Mig welder comparison

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Dec 15, 2002 | 08:19 AM

Schoonie48F2

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From: Kingfisher OK, USA

Mig welder comparison

Maybe some of you can help me make up my mind. I am trying to decide which brand of Mig welder to buy. What are the pros and cons to both Lincoln and Miller welders, and how do they compare? Thanks

Dec 15, 2002 | 07:10 PM

vancloud

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Mig welder comparison

The Miller is used by more prophishionals,
The Lincoln is used by more hobbiest.
Things like welding wire and replacement tips are avalable for the Lincoln at places like Home Depot and auto parts shopps.
I strongly recommend a viratible heat control for welding sheet metal.
Are your plaining on doing patch panels on Ford truck?

I have not see a viritable heat setting on the HomeDepot and WalMart welders. So Look at the Lincoln 125 or 135 at a welding shop.
Good luck.

Dec 15, 2002 | 07:41 PM

Huntsman

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From: Northwest Fl

Mig welder comparison

Regardless of which unit you choose, I would recommend you get the gas conversion. I purchased a century 110 welder several years ago and tried using it with the flux core wire. I was not impressed and it sat in the corner of the shop collecting dust for over three years. When I became desperate for something to weld sheet metal, I decided to get a tank and change over to the gas, and I have been more than impressed. For me and my set up, it made all the difference in the world.

Dec 15, 2002 | 08:31 PM

Schoonie48F2

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From: Kingfisher OK, USA

Mig welder comparison

I am planning to do my own sheet metal work. I was set on the Miller 135, until I went to Lowe's and they had the Lincoln Pro Mig 135 for $400. The cheapest I have found the Miller is $510. I have been trying to do as much comparison as possible. So far, I have found, the Miller has cast aluminum rollers, the Lincoln has plastic. They both look to have about the same ability to adjust the heat. I would rather have the Miller, just because it is said to be the better Mig welder. If it were stick welding I was talking about, there would be no choice for me, I would pick the Lincoln. I am trying to see if it is justifiable to pay and extra $110 to get the best Mig or not. Thanks for the responses!

Dec 15, 2002 | 08:37 PM

vettehauler

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From: Mount Prospect, IL

Mig welder comparison

get the miller. 15 years from now you will still be using it. (unless you upgrage) I doubt you can say that for the Lincoln.

my $0.02, but then Im using a millermatic, so I am predjudice on that brand.

Drew

Dec 15, 2002 | 09:56 PM

Scot

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From: 15 miles west of Venus

Mig welder comparison

I would vote for the Miller. If I was buying one, it would be the 175 amp unit. That will weld 1/4" mild steel nicely. Once you get to using the squirt gun, you will want to weld everything with it. I bought a 85 amp Hobart Handler 10+ years ago and often wish it was bigger. The difference in cost is worth it IMHO.

Dec 15, 2002 | 09:59 PM

FortyFords

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From: USA

Mig welder comparison

I guess I would be leaning you towards the miller also I've got a millermatic also ,had for 15yrs in my shop .
Ive used mine so much I wore the wire lining out in the gun feed cable! after 15 yrs of use ,thats the only thing Ive done to it !
Countless #'s of spools of wire !
Mines the big one though cost $1500 15 yrs ago !
Just my swaying $.02
Rich

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Dec 19, 2002 | 09:24 PM

angus

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From: Vancouver Island

Mig welder comparison

If you've got a dryer outlet in your basement, that's 220 volts. Just make an adapter cable. There's probably a 220 volt outlet in the kitchen for an electric range, too.

Dec 20, 2002 | 04:56 AM

#10

revrick

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From: rockford

Mig welder comparison

Good advice on the dryer and range outlets, but make sure the welder you buy is a 220 SINGLE phase and not a 3 phase or it will not work. Good luck. I've got a Miller 135 and love it!!

Dec 20, 2002 | 10:55 PM

#11

Huntsman

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From: Northwest Fl

Mig welder comparison

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 20-Dec-02 AT 11:59 PM (EST)]Revrick I thought all 220 volt was 2 phase (2-110 volts hot legs). Never heard of 3 phase or single phase 220v?

My apologies, I re-read and now realize you were talking about the welders electrical requirements.