Welder Question

[slyck68]

I want to get a little more involved in the fabrication of my Firebird project and was considering getting a welder. I've done a little research and it sounds like a mig welder would be all I need. I don't plan on tackling anything too daunting and would probably spend the next few months practicing on scrap metal before touching my own car. That being said, can anyone offer any advice as to what I should purchase? I'm not looking for anything too fancy, just something that will handle a few small mods I have in mind for my sheetmetal. Thanks for any input, I just don't want to get hosed by some salesman at Sears!

[Garage Dog 65]

Might start with the Miller 140 with Auto-set. It was speciffically designed for the new guy doing home fab/hot rod level stuff - and the auto-set would really help. Might be too pricey for a new guy - but it's good stuff.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...c_140_autoset/

Jim

[rubadub]

Like Jim says, the miller will make your life easier, some of this thin sheet metal is just plain nasty to weld, get a miller.

Rob

[907rs]

The 140 looks to be a good one. Just be sure that you get the biggest machine that you can afford. Once you you get the hang of things, you won't want to be held back by a smaller machine.

I've got the Millermatic 251, and have absolutely no complaints. It's rated from 22 gauge all the way to half an inch.

[slyck68]

Thanks for the input guys, that Millermatic 140 w/Auto Set seems to be my best bet. They aren't cheap, but it looks like it's worth the extra cost.

[rich-allen]

I just got another member a Miller 212 for $1500 including a 50lb roll of wire and a large bottle of 75%/25%
Thats about 35% off retail.
Those small welders always have trouble with the liners in the gun. My recommendation is save a little more money and buy a stand up unit. We have three or so of those small units that we call disposable welders. They last about a year and we throw them away.
Let me know if you need some help.



Rich