[Fastback Steve]

I’m getting together all the tools need for my 67 FB restoration. Since I need to replace some frame rails and sheet metal one of those tools is a mig welder. The last time I welded was 30 years ago and it was a stick welder. Since I’ve never mig welded I need your help in buying one. I’ve been looking at the Lincoln and Hobart 130 and 140 amp welders. I can purchase the 130 amp machine for around $400, the 140 amp is around $500. I can’t see where an extra 10 amps is worth $100. I would appreciate any guidance you could give me which welder to go with and why. Thanks for your help.

 

[Woodchuck]

A little pricey, but if you're going to get into a lot of welding, well worth the price. If you end up settling for a 120V welder get the most amps you can with a FULLY VARIABLE amperage selector.

 

[2nd 66]

I have the Hobart 140 :thumbsup:

 

[cobrakidz]

I use an old Lincoln sp-100 mig--love it........

 

[Guest]

You aren't paying for just 10A, I'm sure there is a duty cycle difference. That being said, I have run my business with a 120V MIG and I can count on one hand how many times I had even the smallest of issues with duty cycle.

 

[69emma]

Subscribing to this thread as I am thinking about getting a welder too!

 

[67t5ponycoupe]

What ever welder you get make sure it is set up for gas and factor in the cost of a tank and regulator. Flux core welding for body work is a waste of time. You can't get the welds clean enough with flux core. I use a 110v Lincoln and it works great, can't remember the model.

 

[Explorer]

I'm with bartl on this. The 211 w/autoset is a great welder. The dual voltage (110v-220v) is very versatile. When money is an issue, or for the occasional welder, I usually advise the Hobart 140. Shielding gas is "reasonable". Price of the tank however isn't, but you only buy it once. If you decide to upgrade to a larger tank, vendors will buy the old one back.

 

[Phydeauxman]

I'm with bartl on this. The 211 w/autoset is a great welder. The dual voltage (110v-220v) is very versatile. When money is an issue, or for the occasional welder, I usually advise the Hobart 140. Shielding gas is "reasonable". Price of the tank however isn't, but you only buy it once. If you decide to upgrade to a larger tank, vendors will buy the old one back.

I bought the Miller 211 after never having done a single weld in my life. I watched a few videos on YouTube and asked a lot of questions and it did not take too much effort to get some decent welds. I have only done practice with it so far but it is easy to get nice welds with it. But...it costs around $1100.

 

[timthechef]

I have a Millermatic 135. I love it. Never have a problem with it. I bought it for about $600 brand new plus the cost for the tank and cart. The regulator came with it.

 

[JPIII]

Make sure you get a machine (Miller or Lincoln) with an infinitely variable amperage rheostat. The 4 setting jobbies ain't that shiney......I have one of those and have fought it since I bought it.They are about 100 bucks cheaper but it was unwisely saved.

 

[j persons]

Miller Welders, Welding Supplies, Plasma Cutters, Hobart and more at Cyberweld.com. very reasonable prices on name brand welders, and no taxes for out of state orders plus free shipping. Eastwood welders are Chinese, but I haven't heard of any problems with them. They may be what you need as a hobbyist. Most all 90 amp mig welders will do pretty good with sheet metal, but you may have a problem with thicker material.

 

[Wycked68]

I bought a Millermatic 180. I've welded from 22 ga. to 5/16" and you would swear I was a pro at it (I'm not). I went with the 220VAC welder to have the ability to weld heavier things when needed. The auto-set wire feed is amazing

Miller Millermatic 180 MIG Welding Pkg (907312)

 

[Wycked68]

One other thing. You cant beat the Harbor Freight welding cart for the price. I've seen them as low as $39 with a coupon and the quality is about the same as the ones you will get from the welding supply stores.

100 lb. Capacity Welding Cart

When I bought my Miller TIG system last year, I bought one of these instead of one from the welder supply. Its the same quality and works excellent.

 

[bigblocktisdale]

1 more vote for the millermatic 180. my dad had tried several cheaper 110 welders. they were a waste of money weld looked like crap, they would not penatrate very well.

Then I bought a miller, I will never buy anything else again. now my welds look awsome and I am no pro forsure.

 

[Klutch]

I replaced many a panel on my Mustang with my Hobart 140. I bought it from Northern Tool with free shipping. Just last weekend I saw my local Big R store has the Hobart 140 in stock and ready for pick up. I can see how a larger welder could come in handy. But I have yet to need a larger welder.

For welding sheet metal, buy the smallest wire available. You may have to also buy a smaller drive wheel, depending on what comes with your welder. I had to buy a new drive wheel.

As far as I can tell, the Miller and Hobart welders are identical hardware with different paint.

As mentioned, be sure to add the cost of gas, a good auto-darkening helmet and a cart to your budget. Don't even bother with welding without gas. For a car, it's a waste of time and effort. Oh, and you'll also need a good grinder. New welders tend to grind a lot!

 

[68CVert]

I've had my Millermatic 135 for about 11 years without one problem. As others have said use the .23 wire for welding sheet metal. Absolutely only go with gas. Don't forget the auto darkening helmet and welding gloves. I also took a welding class at a local tech school. It mainly focus on a stick welding. However the principles are the same. For me the class was indispensable.

 

[cruising68]

Another vote for a Miller Autoset 211. A little pricy but it worked great. I have a wide range of things that need welding at my business. I like the fact that you can weld thin sheet metal then weld 4" square channel. I was a BEGINNER welder when I bought the Miller. After doing my cowl repair I am pretty decent at welding sheet metal. It's all in the power and wire speed

 

[KTJMcG]

I use an old Lincoln sp-100 mig--love it........

Had mine since 98 and haven't had a problem with it. I did have to replace the hose and gun 2 years ago as it developed some pinhole leaks do to age and use.You have to replace the gun and the hose together as they are one piece. I got the flex head gun with the new hose from Weldusa for $99.

 

[MYTANG]

I have the Millermatic 211, $1050 Epay item, and I am very happy with it. It is dual voltage, and has a burn back feature...no more stuck wire in the tips.
I welded on thin, oily, wet, rusty steel, on a 20 degree day, fighting a 35 mph wind at my back...no problem!!! Laid a awesome bead with shielding gas. The 211 may be over kill for some people, but since we are on the subject, I thought my input is worth something for people looking for more.