Welder Advise

3007 Views 29 Replies 27 Participants Last post by cruising68, May 5, 2014

Fastback Steve

Discussion Starter · May 4, 2014 (Edited)

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.

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cruising68

· #18 · May 4, 2014

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

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cruising68

· #30 · May 5, 2014

OCHOHILL said:
I also suggest you consider what upgrades have to be made to weld aluminum with a spool gun. Some older models have expensive spool gun attachments or none at all. Some of the newer models have affordable spool gun attachments that makes welding aluminum much easier. You may not plan on it now, but at some point, you will wish you had the capability.

I have an older miller 175. It hasn't faulted once. Typically, the better, costlier units have better, more durable electronics. ie: motherboard.

+1 One of the reasons I chose the Autoset 211. It came with an aluminum spool gun attachment. I haven't done any aluminum but my business partner has. He could do it after a reasonably short learning curve but his aluminum welds are still pretty ugly looking.

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