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

 

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.

 

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

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.