Welding machine(MIG) advice needed

[Devilmans Hand]

I need to do some body panel rust repair on my vehicles as well as some future structural pieces that need addressing.

I'd like to tackle the body rust first, so I need a machine to primarily take on this project.
the bigger projects would need to handle 1/4" plate and tube. I don't care about making multiple passes or preheating with a torch.

I'm in a townhouse with no garage for the foreseeable future, so portability is an issue as well as distance to usable power outlets. I have a 240V plug unused in the kitchen a max distance of 80feet from the rear of my parking space.

body panel repair includes replacing the rear fenders, fender seam, tops of the wheel wells, rear sill, drivers side floor, bottom sections of doors inside and out, and some random patchwork elsewhere.

I'm going to wait for the Christmas sales to purchase a machine and have a budget cap of $1k including the extension cord, bottle, gas, other.

What MIG machines should I be looking for?
I'll also be fabricating all replacement panels from scratch unless i can find some good patch panels for stupid cheap.

Any advice is surely appreciated.


-Sam

 

[SAS]

PM sent.

 

[CondeCruiser]

Ive got a miller 175 240v and I'm very pleased with it. The 140 hobart is a nice unit as well as the 180. They are both capable of handling what you will have going on. I use an .024 wire for sheetmetal with my 175 and it burns in nice.

 

[Blue77FJ40]

The multiplaz 3500 is an interesting unit, but is twice your budget. Runs on water and alcohol. Controller does runs on electricity. Russians invented it a good while ago. Comsumables are reasonably cheap.

Hopefully, you will run across a decent craigslists offering. For mig, I'd go for the 240v unit, especially with the heavier items you want to work with.

Another unit to take a look at is the Thermal Arc 211i. Mig, Tig, and arc in one unit. Great reviews, even if it is made in China. Good luck.

 

[Stumpalama]

I have a Lincoln SP135+ (120V) that I am looking to sell after I use it to burn in my frame plate for my FJ60 PS swap. I will be welding it in this weekend, so it will be available at the next club meeting. I'm looking to move up in power with a Hobart 210 MVP.

I used it to do all the mods on my truck (cut & turn, SOA, sliders, roll cage, etc...) and it is a nice portable unit.
I'm thinking $275 with hose, regulator and an assortment of tips and nozzles. I can even throw in a spool or 2 of wire.
That's a little less than 50% of a new one with some extras. You would need to get a small bottle of 75/25 to keep it easily portable.

let me know what you think.

 

[Devilmans Hand]

Thanks for the advice.
Pm sent to stump.

Sounds like an interesting machine Dan. I'll look into that.