Need HELP from you welders!!!!

[DRJDVM's '69]

Hey Joe
I was exactly where you are a couple of months ago. I've been taking some lessons at a local trade college and decided to buy a MIG welder for home use.

Pro-touring.com has a fabrication forum that was a ton of help to me. There are a few pro-welders that really know their stuff and are a great deal of help to use novice welders.

I went with the Miller 175 MIG, which ia a 220V machine. After all my research it was either the Lincoln or the Miller stuff, hands down. Dont even think about the other brands like Craftsman, Chicago electric etc. Hobart seems to be a decent respected brand too.

One piece of advice I was given over and over... buy the biggest machine you can afford. It may cost you more $$ upfront but it will pay off in the end as you find more an more uses for it down the line.

I decied to go MIG rather than TIG just because from what I've researched its easier to do and has a slightly broader range of apllications that would be apllicable to my needs/wants. And the nice machines are chaeaper that the nice TIG welders.

Ned

[blacktopbutcher]

I would stick with a mig welder for now if you have no welding experience.
Tig welding takes some real time to learn and requires alot of finess.
Chances of getting proper penatration with less warpage is easier with a mig welder.

I am a certified welder (Tig,and Mig) so I some what like to think I know what I am talking about.

At my shop a have a Miller DVI wich allows you to switch the welder from 110 to 220 just by switching out the plug. This will come in hady becuase you will not have to buy 2 different welders. One for welding thin sheet metal and one for welding thicker material.

Good luck with the classes and the purchase of a new welder.

[CRCRFT78]

Ok, this is starting to get a little confusing. But I want to know your opinions on these 2 machines. I am considering purchasing both for the time being. Then make an upgrade once my skills are better. What do you think? http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/tls/147256209.html
http://www.craigslist.org/sby/tls/148028997.html

[one+g]

Hey, I weld for Csx railroad and we Use Lincoln welders. Its all I have experience with but as an example they will be running for 4-7 hours a day minimum. Its a 600 amp unit. Much bigger than you will ever need. The unit we have now has been in heavy use for two years and has only had oil changes and gen service done to it. We had a 400 amp gas unit that ran and worked fine day in and day out for 9 yrs heavy use. The only one I had that broke needed a 150 dollar part. I dont have experience with the small units but I do agree with the buy as big as you can afford. The unit runs way better and last longer if it doesnt have to run at maximum output. Also if you go to get rid of it they will always bring a good price.

[CRCRFT78]

I was considering something small to start with and practice on but I've decided to take some classes first to get a feel for the machines. Then I plan on making a purchase. I agree with you though, I will purchase the biggest welder I can afford when I'm ready. That way it will last longer and I won't need to upgrade.

[Todds69]

You can also call Miller and Lincoln and speak with the Tech Dept. Ask them their suggestions and why. You can never have too much information (well maybe).

[CRCRFT78]

You can never have too much information (well maybe).

As long as its good correct information!!!!

[hotwheels]

Miller is really good stuff...................Right now for my personal garage work, i use a hobart mig welding machine.......works very well