Posted: 8/9/2004 9:46:17 PM EDT
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I am looking into an ARC welder. My limitation is that I want one off of 115V. I was looking at either Miller or Lincoln. Anyone have any experience with either company and which one is the best . Also am I better off with WIRE FEED or STICK? I am also looking for one that I can use WITH or WITHOUT Argon gas, (Dual Purpose) I have welding experience with Oxy Acetylene. This is my first foray into arc welding. What I am looking to use it for is light jobs around the shop, hobby type projects... Im not looking to build a tank (wait........ wait a minute....... Nevermind... bad idea) Any forthcoming suggestions on this topic will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks DrFrige ETA: Well I guess if I want Argon gas, there goes the "Stick" welding idea huh? |
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Depends on the work you are going to do, I personally like wire feed for odds and end jobs, if you are going to be building trailers and racking etc........... stuff that is going to be really heavy use maybe the stick is what you need then. it Just all depends on what you are going to do with it |
Just odds and end type stuff... Wagon for the kids, Shelving units, .... just projects. Nothing too complex |
We have both Lincoln and Miller welders at work and they are both very reliable. I would suggest you plan on sticking welding only. Its far more reliable than wire(Mig) welding. Mig welding is worthless in my opinion except for maybe a jobs like muffler tack repairs. Tig welding is also a pain for hobby jobs becuase of the need for argon. 99% of the welding at my work is nothing but stick. We only Tig very pressure lines and this requires certified welders. |
fixed  I'd personally go with MIG, arc is nice and all but if your gonna be doing a wagon out of sheetmetal I assume, I don't think arc would fit that job... and some mig welders can weld aluminium also which is a plus.. |
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I'll give you the rundown on Wire-feed vs. Stick Wire-feed: -MIG (solid wire + gas bottle) -fluxcore (flux in center of wire, creates own gas) Most wire-feed welders except the cheapest ones will do both. You just have to swap out the wire spools. Advantages: -fast -good for light stuff Disadvantages: -steel has to be clean, doesn't handle rust, paint, crap, very well -unless you have a super-high end model, it won't be good for doing heavy stuff, stick will be stronger. I wouldn't feel comfortable doing much over 1/8" with any 110V model. With a 220V model I might consider doing some heavier stuff, but only if I know the welder real well. If it's a super critical joint, I'll take stick any day. - can instill a false sense of ability. It's real easy to make MIG welds that look great, but aren't very sound. This can be real bad for structural applications. Stick: Advantages: -You can handle a variety of jobs by choosing different electrodes (sticks). -burns off rust, crap etc. -very strong, esp for heavier stuff Disadvantages: -SLOW. You have to chip off all the slag, esp. if you need to weld over a weld. Also have to swap out sticks as you use them up. You really notice this on a big project, and is the reason you don't see it in production shops. -thin stuff is harder to do. It can be done though, you just have to know what you are doing. -I don't think anyone makes a 110V model. In your case, I think the 110V restriciton pretty much eliminates the stick welder. Both Lincoln and Miller are good, largely preference. The saying I've heard from a couple guys is "Lincoln for stick and plasma cutters, Miller for MIG and TIG." I'd pick up a millermatic 135. I've been highly impressed with the millermatic 251s that I've used. Edit: I just checked the website, and it has the millermatic 135 spec'd for 1/8" steel and under. |
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DrFridge Big difference between and Arc and a MIG welder. You'll get more bang for your buck buying an Arc welder though. They are simpler and have less (no) moving parts. Arc welders are great for great for big strong welds in medium to thick steel. MIG and TIG are more for thinner stock or your alloy/non-ferrous type metals. They also do a much nicer, cleaner (prettier) weld (after mucho practice) if that is what you are into. MIGs are nice but can be frustrating to set up and use properly, especially if you get an "economy" model. Standard arc welders don't need gas as the flux is in the welding rods. Like most anything, you get what you pay for though. In welding, the amps are what is important, the higher the better. More amps = thicker metal you can weld. Decent arc welders can be had for under $500. Don't underestimate your needs. Once you start welding, you'll most likely wish you had more capacity, not less. Good luck! |