As an owner of one of those Lincoln Weld Pak models, I suggest a bigger machine. More like 150-170 amps.

 

115 vs 220, for small jobs how important will a 220 be over a 115? Looking over some prices, Amazon seems to have some good prices on Lincoln, and for the hotter than 70A machines they don't look to cost all that much more.

 

....then I can buy an inexpensive 115v, 70a MIG for the smaller thin wall jobs, Summit has a Lincoln full kit ready to go for $325.00. Any other good names less than that?

Ok, so on Amazon, a new Hobart, #500500, (made by Miller?), you can get a 115A 140A for just $175.00 more, $500.

What more should I look for?

THANKS!

 

the 220 110 debate...gotta love it...first, learn how to weld before you go spending money on a machine. What ever you do, stick to name brand units; ESAB, Miller, Lincoln, you'll thank yourself later. The community colleges usually have excellent welding programs for very cheap, $50. You can learn MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), ARC, and the proper technique. Plasma cutters are a blast by the way. Yes a 220 is nice, but a GOOD 220 MIG like a Miller 211 and 212 is well over $1K for a complete setup, including bottle and gear. If you have to have a 220V, buy atleast a 180amp. 220's are great if you want to run a single pass on 1/4" plate or frame, but a double pass with a good 110 can accomplish same results. Next, insure you have a properly wired 220 in your garage. I discovered my breaker panel was full, and a sub panel was necessary, that limited my options to a 110 MIG, or several hundred $$ for a subpanel. I purchased a used MM135 (110V) for dirt cheap and so far its met every need, replacing trunk, quarter, apron without a prob, .120 wall is not a problem at all. So, learn how to properly weld, and then buy a good welder, it should last you many years with proper care regardless if its 220 or 110. Good luck. Have fun!

 

I have a little bit of a different view. As long as the stick welder is one that will be available to you 20 years from now then i think you will be ok with buying a 110 welder. You already have thicker metals covered with the stick so the capability you need is for thin gauge metal. However if the stick is something that might be unavaiable to you in the future then i would recomend stepping up to the 220.

As far as hobart goes i have had a great experience with my hobart 187. It is made by Miller and alot of the accesories were labeled miller. I did alot of internet price looking and alot of local price looking, the best deal i found was at tractor supply. They were 50 dollars cheaper than amazon and i didnt have to pay shipping.

 

Licoln is a good route. I'm running a Lincoln 180 220V and it's reassuring to know I can weld just about anything (within reason). The way I look at it, I can do sheet metal repair easily for the mustang and make a nice thick bumper/brush guard for my jeep in the summer.
Of course, as others have mentioned, 220V requires different outlets. Luckily my old man had outlets set up in our barn for 220V, he just had to call an electrician to come out and put the wires in. Now I've got a nifty setup!

 

If you have a clothes dryer in your house, you likely have a 220 outlet. The plug may be configured differently, so you may have to change the plug end of your machine. I even made a heavy duty extension cord for a 220v compressor.

 

So if the MIG will be needed for ONLY light welding such as panels, etc., what would the smallest amp 115v you would buy?

Again the MIG will be used for bodywork only.

Thanks

 

Couper, I'm assuming this thread goes along with the earlier one about Eastwood welders??

Rather than buying/borrowing 2 different machines and neither one will do all that you want, why not get a good quality small pkg 220v mig welder. It will do everything you'll ever need. Make working on your cars easier by investing in good quality tools. If you're planning on tubbing or back halfing the car then you'll need good equipment to do it right. To go along with that, if you're not a profficient welder get someone who is to do your frame welding. That isn't the place to learn.

 

I've got a stick welder, just trying to see how small I can go with getting a MIG for panel work only.

Thanks