good affordable welder?

[V]

I will soon be looking to buy a welder. Im tired of running around trying to find people to do random quick stuff for me on my fabrication projects. So i figured the time has come I should break down and buy my own. I already have a good 220 line right to my garage for my compressor.

Im looking for a gas Mig. Tig would be way too much for me IMO.

suggestions?

[WildBillyT]

Lincoln or Miller. Since you have the 220 don't bother with a 120V welder.

I use a Millermatic 175 and love it. The new model is a 185. I'm sure Lincoln has an equivalent model that is also good.

[r0nin89]

If money is really a problem Hobart makes some nice machines. Its a rebranded and cheaper version of Miller. I have a 115v 140amp and love the thing.

[WildBillyT]

If money is really a problem Hobart makes some nice machines. Its a rebranded and cheaper version of Miller. I have a 115v 140amp and love the thing.

It is not a rebranded Miller. Some of the components are different.

[79T/A]

If money is really a problem Hobart makes some nice machines. Its a rebranded and cheaper version of Miller. I have a 115v 140amp and love the thing.


Yeah, I've got a little Hobart buzzbox that I converted to gas and love it. But if I had the cash, I'd spring for the 220v Millermatic. Much more capable if you're fabbing up heavier steel.

[Featherburner]

I don't know what you're thinking in the way of affordable but this is worth every penny.
http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/servlet/the-1894/MILLER---MILLERMATIC/Detail

I've purchased my Millermatic 175 and my Miller Spectrum 375 Plasma Cutter from these guys and they always have the best prices.

[V]

yea, i was expecting between 500-1000 anyway. Years back i had personally bought a smaller gas tank for a miller 120v welder i was borrowing but the owner took the tank when he picked it up and kept it as well, so id need a tank too, but i know they arent that expensive. The type of welding id be doing would be like suspension brackets, subframe connectors, etc. Nothing overly thick.

And i wouldn't even consider a 120v one now. When i ran the 220v line for my compressor i terminated it with a 220v outlet. I then plug the compressor into there, so i would just plug the welder in instead and it will have its own dedicated line.

Should i even consider buying a used one?

[3.4 grape of wrath]

I bought a Hobart 175 tig welder from sears.com good price and a great machine. I also used the millermatic 175 at work both are good machines.

[LTb1ow]

Not to hijack, but it is relevant..

What is a good size welder if you want to do exhaust work, and or maybe roll bar installs etc. Nothing heavy but I am curious where the line is drawn.

[WildBillyT]

Not to hijack, but it is relevant..

What is a good size welder if you want to do exhaust work, and or maybe roll bar installs etc. Nothing heavy but I am curious where the line is drawn.

Exhaust and floor pan/sheet metal will be fine with a 115V welder. Roll bars and frames need a 220 IMO.

[HardcoreZ28]

Paul.....just saw this on Craigslist if you're interested..
http://cnj.craigslist.org/tls/1661354118.html

[LTb1ow]

Heh, I wonder where he is, thats where I live...

[V]

hmm, not bad but i think id be better off with a 220v