Get a 220V machine -- I have a Lincoln 175 and a Miller 210 -- GAVE away the Lincoln - useless little pile of junk. If you can weld -- then you can weld. Saying the 110V machines are better at sheetmetal is like saying one putter is better than another is crazy -- you can either putt or you can't. If you can't then find out what you're doing wrong!

It's also like skiing... if you can ski - you can ski on anything anywhere anytime...

Get the big machine - find a used one - and then be able to do anything you'll ever do!

Someone said to get a good autodarkening helmet -- and they're absolutely 100% right!!

Another tip - PRACTICE on scrap - and don't go by the settings for the helmet -- If I use the recommended settings for my helmet - I can't see a dang thing! It's way too dark! So I set it where I can see! PERIOD. I'm old (55) and wear bifocals... and if I can't see the weld line and the puddle - then there's no point in even starting! LOL

Also - when I'm welding - skip welding or tacking etc - I SNIP the weld wire at an angle every weld... it uses a bit of wire - but so what. What I want is a good finished product. Wire is CHEAP. Just snip off the end each time you start a weld.... and your starts will be much better. ALSO CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN.... the cleaner the pieces the better. End of story. Don't skip that part.

I have an HTP 220 machine that about 13 years ago replaced a 110 lINCOLN and the low end is better on the htp then the little Lincoln. I would rather have extra power that I can turn down then too little.

Honestly a tig is just a little more and is 100% better for sheetmetal work. Harder to learn but you won't be upgrading. Once you spend time grinding down a mig weld and then realize you can't get out all the warp as the weld is too brittle you will want a tig.

Good response Brian!

I totally 100% agree with your TIG comments! I have a Miller Dynasty 200 DX TIG -- and use it for all be the most rudimentary welding. But the cost for the average hot rodder is just too high. Labor - for all of us except the pros - is FREE... and $3K for a decent TIG machine - on top of 1 to 2K for a must own MIG is the roadblock here.

It's kind of like my Cold Cut Saw.... once you own one of these - you'll never cut stock on anything else.... but the barrier to ownership is that it's an expensive little guy!

Here's my personal view of "the Shed and it's equipment" (see my shed on the forum here that has pics etc of peoples garages). THIS IS AN INVESTMENT IN MY HOBBY that hobby won't stop with one car = it's not one and done... it's a lifetime of doing for myself and for others... so I like to INVEST in equipment that can help me do a better job - learn more - doesn't limit what I can do - in other words - I have OPTIONS... Well --- that ---- and the fact that I can afford it! That's where belonging to a group or club can help the guys that can't afford to do the car and buy all the tools etc -- there is someone somewhere that will be happy to help you! I weld and cut and bend stuff all the time for my buddies....

I hear the HTP Mig 200 is going to be on sale in April...

was doing a search as it looks like i'm going to have to take care of a few things myself vs. farming them out...never been scared to learn so what the heck.....but found this thread and thought i'd bring it back from the dead vs. starting a whole new one as it's got lots of good info....

i've read thru the thread and see there are pro's and con's to both 110 and 220 machines......does anyone have an opinion about the dual voltage machines? i believe u just change the end of the plug for desired voltage and plug it in.... if i remember correctly it may have been the miller 211 that had this feature....

That's a "CONVENIENCE" item rather than a quality item... it makes the machine capable of welding with only 110V so you can take it to your buddys house and use his garage for a project if you have to... but that doesn't answer the question of the value of a 220V vs 110V machine. If you're on a budget - get the bet 110V machine you can afford... but if you can step it up a bit - then don't short sheet yourself... get a 220V machine... they're better in lots of ways..

Right now - there's lots of good used or barely used machines to be had - so check with your local pawn shop to see what somebody has brought in... Hobart is now owned by Miller... and they have some decent machines for the $$ too.

Hobart 187
 

Try Tractor Supply for a Hobart 187. It's a 220 machine and even comes with a Miller Gun. I love it.

Bought my welding cart for the machine locally at Harbour Freight, and had it cut and modified before assembly was complete.

Just bought a miller 180 auto set--Would sell the wife before the miller!!!!!!:unibrow: :unibrow:

When I was researching before I bought mine, the general theme was "buy the biggest machine that you can afford". If you continue in the hobby and do more and more welding (like alot of guys do once they get a machine), you will "outgrow" a smaller machine pretty quick.

I bought a Miller 175 220V machine and have been very happy with it. It does everything I will need it to do since I have no plans to do stuff over 3/8 inch.

I would at least get a 220V machine.