Texas_Veteran Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 I am wanting to get into welding in the hopes to learn enough that I can do some basic welding around my garage and hopefully learn enough to shave the door handles and tailgate on my project truck eventually. I'm looking at getting either a Lincoln or a Miller mig welder. It has to be able to weld at least the thickness of a truck frame. I want it to be versatile enough to be able to weld thicker metals if I need to also. So, I'm just looking for a good all around welder for my garage. What would your suggestion be? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverado_ss_04 Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 (edited) i have a miller 211 and love it. http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00245 Edited January 16, 2012 by silverado_ss_04 (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomp62301 Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 (edited) Cant go wrong with a miller imo. I do it for a living so one this size is probably overkill for the home though . This is what I use http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00218 Edited January 16, 2012 by thomp62301 (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_aSSet Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Agree with these guys, Miller is the way to go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnstownhotrodsinc Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Miller for sure....they make one that the end of the cord screws on and off so you can change from a 110 to a 220 whenever you want.....I forget the model but it works great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cramer Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Miller FTW! If you want to really learn how to weld, pick up a arc welder (stick welder) and practice puddle control, rod angles, and arc length to work piece with it. Although you might not use it ever again after you pick up on how to do the above, it will help you with the understanding of what welding is. It will also give you some insight on how to MIG weld. I have two of the Miller 252's and for what I use them for you can't go wrong. I also have a Miller 135, and a older 185 model. The 140 is great for body panels etc but to small for much more. The 185 is in need of a rebuild, but it is perfect for the average fabrication and repair on a vehicle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmJake Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 We have a Miller stick welder at work that's so old the old rust is growing new rust. Miller, Lincon and Hobart are all good brands. Read up on sticks. This site has some good charts http://welding.w4zt.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas_Veteran Posted January 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 I used to have an old stick welder for basic farm use. It's been a long time since I've welded but I figure just like a bike, if I take it slow it will come back to me. So, I've been looking into the Lincoln, Miller, and Hobart mig welders. They all seem to have great features and have a good reputation. I really don't want to spend any more than $800 on a welder for shop use. I don't even mind buying a used one from someone. So, if anyone knows of a good one for sale somewhere let me know. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmJake Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 For accessories you can't beat Harbor Frieight http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Welder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARTYW Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Miller!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JF-03-SS Posted January 18, 2012 Report Share Posted January 18, 2012 (edited) I have this little toy here...... http://www.millerwel...sty_200_series/ (Dynasty 200SD) Edited January 18, 2012 by JF-03-SS (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krambo Posted January 18, 2012 Report Share Posted January 18, 2012 I have a Hobart (can't remember the #) and it does what I need it to do. I burnt up 2 spools of wire the day I got it. I learned by trial and error THEN went to a class and read books. I almost exclusively use a flux core wire now and learned uphill stitch welding. That covers about 99% of what I need a MIG welder for, yours may of course be different! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detjoe Posted January 18, 2012 Report Share Posted January 18, 2012 the differance between flux-core and gas shielding is huge! the amount of mess and spatter can be discouraging, and with a MIG its so clean (espically after using stick welders to learn arc control/puddle control. I have the miller too and its dual 220/110V, shit my plasma cutter needs more juice to run:) I love to use it and look forward to building a DIY hot side of a turbo...one day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hrtbeat1 Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 Guess Im the odd man out here I've got a Lincoln that will use 110/220 and will also do stick welding. Want to say its a 135 but can't remember the model number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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