Need advise for a welder
 

I think its time for me to buy a mig welder. It is needed for body work and suspension work. I would like to get one that can weld up to 1/2 steel. I prefer a 110 but I do have a 220 in the garage. I never have welded before but I have found a teacher. He seems to want me to start with welding without the gas. I would like to know what y'all think because he does not weld car stuff. He does construction work.

I have a Miller 211 and so far it has been an awesome machine. It can run 110 or 240 and comes with an interchangeable plug end. It only goes up-to 3/8" though... What are you welding that's 1/2" thick!?

Also...what's your budget?

I had similar goals to you and started taking welding classes at the local college. They don't offer car related welding classes but instead have a full program to train career welders who can do structural and pipe welding.

All students are reqiured to learn on Oxy Acetylene followed by stick (SMAW) before they can pick up a Mig or tig machine. Oxy Acetylene is great for teaching puddle control.

I have been researching my first mig welder a lot lately. I don' think you will find a quality welder that realistically will weld 1/2" on 110v. Also, 1/2" is HUGE and not used on cars... Most frame stuff on cars is way less.

Personally, I've been looking at either the Miller 190 or 211. The only reason I'm considering the 211 is for the ability to use either 110 or 220.

I have a miller 252 mig with a spool gun for doing aluminum also. I have done 3/4 steel with it and up to 1/2 alum without a preheat. Any welder that does 1/2 and up will be 220v.

I said 1/2" but I have never seen anything that thick on a car. Basic car stuff will be welded. I just would like to buy one that I want need to buy a larger one later.

Like Jed said, the Miller 211 is great. I could not justify the cost for my needs and went with a basic, Lincoln 140. I will be doing sheet metal work, and some thin plate. For anything serious, I can tack it up, then burn it in with buddies Miller.
Also, if doing sheet metal work you will want to use gas.

For a rookie with the possibility of getting a little more advanced as a fabricator my opinion get a all in one inverter Machine...Lincoln 210 MP.check it out.

Check out Hobart welders. They are very similar to Miller considering Miller owns them. As a hobbyist, I couldn't justify the cost of a Miller which is typically more professional grade. I have the Hobart 140 and have done my coil over conversion and subframe connectors no problem. It will handle anything I need it to. I can even adapt it to weld aluminum using a spool gun if needed. Since you're wanting 220v, they offer machines that come ready for a spool gun should you want to weld aluminum.

What I would do is look at your budget and be very honest with yourself and what you'll be welding. You may find that a simple, quality 110v welder will handle 90% of what you'll ever do. For the thicker stuff, hiring a pro may prove cheaper in the long run.

Sign up for ZORO's email list. They have 30%off 12-24hr fire sales,and carry Miller.

I have a miller 211 also. So far I've been pleased with it.