Welder
 

I just started my restore on my 68 coupe. It's going to need some welding work, and I've decided to tackle it myself. I haven't welded since high school, and that was stick welding. I want to get a MIG welder. I want to get one that can do all of the metal work on the car, but I'm on somewhat of a limited budget. What is a good welder for a reasonable price? What features should I be looking for? Brands? etc. Any info will be appreciated.

Thanks.

RE: Welder
 

lincoln and hobart are good welders. I would look towards a MIG welder since you will do better with the sheilding gas than a flux core wire. Although the flux core can be used for tacks and other small welds, most will prefer the gas. you can find some good deals on ebay,craigslist and online stores. The only ones I would stay away from are the really cheap flux core welders that you find for $100. you should be able to get a decent used welder between $250 -400. You will problably want a 110 unless you plan on heavy duty welding and have access to a 220 outlet.

RE: Welder
 

My friend recommended the Millermatic 140C. I can get it on ebay for under $600, but here's a description for it.

http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/p003456.htm

RE: Welder
 

Get a 110v lincoln....I have one and its cheap andyou can run somegreat beads

RE: Welder
 

http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...t.aspx?p=42419

RE: Welder
 

I bought a millermatic DVI2. It will run on 115V or 230V. It works awesome.

RE: Welder
 

If I were you I would decide how much money you can afford and then add a couple hundred to it and get the best welder your money can buy. If you go cheap you will regret it. I have found that as soon as I cheap out on a tool like this I very shortly wind up needing a better one because the cheap one just won't do some job that comes along. I know that you are lookig for one for auto body work, but believe me you will find other stuff to use it on.

As far as what welder and what price, I'd say you are looking around $600 for a decent new one, cheaper for used. I have used the little Lincoln Miller and Hobart Mig welders (around 140 AMP if I recall), and they all do a decent job. The Hobart ones are a little cheaper than either the Lincoln or Miller. A friend has a Hobart and it works well, but he had a job that it wouldn't handle and borrowed my welder for a week. With the smaller, cheaper welders, you will find that the duty cycle goes down. Probably not a big deal unless you get a project where you need to weld for a long time at one sitting. Definately go with a real MIG, and not a flux core wire welder.

I personally have a Millermatic 250 MIG welder, but that is way overkill for just auto body work and requires 220V. I use it for everything and it works great on sheet metal as well as running large beads on thick plate.

RE: Welder
 

I am using a Licoln 145 MIG(the biggest amperage 115V model) at the time. It has plently of power and is easy to use (with practice).

RE: Welder
 

Check Ebay for liquidation of new old stock. I got a discontinued Lincoln 175 (230V), brand new in the box for $400. It was replaced by the new Lincoln 180C and 180T but it works great nonethless. If you're CERTAIN that you'll only be doing sheetmetal and light gauge metals, the 110V unit will save you money. However, if there is ever the possibility of stepping up to some heavier stuff, go straight to the 230V welder. I've never seen anybody regret buying too much welder yet I've seen plenty of slightly used 110V units for sale. :D

Good luck!
Jeff

RE: Welder
 

if you get a mig no matter what brand if its a 110 make sure you get one with a wire speed adjustment and a heat ajdustmentso you can fine tune welding thin and thick stuff , some of the cheaper 110's dont have 2 seperate adjustment they have speed and heat switches...and you will like a gas mig 10 times more cause on body stuff it is so much cleaner than flux core..jmo