Welders

Really depends on what you are wanting to do with it? A Lincoln or Miller 110V welder should be all you need around the house. But I would stay away from the flux-core wire. Spend the extra money and get some good solid core wire and go to a place like Praxair or Airgas and get a bottle of Stargon and run gas with it. It's easier to work with and your welds will be a lot cleaner with less sl*g to clean up. I'd also recommend spending the extra money and going with a good auto-darkening hood. It will make it a lot easier to work and you want the best protection for your eyes possible.    

I have a Miller-matic 140 and it does just fine for weekend warrior stuff. Don't use the external gas bottles and welds are OK. Someday if I use it more I will get gas and solid core wire.
If I welded a lot I would go 220v but it works just fine for what I use it for.

I have a nice little Hobart 110 Handler. Does pretty well and it will burn up some pretty thick stuff. Flux core in it but capability to run whatever gas you need and aluminum welding capabilities.

The only thing I did with it when I bought it was weld body panels so I didn't go with a super stout one just one that could do that fine.

Taught myself to weld and it turned out to be money well spent. Tried a cheap one first and wasn't happy with results.


Everything on a Hobart says Miller in little letters FYI.

+1 on the auto darkening helmet too. It won't make you see stars!

Well I'm starting with my #3 trailer some of the plates that hold the side fender bunks are rusted. I have redone the bearings, brakes and ordered carpet for the main bunks.
    Just seems lately there is something I could weld
I was in our local farm and fleet and their line is the Hobart's you say these are made by Miller ? They didn't have the Lincoln brand but they had a Hobart that's pretty much the same thing.
no problem setting up for 220

Even the 120V welders can join heavy section if you preheat with a torch 1st.

Miller 175 (240 volt). Yes, set it up for gas shielding and forget the flux core. I run mine on 75/25 gas for mild steel and the tri gas mix for stainless. .030 wire. Fantastic welder!! Always go for the best out there!!!

are stick welders an option. if so, craigslist is always littered with the old Lincoln cracker boxes.

i have the same set up as pete (now i'm SURE it was the right choice hahaha). always runs perfect, can't go wrong. i think i got it for around $700 new in 2002.