Going to buy a MIG welder... Suggestions.
 

Looking to buy a MIG welder for the shop - problem is that most 220v ones need a 30 amp circuit, I have a whole bunch of 20 amp ones, but no 30's.

But I can use a 110v one as I do have 20 amp service on a few lines.

I have been looking at the Eastwood 135 amp 110v unit and some others - suggestions...? Not going to be doing aluminum nor very thick steel.

I noticed a huge difference going from a Lincoln Weld Pak 100 to a Millermatic 175. Was overall a better unit, even on smaller stuff.

IMO Lincoln and Miller are the two I'd decide between. Can you install a 30A line?

If 220 is a option for you, a co worker is selling a snap on one.

Old thread, http://www.njfboa.org/forums/showthread.php?t=53284

I'm guessing that would be no problem as there are 30A circuits in the box for the A/C and other things. Just need to run conduit to the spot and put a box.

So you are telling me that a 220v 160A+ unit is without a doubt superior to a 110v 135A or so one? I'm not knowledgeable about welders...

In my opinion, a 220V welder with solid wire/gas is a great setup for most shop work. Other people may have a different experience but after using both that's mine.

I think GTS Welco in Flemington may let you test drive the Millers in the back to see.

Hopefully Paul @ RPM will drop in here.

Several years back, I was looking into buying a mig so I was talking to my cousin who had purchased a Millermatic 135. I asked him how he liked his and the first thing out of his mouth was, "I should have gotten the 175". On his advice I purchased the 220v Millermatic 175 and have been completely happy with my purchase! Since then, my cousin has given the 135 to his brother and pucrhased the Miller 210.

i wouldnt get the eastwood... i have an eastwood 220v welder... iv used it twice and its messed up already... it was messed up when i bought it but for not going through hassle of sending it back i fixed it.. but seriously have had nothing but problems and havent even used it on a big enough project to reallly know how well it really welds... miller is the best but lincoln welders are very good also... id say save your money get a lincoln or miller... and if your only goin 110v id get a better

So this morning I traced all the circuits on my back wall back to the breaker box and figured out the 30A 220v plug is actually connected to one of the 30A 220v breakers, so I can go 220 for the welder.

I see that Lincoln is more reasonable price-wise, but Miller is about 2x more expensive. Quality costs money, so I will decide in the next few weeks what to do.


Thanks everyone!

I bought a Millermatic 211 and it is great. Was about $1000 in the end, but worth it for the convertibility between 220vac and 110vac

Got an email from my local Lincoln dealer - they are selling the 180 for $804, about $200 discount to MSRP. So that to me looks good - only need a bottle and a cart and it is good to go... With the option to get a spool gun later, I like the flexibility.

Paul was that from Houser in Somerville? If not give them a call.....I bought my Lincoln from them about 4 years ago. Forget the model but it runs off of 220 and I've never had a single issue yet.

My work has a couple of used Millermatic 252's and one used Millermatic 251 for sale. PM me if your interested. They are all in like new condition.

Indeed it was from Houser. You use the Lincoln a lot, right? Good statement of reliability...

I probably use it 3 or 4 days a week, often for an extended period of time. No issues whatsoever. I'm starting to consider changing the teflon liner because the wire is getting a little sticky...prob lots of residue inside there at this point.

I also have had this problem. They actually make a wiper for the line after it comes of the spool. After changing the liner a few times i started asking people if they had the same problem. Come to find out the wiper makes a HUGE difference.

FWIW, i have a Millermatic 185 and like it.