MiG welder suggestions please

Scooby90 · Feb 15, 2022

Another recommendation for RTech machine , Started using mig welder many years ago with cheapo machines , had a Clark’s one ,results hit and miss then acquired another cheapo machine on eBay and again struggled to get consistent welds , eventually bit the bullet and purchased a R Tech machine 5 years ago and what a difference easy to set up and use . Runs off 13 amp plug and never overloaded the circuit breaker . I used the larger hobbie weld Argon mix gas bottles as once deposit paid no rental and just swop them over when empty .

lynall · Feb 15, 2022

I think a good welder can get a good weld out of any make/model/price machine, but for your average hobbyist (ie us) the better the machine the easier life will be.

rogerwhemr · Feb 16, 2022

Hello. Need advice on a MIG welder. Just something for general repairs odd bit of fabrication work. best dual voltage welder Does the workshop only have a single-phase ATM do I need a 3 phase machine? Any sources of recon machines?

rogerwhemr · Jul 1, 2023

Lionhound said:
Old age and its accompanied aches, pains, failing eyesight etc etc. are sadly catching up despite my belief that I’m still in my early thirties and sometimes barely 18.
As a result I’ve sold off the gas gear and ditched the aged (and crap) arc welder thinking, “I’m not really needing these anyway”. Well, and this’ll shock all you Defender owners, I bloody well do need one after all, not only for the ‘fender but for my mate’s “racing” Vitesse. I say racing but “pit lane hugger” might be closer to the mark.
Aaanyway, to the point, I’m looking to go all modern and get a wee cheap MiG welder.
Thinking probably max 150amp (house leccy won’t take any more, and should be enough anyway) and probably 30 to 40 bottom end for bodywork.
Not wanting a piece of crap inverter or far eastern cheapo model of MIG welder for sale, well, maybe the cheap part, so wonder if anyone can give me some options to consider.
Thanks all.

Looking at purchasing a mig welder for my 16-yo son to do start playing with a welder doing light automotive work like sheet metal and exhaust tubing. I think the most useful features will be clear and easy settings that he can quickly get started with. I've been considering the Hobart Handler 140 or Lincoln Electric 140 simply because they seem to be the go-to for the hobbyist, but wondered if there may be alternatives out there with better bang for the buck like from Amazon or Harbor Freight that may be able to grow with him a bit more.

--ped-- · Jul 1, 2023

i'd look for something in the 170 amp range
lincoln electric used to have a good reputation but not sure now and afaik harbour freight is like machin mart/clarke stuff in the UK
i used to have a murex 180 amp tradesmig which i used to use on site but now only have a 350amp 3 phase set which is good in the workshop but a 240 set would be handy

miktdish · Jul 1, 2023

@rogerwhemr - you were asking about this 18 months ago.
You asked about 'recon machines' and you are in the US ....

Now you are back asking about a machine for your son.
Did you buy one in 2022 ?
Have you learn't anything from you purchase back then or didn't you buy one ?

We don't have Harbof Freight over here and we operate with 240V AC so our machines (and amperage numbers) will be totally different from yours.
You are best looking on a welding forum local to you.

MiG welder suggestions please

Scooby90

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lynall

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rogerwhemr

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rogerwhemr

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--ped--

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miktdish

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