What kind of welder does a 60 owner need???

[RunTrout]

MIG/TIG/ARC I've done a bit in the past, but don't remember much about specs. I'd like to get something small and affordable, but I also want to be able to correctly fix things like shock mounts or spring hangers. Can this exist (affordable and powerful enough)?

How many amps for welding onto frame parts?
Any good simple/cheap setups working for people out there?
wire feed or rod?
Used Lincoln rigs; any good?

So many cool things to be done with a welder...

 

[AKcruiserfreak]

I've got a Miller Millermatic 140 wire feed that I use for just about everything. It's 110v so it won't weld super thick stuff (up to 3/8" in one pass), but I've done everything from sliders and bumpers to body panel welding with it. It's a great little rig for what I do. It is a little pricey, but any decent welder is.

TK

 

[fishontro]

^agreed.


I've had this question in my mind since I traded away my CJ-7 for this FJ60.

I had to do a ton of work to the CJ to get it where I wanted it and had a NEED for 220v (3/8-1/2) ie axle shortening, welded diffs.

For the FJ60...I don't really see a NEED for the average user to go above 3/16 plate.

Buy a GOOD 110v, the Millermatic series are great, keep in mind Hobart is the same thing, they just used plastic in key area's to keep the cost down. Hobart's pass most average users test's, but I still recommend Miller to anyone that asks.

http://www.harrisweldingsupplies.com/millermatic140withauto-setmigwelder.aspx

 

[fj40charles]

IMHO, the best mig welder when considering weld quality, power output and control (7 voltage taps), and price is the Hobart Handler 187. It is 230v model that will do a great job on sheet metal as well as steel up to 1/4" thick. I would not waste my time on a 110 volt model if you're going to own just one welder.

HH 187 $689 delivered.
http://cgi.ebay.com/HOBART-HANDLER-...90496368966?pt=BI_Welders&hash=item43a2eed146

or

HH210 reconditioned for $699.xx from Toolking.com. They'll have the HH187 from time to time. You have to check since they sell out often.
http://www.toolking.com/hobart-500526a-factory-reconditioned-handler-210-mig-welder-a-stock

disclaimer: not affiliated with any vendor.

 

[splitshot]

Just come to the realization that you will upgrade if you get hooked. I see a Millermatic 200 or Vintage in your future..

 

[ready]

I scored a Lincoln Mig 180 w/shield, 6 tips and wire 230v all brand new for $400 on craigslist over the weekend. Awesome little welder! Go 180 220v

 

[Mace]

I've got a Miller Millermatic 140 wire feed that I use for just about everything. It's 110v so it won't weld super thick stuff (up to 3/8" in one pass).

TK

Not sure I would trust that welder doing 3/8" material in one pass..

 

[RunTrout]

Thanks guys... now that I'm fully committed and have ground my shock mount off, I really do need to get a welder.

 

[TLCDino]

I was in the same boat several months ago and almost went crazy researching models and looking for deal. I finally decided to take the approach that more is better and got the best one I could afford.

I would go with a MIG just because it is so easy. It is like a big electric chaulk gun. I would recommend trying get at least a 230v model. 110v is really limiting and just felt different.

For what it's worth, I went with the Miller 211. It a great machine and will do both 230v and 110v if your on the go....

 

[OyajiJon]

For what it's worth, I went with the Miller 211. It a great machine and will do both 230v and 110v if your on the go....

I also purchased the 211, but I can't comment on its capabilities. It's been a really expensive garage decoration since I brought it home.