Looking to purchase a welder ...
#1
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Construction on my garage begins tomorrow and I'm starting to shop for a welder. I want a MIG welder and don't want to spend more than $1000 (including gas conversion).
Any suggestions? I'm not intending to do anything really serious with it, but don't want a POS that will be difficult to learn with either. I can go 220V if necessary.
Anyone have experience with a Clarke welder?
Jay
Any suggestions? I'm not intending to do anything really serious with it, but don't want a POS that will be difficult to learn with either. I can go 220V if necessary.
Anyone have experience with a Clarke welder?
Jay
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see the current thread in the miata.net tools section
if you have no experience, a MIG w gasless fluxcore wire is the easy to pick up, IMO. that's how I started. not that I'm a seasoned pro or anything.
i would go ahead and run a 230V outlet now while it's easy. I'd probably run a couple for possibility of having a lift or compressor.
if you have no experience, a MIG w gasless fluxcore wire is the easy to pick up, IMO. that's how I started. not that I'm a seasoned pro or anything.
i would go ahead and run a 230V outlet now while it's easy. I'd probably run a couple for possibility of having a lift or compressor.
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Limiting yourself to a flux-core welder also means that you won't be able to experiment with aluminum welding in the future. (Though not the preferred method, gas-Mig welders can be used with aluminum wire by switching to positive polarity and using Argon). While some flux welders are limited to flux-core only, conversion kits are available for others to upgrade them to proper GMAW. You'll spend more doing it this way however than by just purchasing a proper gas-MIG welder in the first place.
#7
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Jay find a welder and use at least one mig and one flux core. Personally I find flux easy to get off, hit it when its warm and done. Splatter isnt an issue with antisplatter gel, basically use it like an inkwell with any old pen, dip the tip weld for a while, dip again and keep going, no splatter.
Hit the weld with wire brush, and shes clean.
Hit the weld with wire brush, and shes clean.
#8
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I paid $175 (with a coupon) for my 220V 151T Mig. I think it will do most jobs that I will ever need it to do. I've welded bed frames, turbo manifolds, flower pot hangers, exhaust systems, etc. Don't forget gas bottles, regulators, wire, cart, gloves, hood, etc. They cost me more than the welder did. Learn with the 151T and if you ever feel the need to get a $1000 mig then just sell it used for $150 (who wouldn't pay $150 for a welder). At most you are making a $25 mistake.
Oh, there is no reason not to go 220V. I had never done anything like it before, but I mounted a socket right next to my breaker box without too much trouble. I built a 35' heavy gauge cord to reach anywhere I needed to.
Oh, there is no reason not to go 220V. I had never done anything like it before, but I mounted a socket right next to my breaker box without too much trouble. I built a 35' heavy gauge cord to reach anywhere I needed to.
#11
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I paid $175 (with a coupon) for my 220V 151T Mig. I think it will do most jobs that I will ever need it to do. I've welded bed frames, turbo manifolds, flower pot hangers, exhaust systems, etc. Don't forget gas bottles, regulators, wire, cart, gloves, hood, etc. They cost me more than the welder did. Learn with the 151T and if you ever feel the need to get a $1000 mig then just sell it used for $150 (who wouldn't pay $150 for a welder). At most you are making a $25 mistake.
Oh, there is no reason not to go 220V. I had never done anything like it before, but I mounted a socket right next to my breaker box without too much trouble. I built a 35' heavy gauge cord to reach anywhere I needed to.
Oh, there is no reason not to go 220V. I had never done anything like it before, but I mounted a socket right next to my breaker box without too much trouble. I built a 35' heavy gauge cord to reach anywhere I needed to.
Mark
#12
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I also have the HF 151. I added 220 to my garage and made a long extension cord with parts from Home Depot.
![](http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/124000-124999/124055_118_full.jpg)
Fluxcore is a waste of time. It's way easier to learn with gas.
If you have $1G to spend, then get a Clarke or a Miller. If you want to save some cash for other tools or something else for the garage, then get the cheapo unit.
![](http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/124000-124999/124055_118_full.jpg)
Fluxcore is a waste of time. It's way easier to learn with gas.
If you have $1G to spend, then get a Clarke or a Miller. If you want to save some cash for other tools or something else for the garage, then get the cheapo unit.
#16
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I have a Lincoln sp135 plus and I have been very happy with it for the past couple of years. I recently upgraded to Lincoln 175 plus and I'm just as happy. I'd recommend going for the 220v version if you can. If your budget is 1000 bucks, check out a Lincoln 215 mig or a Miller 210 mig. If you go this route, you probably will never need to buy another mig welder.
Don't waste your time with flux core. It works, but it's difficult to weld and the spatter looks like ****. Spend a little extra money now and you will be happier down the road. Check out ebay, you will find great deals on new and used welders all the time. I just bought my new Lincoln sp175 for around 500 bucks shipped to my door. Also, check out weldingweb.com. I think this forum is a great resource for researching welders and finding one that's right for you.
Don't waste your time with flux core. It works, but it's difficult to weld and the spatter looks like ****. Spend a little extra money now and you will be happier down the road. Check out ebay, you will find great deals on new and used welders all the time. I just bought my new Lincoln sp175 for around 500 bucks shipped to my door. Also, check out weldingweb.com. I think this forum is a great resource for researching welders and finding one that's right for you.
#20
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Look for either infinitely adjustable wire speed, and hopefully that for power too (EXPENSIVE) or the most steps you can get, but in reality you should be able to do whatever you want. JUST MOVE FAST!!!
That should be find for body work, although ideally you would have a tig. (Im fluxcoring my rocker panels this winter)
That should be find for body work, although ideally you would have a tig. (Im fluxcoring my rocker panels this winter)