rotarycrazy

iTrader: (8)

I am getting ready to buy a welder but I really dont know what would be practical for me I wont be doing a lot of welding just some exhoust and minor body work so i dont think i need the $1000 welder. Plus I am on a small budgget like most of us here.

Thanks a lot for any help in advance Mindaugas

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

I have a Lincoln Pro-Mig 135. Came with everything to run flux core or gas shield, except the bottle. Can even be upgraded to do aluminum. Iirc, it was around 400 at Lowes a couple of years ago.

Good for light to medium duty use and is a 110 volt welder, no need for a 220 circuit.

MattG

iTrader: (2)

I run a Hobart handler 125, it is set up for Flux core wire, this kind doesnt require the use os shielding gas. I have built trailors for my jetskis, to fixing a portion of the cattle panels to my mothers step stool, hell it even welded the bumper on my friends rodeo! I have done everything with this welder, I love it. its 110 not need for some big old plug! plug it and and its ready to go. Cost me 250 at Tractor Supply

Dan_s_young

iTrader: (1)

Very cool, sounds like you guys were in the market for the same type of welder im interested in purchasing (when I have enough money of course). One question though, what are the duty cycles like?

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

I think mine is 20-25%, don't remember for sure offhand. Been pretty happy with the welder, just not my ancient welding skills. I highly reccomend any one that gets a wire feed, get one that will do gas shielding, definately improves weld quality.

I have an old buzzbox that is older than half the members on the forum. I used to be able to break all the flux coating off of the electrode and weld bare wire, now I have trouble welding normally. Just haven't kept up with it the last 25 years.

rotaryxperamental

IMO, the Lincoln welders suck.

If you want a good welder go with the Millermatic, again, IMO.

DO NOT buy anything E-SAB they are very touchy and don't like to keep their settings.