: 532	Re: MIG Welders i got a millermatic 21, works fine for me

05-13-2009, 10:50 PM	#13
mark 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: texas Posts: 84	Re: MIG Welders I got a lincoln 110 flux core mig for the house. I use 480 three phase welders (lincoln and miller) at work. My 110 flux has welded sheetmetal to rollcages. With no problems. I like the 110 because it can do anything i need plus its pretty portable with out having to worry about a place to plug it in (220).

05-14-2009, 10:31 AM	#14
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	Re: MIG Welders How many amp circuit breaker did you guys throw in? I went to buy 12 gauge wire and a 20 amp breaker and realized that probably wont be enough. Would 10 gauge wire and a 30 amp breaker be suffice? __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.



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05-14-2009, 08:36 PM	#15
BYoung35 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Wright City ,Oklahoma Posts: 41	Re: MIG Welders Try Habor Freight i orderd a reconditioned one for under 150 . Shipping was only 11 dollars.

05-14-2009, 09:14 PM	#16
nuke1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,: Posts: 2,901	Re: MIG Welders miller 210 here __________________ James 1968 GMC "HAVOC" 1986 GMC "Frank" J.J.R.H. Design & Consulting My 68`Rebuild "HAVOC": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316300 A 58' chev build thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311238 1969 Camaro Pro Touring http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post3513361 Swiss Cheese: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384390 Adjustable Trailing Arm How-To: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321100 1968 Ford Farm Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6555587

05-14-2009, 09:39 PM	#17
Skirkpat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: K.C. Missouri Posts: 1,024	Re: MIG Welders I have a Miller 210, way overkill for the hobbiest, but a great welder. I do not have to take it on the road very often, but when I do, I have an extension cord I built that plugs int a dryer outlet.

05-14-2009, 10:12 PM	#18
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: MIG Welders One of my good buddies has the Miller dual voltage. It is a great welder. Like said above, you pay more for it but it is worth every bit. I would not cheat yourself out of the opportunity to buy ONE welder. You buy the 110 now and then down the road you want a stronger welder because the 110 is not capable enough. So you buy it too. Pay a little more ONE time if you can. That welder is great and will last you a long time. Oh, by the way...he picked his up within the last year, welder, tank, cart, full bottle, for just under $1000. Make sure your family friend is treating you right. __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

05-15-2009, 12:38 PM	#19
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	Re: MIG Welders Dont forget this is CAD $ __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

05-15-2009, 04:17 PM	#20
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: MIG Welders Oh got it. Not sure the conversion rate right now but guessing that is a fair deal. Like I said. You will be very happy with the welder if you can bite the bullet and pay it out now. __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

05-15-2009, 11:05 PM	#21
Mike 85 Face your fears Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ark. Posts: 883	Re: MIG Welders Whatever the "brand",The real advantage is the adjustable heat range. I've found this out the hard way and "if" I had it to do over,would likely chose a Miller 185 or whatever it's called now for this feature alone. I have a Hobart 140 I think it's called now and it does a great job but doing bodywork,the adjustable heat controll would be a BIG advantage. Yeah,you can do thicker material with a 240V machine as well as a longer duty cycle but the portability of a 120V is just hard to beat if you do a lot of buddy work. As far as the electric circuit involved,unless you running it WFO,a regular 120V outlet and "standard" extension cord is fine. Now if I'm runing it to the MAX,yeah, I want a 30A circuit and a 10ga cord. Mix gas,75/25,is the way to go. Even CO2 still gives a less than great weld. Flux Core is for lawnmore's and general welding,NOT for bodywork. __________________ I was told once, You have no BALL'S.... I then handed him my spray gun.......... My Junk

05-16-2009, 01:00 AM	#22
bac1755 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Denison, Texas Posts: 245	Re: MIG Welders I have a miller 252 at home and love it. never used lincoln but have heard they work good. I just like miller. __________________ 1971 GMC 1972 Small Blocked DATSUN 240Z Dads old car

05-16-2009, 08:49 AM	#23
GBC10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: GB WI Posts: 68	Re: MIG Welders I have a Miller 180 auto-set. Works awesome.

05-18-2009, 01:00 PM	#24
woodymm3 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oklahoma city Posts: 490	Re: MIG Welders i would check craigslist before you buy anything. i had a great experience. i got a hobart 120 a cart a regulater a helmet and some extra tips.... plus the guy sat there and taught me basically how to weld. I was just picking one up to learn how and he provided a couple hours of free instruction. all that for a mere 300 bucks. Not too shabby. I love the welder and am still practiceing to get it perfect.

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