What MIG Welder to buy?

Hello,

I just saw the post "Anything Welding" and it caught my interest.
When I was younger I've always wanted to build a go kart, but never had a welder. Then a mini sand rail from my friends extra VW squareback engine and again never had a welder. Now I'm looking for a Tacoma I'd like to build into a Long Travel one day.

Questions on what welder to get and what I'd like to do with it.

-Any suggestions on what make and model mig welder to get? or a URL.

-I'd like something that I can start with and practice, but also be able build a front/rear tubular bumpers, limit strap mounts, bed cage, Shock mounts, ect. in the future.

-I'd be happy if I could get a good name brand under or around $1,000 (Lincoln, Miller, ect.)

I only have Standard plugs at my house, but a few of my friends are in construction (I helped remodeled a kitchen with them) and he knows how to hook up a 230 volt at my house for $30.

I just need some help on what to look for. I've always wanted a MIG welder, but never had money or knew what to even get.

What do you think of this welder?

 

The 211 should be awesome, I just got into welding myself and picked up the 180 for a few hundred less. I will let those with more experience speak up, but either of those should get you a long way with anything you are going to do working on the truck.

 

Not sure if you saw this thread: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/garage-workshop/301677-first-welder.html
My thoughts on a MIG is to get one with a gas set up included, infinite wire speed and infinite voltage. I have a Lincoln 135SP plus that's a good 7 or 8 years old. Works great. Actually if I were to do it over, I'd go with a 220V model like a 180 amp unit as I have access to 220 in the garage. Shop around both on line and at the local gas/weld supply shops. The one in your link look pretty good. I don't know too much about the auto set feature. Someone with more experience will have to chime in. Here's a 180c for under $900.00: http://www.weldingmart.com/power-mig-180c

 

Thanks for the input and links!
Yeah, I was actually checking out the Lincoln 180 Dual (it comes with the 120v and the 230v adapter plug/wire) before I saw the miller lol.

I'm just trying to get an idea of what to even look for to do some welding on a truck. I'd really hate to buy one that wasn't strong enough to weld what I need it to do then have to buy a better one later on.

As of now I'd like to keep my price around $1,000.

What do you guys think of buying one off craigslist? or should I just buy a new one?

 

My vote goes to the Miller 211 autoset. Picked one up a couple months ago and I am loving it. IMHO it's a good entry-mid level Mig setup. The 252 is my main machine, but the 211 is quickly becoming my most used welder.

 

I can vouch for the Miller 211. Works great and at it's price point, the quality can't be beat.

 

Miller 211. I have it and love it.

 

I am using an Eastwood MIG 175 and their TIG 200. I know that are not Miller or Lincoln, but with some guidance and practice I am welding steel and Aluminum sufficiently until I get better. I love working with aluminum personally.

My best advice is to get a welder that will suit you biggest jobs AND one you can get the support stuff (tips rods, gas, etc.) locally (the closer to home the better!).

Then have someone good show you the ropes on YOUR welder. Start by laying down down some beads on flat metal until you get a feel for it, then weld together some scrap pieces and get your own technique. It won't be pretty at first!

 

Wow thank you everyone!

 

Just don't go the cheap route like harbor freight or something like that.

 

I'll throw in a vote for the Thermal arc 3 in 1 machines. Check them out on cyberweld as well. The 211i has more features at the same price point and is still dual voltage like you want.

 

Oh no I wont do harbor shit(what my friends and I call it lol)
I defiantly want a name brand that has a good background.

Humm I'll have to check out the 211i.

Thank you!

 

Vote #2 for the Thermal Arc 211i. BEAST of a machine, and it can MIG, arc, or TIG. Can't beat a 3 in 1!!

 

Wow it's almost the same price for the 211i Welder lol.

Will the MIG part be able to work with my needs?

 

Miller 252

 

It runs as good or better than the others.
Has a few slightly more advanced settings to play with and dial it in to your style as well.

 

Ah thank you! I added it to my list I still need a Tacoma LOL.

 

Hobart 210MVP. Its a 120/220V system. Semi-portable and it welds very nicely. Can be had around $700 give or take if you find the right deal.

 

I have a Hobart handler 190 this is my second Hobart...old one was 175 but I wanted bigger and the 190 you can get w/ a spool gun for aluminum. Northern tool has then for around $800.

 

^^^this. simple. dependable and a work horse