Mig
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Mig
Still shopping for 120V mig welder. Came across what may be good deal on a used Snap On mig with gas cylinder. Description indicates it has 'spot weld and stitch features. Wonder if any member has any experience w/ Snap On brand mig. Also, is the spot and stitch feature an option on other brands as well. Info appreciated.
dave
dave
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: New Mexico
Watch out for Snap-On---I think they, like others (Mac) just brand name someone else's welder. The internals may be low bidder stuff--or not. Which means concern when it needs to be serviced. Sears does the same thing. All of the big names have spot and stitch features.
The 110V welders are out there that are reasonably priced and are made by Miller and Lincoln.
The 110V welders are out there that are reasonably priced and are made by Miller and Lincoln.
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Depends on just how much they want for it. Most aftermarket welders are just rebranded anyway like dffay mentioned. You can go to Lowe's or Home Depot and get a Lincoln perfect for doing automotive sheet metal for about $250 and you get the warranty and the complete kit. I prefer a gas setup but by the time you get the cylinder and a bottle contract it can get a bit pricy. Flux core wire will work just fine for panel work, just be ready since it has a tendency to splatter a bit more but it's really no biggie. Unless you plan on doing a bunch of heavy duty welding, I'd go with a nice Lincoln kit and save a few bucks. 110 will do you just fine in the long run too, just have to go a little slower is all.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Asking $350 and being that I'am not that knowledgeable, decided to pass on 2nd hand unit. Narrowed choices to Lincoln or Miller. Kinda noticed w/ the cheaper models, the amps to duty cycle range were very low. Refurbished may be another matter, but unless dirt cheap likely purchase a new setup. Primarily will be used for replacing floor pans, although it may be stretching a bit, hope it can handle 1/4" cab patch panels. If using gas will improve chances of successful welds then perhaps should include in the package. Understand manufacturers have come out with a model with 'auto' setting. Called sale's person who said the feature can not be overriden. Not excited about machine deciding what setting I should be using, may be helpful at beginning but intend to get the standard version. Appreciate the info. Thx.
dave
dave
Last edited by daveengelson; Feb 12, 2007 at 05:53 PM.
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Even with the lower duty cycle and amp output, you won't really have to worry about it being what you'll be using it for. As far as doing the cab corners, you'll be fine with a pre-packaged model. I don't much care for the auto settings, they're too inconsistant. Just make sure you have a voltage and wire speed setting on it and you'll be fine. The one I suggested for $250 will do just about anything you plan on doing and gas is more of a personal choice when it comes down to it, they'll both do the job just fine it's a matter of which one you get used to. Either way, being that you're going to start out with floor pans, I can't think of a better place to practice, out of sight, out of mind in that respect. Just have confidence and practice a bit on the pieces you cut out before welding the new ones in, get used to your wire speed, chasing the heat and good metal penetration, don't worry about how beautiful they are at first, you'll get to that point.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: New Mexico
Get to a major welding gas and supply house like Tri-Gas or Air-whatever and get inside to the show room. See if they have a demo floor model for sale. Usually they do and they will stand by the unit with a warranty. Plus, because they are in the sales biz, the unit will probably not have been abused. They might be having a blow out from last years stuff or the sales 18-wheeler is coming to town for a product show so they can give you a screaming deal on the set-up.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
There is Praxair distributor's inc. in my area, will call tomorrow and check for any current or pending deals. Purchased the oxy/acet setup from them, they were about the best priced and over the years have been very helpful. If recall, there should be some auto swap meets coming up fairly soon, have to keep my eye out. Although, procrastinating, waiting for the best deal, is something I am good at. Unfortunately, running out of time and need to get a move on this project. Will call around and see if able to close a deal and purchase a setup by the end of the week. Again, appreciate all the suggestions.
dave
dave
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I didn't even think about year end close out's, great tip dffay. Getting yourself a decent welder doesn't have to put you in the poorhouse. Another brand I totally overlooked is Hobart, it's a good welder and a bit cheaper than Miller and carries the same warranty, since it's basically the same welder. If I remember right, their top selling 110 model is based on the MillerMatic 135, great lil 110 welder and will handle just about anything you can throw at it.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Called around and according to couple salespersons, the popular welding supply manufacturers no longer offering any deals and actually have increase their prices. Least expensive Hobart could find was between $450-$500 for basic unit. Spoke w/ sales person about refurb. setup and he has a family member interested in selling his Millermatic 135 "like new" for $700 which includes regulator, full cylinder of gas, and auto darkening helmet. Athough unit is not on the floor yet, salesperson said he does have a unit in the store I could look at. May seem kinda high but so far have not found anything in that price range yet that includes those accessories. Intend calling couple more places see if able to find better deal.
dave
dave
Last edited by daveengelson; Feb 13, 2007 at 01:01 PM.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Checked ebay, and few other online weld equipment distributors and find the package mentioned was not anything to get overly excited about. Staying firm w/ commitment to purchase by Sat. so clock is clicking.
dave
dave
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Joined: Apr 2005
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I bought a Clark welder, love it for the body, with the gas set-up it cost right at $300, I rent the tank from my welding supply store for $4/month. Debated on the Hobart but for the $200 difference in price and the 10 year LIMITED warranty versus the 5 yr I thought for me it was a no brainer.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Have seen welding units on Craig'slist and probably missed a couple of good deals, not being knowledgeable, hesitant to take the chance. Did not consider renting the tank and will contact local welding supplier tomorrow, it would certainly save on the cost of the package. Really appreciate the info and suggestions.
dave
dave