Stick, Mig, or
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Stick, Mig, or
Back yard machanic with limited welding skills. Have an oxy/ace setup but have not seen much improvement in quality of the welds. Intend to use for sheet metal repair, floor pans, etc., nothing requiring major structural repair. Limited to 110/120v for now, hopefully no longer than 12 months, and looking for temporary fix. Not sure whether best to look for slightly used stick, or mig welder and wonder if any members have an opinion. Not that knowledgeable but usually can pick up skills with practice. Looking at Millor or Lincoln, have to do some research to determine which is best suited for the novice. Considering enrolling in classes but registration starts in couple of months, but involves consider commute, in meantime intend to check with local supplier find if anything local. Any suggestions, input appreciated.
dave
dave
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 798
Likes: 1
From: Alma Arkansas
nothing requiring major structural repair
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: on da beach
I sleep with my Millermatic 135, Home Depot sells Lincoln 135 ranger welders too for a lower price, some have gas option, Gas will produce cleaner welds, but gas is pricey for the hobbyist. I would practice on similar scrap metal to your finish project to get used to the temp/feed settings. A small 135 range welder will work fine on sheet metal. Miller recommends MIG welders for novices, most welding stores have demo machines for you to try. Look for one near you and burn some steel.
Aloha d.
Aloha d.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Appreciate the info. Came across couple Miller 135 'like new' units for around $350 one of which includes helmet, regular, and bottle. Any reservations about purchasing used. Tend to prefer purchasing local in event have any problems.
dave
dave
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Have the used unit looked over by a dealer, if that is possible, Millers are well made and very reliable. The are designed for the professional and durability is key. 350.00 is a good deal. Make sure the gun and ground is with the unit too.
Also make sure the instructions are there and you should be good to go.
Have fun
Aloha d.
Also make sure the instructions are there and you should be good to go.
Have fun
Aloha d.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Whet to Miller web site and downloaded instructions and manual. Appears website also offer online training, will check it out when time permits. Intend to call local dealership see if any reconditioned. The unit referred to in prior thread was on ebay and seller's feedback rating not that good, not worth the risk. Probably try and locate locally even at additional cost.
Also, saw a 110/120v spot welder, any members have any experence with them. Probably would not have any reservations if able to use the 220v. Again, appreciate the input.
dave
Also, saw a 110/120v spot welder, any members have any experence with them. Probably would not have any reservations if able to use the 220v. Again, appreciate the input.
dave
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Get a Millermatic 210, it's a 220 machine, but you won't need to upgrade later when you do any structural work. You can run any wire through it from .020 for thin sheetmetal to .045 for heavy structural work. You can even run 71-T1 steel and 309-LT1 stainless dual-sheild wire for better welds outdoors.
I would stay away from the smaller machines, since they are generally maxed out doing sheetmetal work. It's better to spend a little more now than to spend that much all over again to upgrade.
I would stay away from the smaller machines, since they are generally maxed out doing sheetmetal work. It's better to spend a little more now than to spend that much all over again to upgrade.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
As noted, limited to 110/120v for awhile and looking for a fix for year or so. Would like to go with the 220v unit; unfortunately, faced with delimma whether to get the 220v unit and see if my generator can keep up, or go with the 110/120v Millermatic 135. Food for thought, think I will check with local dealership see if willing to loan 220 setup and if it works apply to cost of unit. Although would be committed to purchase either way dealer would be making a sale.
dave
dave
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
A friend of mine in an apartment complex runs a 125' extension cord from his dryer receptical in the apartment to his garage to run the welder.
Well, actually, I am borrowing the extension cord now so I can run my Dynasty out in the yard and throw my 72 back together.
Well, actually, I am borrowing the extension cord now so I can run my Dynasty out in the yard and throw my 72 back together.
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