Hi all . I need some help in deciding what kind and size of mig welder to buy . So I thought what better place to ask than . I was looking at a Lincoln Power Mig 200 or 255, anybody with thoughts on those or any others for that matter, i'm open to suggestions. I already have a "Buzz Box" and always thought about getting a mig, but I just started a new job where I weld with a Mig and I have to tell you now I GOTTA HAVE ONE OF MY OWN So any and all thoughts and expeiriences would be apprieciated. Thanks.







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I have a Lincoln Weld Pak 100.I was hesitant to get one so small but being able to plug it into a 110 socket swayed my decision.Its perfect for my small jobs and I've welded in a Heidts crossmember on my '55 f100 with no problem.I put the gas conversion kit on it.I'm very happy with it.

 

I use a millermatic 185. I do not have the spool-gun because I dont ever weld alluminum. I have had it about 3 years, and never had a problem. (that wasnt induced by my own stupidity)

I have heard nothing but good things from my buddy who has the lincoln 255. So while he's not on this site, I'm pretty sure he would recommend it.

Good luck in your choice.

Drew.

 

I don't know what brand of MIG welder I have (got it used). It has a K surrounded by a box on the front panel, was made in Germany, and calls itself a MIG/MAG 155W. Does anyone recognize it?

 

It doesn't make much difference,what brand, just don't get a 110 volt or you will be sorry,especally if you use one @ work!

 

I know what you mean about wanting a mig, they rule. I can tell you that you will want to have a mig with a duty cycle of more than 30% if you intend on doing anything more than tacking. I would recommend a 60% duty cycle. Yes it will cost you more money, but it is money well spent. Otherwise you will have the problem of it kicking out continually. I just priced a Miller and it was $1100.00 complete. I will be getting one soon. The one I have now will only weld a 1/4" pass for about 5 or 6 inches before it trips out. If you are only going to weld really thin metal you will be fine with a 30% machine, but anything more is too much for them.

 

Century 135 mig, runs off of 110 house current. I use it more than I ever thought I would. Good for welding up to ¼"



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I have seen these in the Tractor Supply stores out here. Where did you gents learn to weld? Is it something not recommened to just "pick up" for a mid-range novice? Watched it many times thru goggles, never done it, wanna learn it, have lots of body and floor repair to do on my truck. And Jeep. Recommended way to learn, class or what? Thanks, Blair :-X11

 

Welding especially with a mig welder is just a practice thing. Get some scrap metal and get after it. My dad has the lincoln 100 I think. Plugs into 110. He uses it a fair amount. If you are going to do a lot of welding the buzz box is the better way for the 2 he has. But the Miller setups can't hardly be beat.



Scotty

 

I have been mig welding for about 6 years now. (more than 1/4 of my life) at work we use miller 250's and one 210. I bought a 250 for my personal use ready to use for $1700. we just purchased a miller 210 for $1100. I beleave it is better than the 250's. easyer to set the controls. We also have a 110 welder and I really dislike it. It will work in a pinch but I personaly wouldn't go smaller than the miller 210. Good luck.




Justin


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I have a Miller AC/DC stick welder for the majority of jobs. I use a neighbors Hobart 110V welder set up with gas for sheet metal. The 110 unit will work for up to 3/16" easily. I like to use the stick for anything heavier. The 110V unit is much more portable if you can find a good 20A outlet. My AC/DC unit is limited by the lenth of the HD 220V 50A extension cord I have. I am putting a new 30A 220V outlet near the front of my garage for my compressor. I will probably make a pigtail adaptor or buy one from an RV shop.

 

I bought a BluePoint MIG welder (uses gas) from my Snap-On dealer. It is rated for 3/16 and I have used it up to 1/4 steel. For infrequent use I would say buy something from Sears that handles 1/4 and runs on 110. If you have 230 volts, then go to Northern Tools and buy a Lincoln. I started by welding some bolts and then started practicing right on my truck ... no time like the present

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys, thats why I Love this site. Well I went and did it, bit the bullet and bought the Lincoln PowerMig 255, don't know if I really need that much power over the P-M 200,but better safe than sorry I told myself. I got a 30 lb spool of wire, the welder(60% duty cycle) large tank of co2 out the door for $1778.00. It was a big jump from the $1100 for the PM 200, but I should never want for more power, and if I need it I still have my Lincoln buzz box. So thanks again all and happy truckin!!