Remember too ---- the welder ratings for gauge are what they're capable of in ONE PASS. Nobody says you have to weld anything in one pass.

Well i moved and now have a spot for some welders. i had access to a Lincoln 175 tig before and now i dont have anything. looking to add a mig welder to the mix. was looking at the miller 141 or 211. maybe 215. i would be using it to put in sub frame connectors and mini tubs. i will buy a tig down the road as it is my preferred method of welding. any feed back on which way you would go? or any other machines i should look at? thanks

I've always advocated to buy the larger machines if you can.... they're just simply better welders and allow you to do whatever you feel like vs what you "can". once you own a welder -- you'll find all kinds of friends that need repairs on gates -- or broken whatever....

I too, far prefer a TIG machine -- water cooled -- with all the bells and whistles -- because you can then weld almost anything. But of course - the cost is X gazillion more than a MIG

I've been getting reacquainted with my newish Miller 211 the past week or so and for a home shop, it's really nice. I am NOT a welder but once I get the wire speed and amps set I can do alright. This machine speeds that process up for sure.

Did this today butt welding two 0.25" thick pieces of metal with the machine plugged into 20 amp 120v plug and 0.24 wire...

https://photos.smugmug.com/1985-Mont..._150018-XL.jpg

What do you guys think about using .030 wire ? I have a Miller 140 and have not tried .024 wire yet. Thx.

Wire size
 

Depends on what you're welding.... not really about preference....

I prefer smaller wire when stitching thin sheetmetal.... and then I also clip a point on it... but those are just preferences and techniques.

This is my first time trying 024 wire. It lets you move slower and be more deliberate and control the puddle better which is good for me right now welding on 0.120 steel.

One thing I don't like about the small wire is if you stick it to what you are welding, the pusher wheel will fold it almost instantly inside the welder and it's a pull, cut off and refeed deal before you can get started again. After about the third time doing that one gets MUCH more careful about what one does with the tip of his wire. :censored:

Looks like i will be adding a 211 to buy list. i have to put floor pans in the el camino so i will be picking up some .024 to go with it then. now if i could find the a good deal on a dynasty tig.

On the topic of creating a bird's nest in your machine. In the situation you are describing, it sounds to me like you need to back off the tension on your feeder wheel. A rule of thumb is that you should be able to pinch the wire coming out of your gun with your fingers and be able to stop the wire with your feeder wheel spinning without folding up the wire. Back off of your tension until this is possible and you will be golden. I've been using .024 wire for years and haven't had a single bird's nest issue for years either using this technique.


Hope this helps


Brycen

Thanks Brycen... I can try that for sure...