Looking for a welder
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From: Magrath
Looking for a welder
What should I look for in a welder? I was looking at something that I can plug into a 110 socked, wire feed. I don't plan on welding anything to heavy, mostly household stuff and then using it for body work on my project truck.
I have seen anything from 80-120amps, with several ranges of heat an wire speed.
Any input would be helpfull as I really don't want to get something to small, but I don't want to go overkill either and spend more money than I need to.
I have seen anything from 80-120amps, with several ranges of heat an wire speed.
Any input would be helpfull as I really don't want to get something to small, but I don't want to go overkill either and spend more money than I need to.
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From: South Dakota
About all you can run off of 110 would be the flux core wire. Then a Hobart, Lincoln, Century or Miller will do. I have heard of 110 with gas. But it would be worth the cost of putting in a 220 outlet. They would come off your breaker box, fairly easy and doesn't cost all that much.
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From: kirksville mo
we've got a Miggy 1000 at work it's 110 and does have gas we use it for just about anything mainy we use it for exhaust work but it also works well for body work. it's sweedish made. great welder IMO.
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From: Marengo, Iowa
I have a Linclon that I am pretty impressed with, it is my 3rd 110 gas shielded wirefeed, and I actually like this one. I have had a Century, Craftsman, and now this Lincoln and I like it the best of all the 110's i have had.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
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I awould go to a 230V machine, but, if you are going to stick with the 120 the Hobart HH140 is one of the best values in this class of machine. Has tapped settings for ease of use, excellent on sheetmetal and a bit cheaper than the other premium models. Be careful where you plug these things in, they wont work well on just any circuit, it needs to be 20A and as close as it can be to the panel.
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I picked up a used Lincoln Weld-Pak 155, 220V for $200. An additional $120 got me the gas conversion kit and a cylinder. It's the best tool investment I've ever made. Running the new 220 outlet was easy enough. If it's just for hobby type work, you'll do OK with a 135 amp model.
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Originally Posted by weymouth
I picked up a used Lincoln Weld-Pak 155, 220V for $200. An additional $120 got me the gas conversion kit and a cylinder. It's the best tool investment I've ever made. Running the new 220 outlet was easy enough. If it's just for hobby type work, you'll do OK with a 135 amp model.
Dono
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From: fremont ohio
i really like my lil hobart 135. its not a big welder, but it gets the job done, i can do body work, even welded a lil on the frame, made my own treestand, and done various household jobs for mom and dad
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I traded a stock four barrel intake, for a old Forney stick welder, It's 220 and there are no moving parts. When you want to change the amp setting, you must unplug the lead and move it to a high amp setting. It's old, but it out welds any of my friends welders
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From: West Chester PA
Originally Posted by weymouth
I picked up a used Lincoln Weld-Pak 155, 220V for $200. An additional $120 got me the gas conversion kit and a cylinder. It's the best tool investment I've ever made. Running the new 220 outlet was easy enough. If it's just for hobby type work, you'll do OK with a 135 amp model.
Thanks.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Marengo, Iowa
I believe it needs to be double 50 amp. I was told that in the past if a welder is run on less, it will heat the transformer and ruin it. Don't know if it is true or not, but I generally run on 50's anyway.