Stick or Mig?

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MT-PTK

MT-PTK

Joined
Jul 10, 2007
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Location
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I learned how to weld (ox/acy) in metal shop years ago and I'm thinking it's time to re-learn to ride (as it were). I have a number of things to do with my rig and I might as well learn.

I don't have mucho bucks to spend so what would the cruiser heads with experience recommend as the most versatile and best bang for the buck?

Thanks,
William
 
Mig definitely.
Get one larger than you think youll need. Preferably 220v if you have the juice to power it in the garage your working in.
 
I've used both Lincoln and Miller and although I own a Lincoln SP175+, the Miller I recently used seems to weld prettier and is less fussy. I'll be going Miller next time. Stay away from the Home Depot specials. They're allegedly built with inferior parts. No experience with Hobart, but I've heard good things about their larger machines.
 
foxfab said:
I've used both Lincoln and Miller and although I own a Lincoln SP175+, the Miller I recently used seems to weld prettier and is less fussy. I'll be going Miller next time. Stay away from the Home Depot specials. They're allegedly built with inferior parts. No experience with Hobart, but I've heard good things about their larger machines.
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Thanks. I'll probably be looking toward a Miller.

Btw, I know it's been a while but if you're still open to putting those gussets on the bumper let me know. I could likely pick up a few tips watching you do it as well.

William
 
Yeah as long as its not a gas dryer. You just need to figure out how many amps. I think I am supposed to use a 50amp breaker for my welder and many dryer plugs are 30amp. You can get away with this in most instances as you will most likely not be using the welder at full power long enough but there is a chance you could trip the breaker. I wired my garage with a 50amp breaker.

I have both a 115v Lincoln Weldpac 100HD (my first welder) and the 230v Millermatic 210. I picked the Lincoln up at Home Depot and I got the Miller used on craigslist for a steal.

If I were you I would do one of two things. Search Craigstlist for a deal if you are not in a hurry. Or if you don't want to wait they sell the Hobart Handler 187 and 210 at Tractor Supply over in Coventry. I think the 187 will weld 5/16 or 3/8 in a single pass and was about $650. I know Rick has one and they are a great machine for the hobbiest.

If you ever want to swing up to Pawtucket to play around with sticking metal together I have a bunch of scrap you can practice with.

Oh yeah. Stay away from the Harbor Freight welders.
 
Last edited:
Leaping Deer said:
Yeah as long as its not a gas dryer. You just need to figure out how many amps. I think I am supposed to use a 50amp breaker for my welder and many dryer plugs are 30amp. You can get away with this in most instances as you will most likely not be using the welder at full power long enough but there is a chance you could trip the breaker. I wired my garage with a 50amp breaker.

I have both a 115v Lincoln Weldpac 100HD (my first welder) and the 230v Millermatic 210. I picked the Lincoln up at Home Depot and I got the Miller used on craigslist for a steal.

If I were you I would do one of two things. Search Craigstlist for a deal if you are not in a hurry. Or if you don't want to wait they sell the Hobart Handler 187 and 210 at Tractor Supply over in Coventry. I think the 187 will weld 5/16 or 3/8 in a single pass and was about $650. I know Rick has one and they are a great machine for the hobbiest.

If you ever want to swing up to Pawtucket to play around with sticking metal together I have a bunch of s**** you can practice with.

Oh yeah. Stay away from the Harbor Freight welders.
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Not in a big hurry so I'll keep my eyes open on Craigslist. After checking around a bit I'm thinking Miller would be the way to go unless a Hobart comes along at a price that's hard to pass up. My shop is wired but I haven't had a need to use it up to this point.

I might have to take you up on your offer since I'm up in your area almost daily. Thank you!
 
foxfab said:
Stop by and you can play with my Lincoln and we can weld gussets on. I'm working nights so most any morning between 9 and noon, I'm free.
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Thanks man!! That sounds like fun....as long as I don't torch my own truck.:D Actually I probably could stop by tomorrow (Friday) around 9:00 if that's ok.


William
 
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