welder advice

#1
DD4ME

DD4ME

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#1
I need to replace some floor boards in a project car I have. I'd rather do it right and can't justify paying a body shop to do it so I am looking at getting into welding. My budget is about $500-$600 and from my research I know I'd prefer to use shielding gas rather than flux core. No real deals on craigslist but I have found a Miller 130xp that would allow me to stay under budget and weld right away. I have looked at a 175 eastwood new for a 220 option that would be close to budget.
I would have to spend a little cash to drop 220 40-50 amp service into my barn for a 220 so that is an increased cost/consideration but I know they are more useful overall. New Lincoln Miller and Hobarts are in the 600-700 range for a decent 110. Even more for a 220.

Looking for opinions from anyone who has gotten into welding themselves. Would prefer some thoughts on the 2 options I posted as well because the "save up and get a miller 210" is just not realistic for me.
 
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#2
#2
If you're not planning on doing anything over 1/8-3/16", then a good 110v unit will do just fine. I run a Lincoln PowerMig 140c, and have been very happy with it. But any decent unit from the big three (Lincoln, Miller, Hobart) will not only work well, but last you a while too.

If you go with a 110 machine, you will ideally want to run it on a 12-2 20 amp circuit, preferably dedicated for the welder.

Also, does your budget include shielding gas and a helmet?
 
#3
#3
I do have a dedicated 20 amp circuit. If I get the 130 xp then I'd have all of the incidentals covered under budget nsm with most of the other options.
 
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#4
#4
I have a Hobart Handler 140 and it is a great little welder. It will burn in anything a homeowner/hobby'er will want to do. I built two tube chassis rock crawlers with it with no issues.
 
#6
#6
I have a small Lincoln 110v welder and it does well on sheet metal. I've found though it seems to weld better with the flux core over the Argon/CO² mix.
 
#9
#9
You can't go wrong with a Lincoln, Miller or Hobart. Make sure it's compatable with shielding gas. Some of the really cheap ones are not. That's one reason they are cheap. You do not want to use fluxcore on anything except a farm tractor. You will want to get an 80 cf. 75/25 cylinder. I have seen plenty of used machines on Craigslist. If you buy new, check out your local welding supply house before you buy at Home Depot.
 
#10
#10
vol_in_ar said:
what's the car your working on
Click to expand...

It's a 92 2 door 5 speed jeep cherokee. I discovered the extent of the rusty floor boards only after I had lifted and locked it so I'm kind of stuck repairing them.

I appreciate the feedback from everyone, Had my heart set on a used, Lincoln 140C but the consumables, gas,and cart etc were going to eat my lunch because it came with nothing not even a regulator. Since this is just a hobby and I'm on a budget I've opted instead to get a Matco 140 that comes with a 90cf 75/25 tank, cart, hood and tips for 350. I could throw the welder away and it'll still should be a decent deal just on the gas and accessories so that's where I am going to start. I'll post up pics when i do my first metal melting. Never done any of this so it should be fun.
 
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#12
#12
Hey is there a project car forum? My volnation exposure has been limited to the football and recruiting forums.
 
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