Welding advice

[malder]

I am looking into getting a MIG welder. I want to be able to work on my Z with it, but also fabricate other things like go karts, stands, trailers, etc...

I am looking at a MILLERMATIC 175. Does anyone have any experience with this unit? I've heard it is a good quality product.

Another question I have it about the voltage. I am going to need to get a 220V outlet in my garage. Anyone know if this is something I could do - or should I hire an electrician (how much should it cost?)?

oh yeah... I have never welded before:stupid: - I have a friend who is working for a welding certificate who can help, but otherwise I am just going to teach myself and read books... and practice!

Thanks

Matt

[2ManyZs]

Unless you are planning on welding steel that is thicker than 3/8ths, a 110 volt model would probably do nearly any job you would need it for, and save you a couple hundred in the process.

I've got one of the small Lincoln's and it does a fine job up to 3/16 steel(I haven't needed it for anything thicker) and with the gas upgrade, I think you could get one of these ready to go for about 500 or possibly less if you shop around.

As far as doing your own wiring, I wouldn't do it unless you have at least some experience. I shouldn't cost much to have an electrician do it, it's all done inside the fuse panel. Less than a half hour job.. or should be.

[mdbrandy]

I have the Lincoln Pro 135 that I bought at Lowe's for $417. It came with everything needed to do gas welding except the bottle. It is a nice little machine that will do anything on the car I might want and is supposed to do up to 3/8th inch stuff, although I haven't needed it for anything that big yet. And no rewiring...

[NCLarry]

I agree with 2Many. A 110 should be fine. In fact, I'm looking Campbell Housefeld sells a Mig Gas unit for about $300. While I wouldn't recommend it for professional daily use, it should be more than adequate for the home use. Its what I plan to buy. Occassionally, the are listed at the CH website rebuild for just over $200.

As to the wiring, hooking up a 220 isn't that hard, however, the main feed to your home (where your working) carries a bit of a punch. Nothing like a set of wings to seperate you from your Z. Ask around, you might find an electrican or local handy-man who can do the work for not much cash.

[nutxo]

most of the welders sold at harbor frieght are campbell hausfelds rebadged

[jmead]

Originally posted by nutxo

most of the welders sold at harbor frieght are campbell hausfelds rebadged

any idea which ones? I've shied away from Harbor Freight units because I suspected poor quality, but if I knew which ones where actually just rebadged, I might re-consider.

[malder]

please excuse my ignorance -

I don't really know how thick 3/8" is.... well, I know how thick that is, but I don't know what application that would be sufficient for. Can you give me any clues as to what 3/8 would and more importantly would not be sufficient for.

Thanks for all the info!

[1 Bravo 6]

:( :(

Stuffing around with electricity can be a bloody shocking experience.

Should your "WORK" cause damage of any kind (such as a fire) it could negate your home insurance.

Of course, if you happen to electrocute yourself you won't have to worry about burning down your house.

Play it safe mate, pay a qualified sparky.

Rick.

[hmsports]

I purchased a MillerMatic 175 this spring (to replace a 20 year old Lincoln 220 unit) and couldn't be happier with it.

Another thing to consider when looking at a welder is duty cycle. The 220 units usually have a greater duty cycle and depending on what and how much you are welding comes in handy.

As far as thickness, the 110 unit will work perfect for carts, stands etc. but if you plan on doing any heavy fabrication such as trailers, the 200 unit is a much better option.

I ran my own 220 from my basement to a new box in garage and then to an outlet for my welder. It is a dangerous proposition if you haven't work with electricity before -- especially 220. Many experienced electricians have gotten bit -- and badly hurt (or killed) -- by 220. Figure several hundred dollars to have an electrician run a line for you.

For a beginning welder like yourself, the 110 unit will be the best bet. Plus it is more portable and once you get proficient, you may be able to make a few bucks.

Oh, whatever model you get, spend the extra money to get the infinately adjustable voltage control and not the one with the five position switch as you can get better control of the power.

[nutxo]

Originally posted by jmead

any idea which ones? I've shied away from Harbor Freight units because I suspected poor quality, but if I knew which ones where actually just rebadged, I might re-consider.

look at the 2 websites and compare the specs,

I ended up with the dual mig 131, refurb for 189, it does flux core and solid wire with gas. The welds seem okay.

I did a search and I guess its not just CH that makes the welders, ive see other posts that say lincoln, century, as well as hobart make them also.