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07-18-2012, 09:15 AM
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#1
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bridgewater, NJ
Posts: 835
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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.
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1984 Camaro: 350 Auto, Global West Suspension, Baer Brakes, CTW Wheels
1989 GTA: Bolt-on L98. Global West Suspension, full Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood Brakes, CTW Wheels
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07-18-2012, 09:37 AM
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#2
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Ayatollah of Rock N Rolla / Admin
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 12,573
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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?
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07-18-2012, 11:22 AM
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#3
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11 second club / Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: West Berlin, NJ
Posts: 7,148
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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
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2001 Trans Am WS6 •SLP Loudmouth II •UMI Suspension •12.857 @ 109.57
1996 Trans Am WS6 •Pacesetter Longtubes •Strange 12 Bolt •Spohn Suspension •11.152 @ 123.85
Last edited by deadtrend1; 07-18-2012 at 11:25 AM.
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07-18-2012, 11:36 AM
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#4
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bridgewater, NJ
Posts: 835
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WildBillyT
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?
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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...
__________________
1984 Camaro: 350 Auto, Global West Suspension, Baer Brakes, CTW Wheels
1989 GTA: Bolt-on L98. Global West Suspension, full Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood Brakes, CTW Wheels
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07-18-2012, 11:49 AM
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#5
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Ayatollah of Rock N Rolla / Admin
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 12,573
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Huryk
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...
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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.
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07-18-2012, 05:36 PM
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#6
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Arm pit of the world... NJ
Posts: 2,673
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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.
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John
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07-18-2012, 05:38 PM
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#7
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: manchester, NJ
Posts: 1,775
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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
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97 Firebird Formula - 383LT1
15 Subaru WRX - 2.0L-turbo
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07-19-2012, 12:12 PM
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#8
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bridgewater, NJ
Posts: 835
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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!
__________________
1984 Camaro: 350 Auto, Global West Suspension, Baer Brakes, CTW Wheels
1989 GTA: Bolt-on L98. Global West Suspension, full Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood Brakes, CTW Wheels
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07-19-2012, 01:36 PM
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#9
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Ebearnezer Scrooge/Power Member/Lips
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Hamilton, Mercer county
Posts: 4,141
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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
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07-23-2012, 11:56 AM
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#10
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bridgewater, NJ
Posts: 835
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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.
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1984 Camaro: 350 Auto, Global West Suspension, Baer Brakes, CTW Wheels
1989 GTA: Bolt-on L98. Global West Suspension, full Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood Brakes, CTW Wheels
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07-25-2012, 06:48 PM
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#11
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Hillsborough, NJ
Posts: 2,630
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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.
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--==RPM Resto & Custom==--
1989 IROC-Z Media Coverage:
Chevy High Performance - Readers Rides 4/03
GM High Tech Performance - Tech Article 3/06
Chevy Rumble - Tech & Feature Articles November 2006
Auto Restorer Magazine - Feature Article 5/11
SkinAndSteel.com
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07-26-2012, 06:58 AM
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#12
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Williamstown NJ
Posts: 479
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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.
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F-Bodyless
01 GMC Sierra C3 6.0L, AWD, Westers Tune, K&N, Hella LED Tails
03 Pontiac Grand Prix GT, GMPP Handling Kit, LS1 F-Body Brakes
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07-26-2012, 03:41 PM
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#13
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bridgewater, NJ
Posts: 835
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HardcoreZ28
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.
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Indeed it was from Houser. You use the Lincoln a lot, right? Good statement of reliability...
__________________
1984 Camaro: 350 Auto, Global West Suspension, Baer Brakes, CTW Wheels
1989 GTA: Bolt-on L98. Global West Suspension, full Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood Brakes, CTW Wheels
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07-26-2012, 09:12 PM
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#14
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Hillsborough, NJ
Posts: 2,630
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Huryk
Indeed it was from Houser. You use the Lincoln a lot, right? Good statement of reliability...
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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.
__________________
--==RPM Resto & Custom==--
1989 IROC-Z Media Coverage:
Chevy High Performance - Readers Rides 4/03
GM High Tech Performance - Tech Article 3/06
Chevy Rumble - Tech & Feature Articles November 2006
Auto Restorer Magazine - Feature Article 5/11
SkinAndSteel.com
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08-07-2012, 04:20 PM
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#15
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 478
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HardcoreZ28
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.
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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.
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