Welder advice needed
 

New member here. Been working on cars & houses for the last 5 years. Pretty much anything I can rebuild.... I will. I currently have a 430 RWHP mustang but looking to possibly do a custom rollcage some some chassis work. The work will be structural so I need a be 100% the welds will hold against stress.

Now - I have heard stories about every type, model, brand of welder. My concern is that I would love to learn how to weld in storage shed in the back of my yard and then move the welder in the garage when I need to work on the car. Obviously I do not want to run 2 pairs of 2 pole 40 AMP circuits. What does everone recommend for an all around welder..... chassis fab, some exhaust and turbo work, suspection work, etc. Something that is easy on the pockets and movable if possible. Am i stuck with only the 220V models or will a 110V that uses gas work?

Any advice would be great. I plan on taking a course sometime this year but want to try it out before I dive in!

~ ROUSHY

Welcome to the site. You'll find many very knowledgeable members here. I'm not one of the knowledgeable ones, but I have the Miler 180 and love it. I've never taken any welding classes and have only watched a few online videos to help learn. It's very easy to use. I've used it for body work, suspension and even built a rotisserie with it (and I went over board with the steel using 1/2" in some places). The 180 can be used in 220 or 110. Would highly recommend it.

Thanks for the reply. I'll look in to that welder. What type of suspension work did you do? From the looks of your build post it looks like welding the shock tabs to the frame.

Do a search in this section, you will find alot. Que Greg. He likes this subject! :yes: Good luck with whatever you choose. I have a 110 MIG from Lincoln. It has been great for 15 years. Would I like to have better/bigger, YES. Have I absolutely needed it, NO. If I am in over my head either skill wise or plate size, I get someone with the proper skill and equipment to do it. Good advice IMO. :cheers:

Not a bunch of suspension work...most just welded on the shock tabs onto the rear housing and some welding on the sub frame. Most of what I've used it for is body work and the rotisserie.

x2 on asking Greg....goes by GregWeld

I'll shoot him a note. Thanks!

welder
 

If you are looking for a versatile all around great welder that will fit your needs, and have portability - buy the Millermatic Passport Plus. I bought one for all the reasons above. Plus, you can switch to 115V or 220V. It's a great MIG welder with capabilities to attach a spool gun (weld stainless) if you so choose. There are tons of great products out there, but I think this is a great purchase. I'm using this welder to complete my project (full rotisserie build). I have no complaints. I'll probably buy a spot welder pretty soon to finish up the 1/4 panels and such...mainly because I want another welder so I can expand my welding skills. Either way, good luck with your choice!

A spool gun is used for ALUMINUM... not stainless. Stainless wire will run on the spool that your other wire runs on...

When I weld SS with a MIG - RARELY since I also have a TIG machine - but when I do - I use a special Tri mix Stainless gas (90% helium, 7.5% argon, and 2.5% carbon dioxide).

Hey Greg I have a Q. Sorry OP, not hyjacking, just a quicky. I have a few 25lb spools of 308 wire. I dont have a machine to use them with so I was gonna use the filler with TIG. I see you like helium with MIG welding SS wire. What do you think about me using the filler with my argon gas? I just hate having this much filler around and not being able to use it. I have a wire straightener project thats in the works to straighten the wire. Any thoughts? JR