Thinking about purchasing a mig welder

[s13-t]

I need a welder for light fabrication, i.e. patch panels, IC piping, IC mounts etc...

I found this on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/LINCOLN-EL...60304

looks like the real thing... But google claims its worth 600 bucks. Think its a scam?

Anyways what specific model do you have/ would suggest. fyi: I have access to a large MIG welder that's primarily used for fabricating parts for tractors so If I ever need to do heavy duty work, I have the tools. I simply need something for light gauge work.

[Dattebayo]

They DO want $65 for shipping... (don't know why, really...)

Maybe it's missing something. But if you pay with PayPal, then it's not problem. Just don't pay any other way.

[s13-t]

Yep paypal is important.

just trying to make sure it isn't a fake. I assume its either refurbished or was a demo model or whatever.

Opinions on that specific unit? How well do you think it would handle light gauge steel? Aluminum piping?

[Dattebayo]

Should be fine for anything, really... up to about 1/4" steel. I can't tell if it has a voltage dial instead of push-buttons, but that's really the important thing I looks for in a welder: The name Lincoln and the dial.

If it has push-buttons, leave it.

[PoorManQ45]

lincoln 180 hd mig welder

Product description https://docs.google.com/viewer...0.pdf

review: http://www.customfighters.com/...17679

I don't know if you noticed, but that unit requires a 208/230 Volt input.

[Dattebayo]

208 is usually easy to hook up if you have two different outlets in your garage.

[PoorManQ45]

Agreed. But you actually need two different circuits, not just outlets

[s13-t]

I guess I really have no idea what I am doing

no I did not notice, thanks for pointing that out.

Its clear that I need to go do some more research and maybe go talk to some welders to figure some stuff out.

thanks guys

[PoorManQ45]

Eh...

Just go down to the local Lowes or Home Depot. Take a look at the models they have.

What type of material are you looking to weld?

I have a Lincoln Wire Feed Arc with Helium hookups. I can weld steel and aluminum

[s13-t]

well I plan on welding steel and aluminum.

Some patch panels in my 240sx so what 20 gauge steel?

As well as aluminum IC piping.

I may try and fab my own strut tower braces and a tension arm brace. And I might at some point attempt to fab an intake manifold.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Agreed. But you actually need two different circuits, not just outlets

Isn't 208 volt 3-phase though? How can you get 3-phase out of two 110 circuits?

EDIT: nevermind, I just noticed the 1-phase specification in the welder's manual.

[PoorManQ45]

Isn't 208 volt 3-phase though? How can you get 3-phase out of two 110 circuits?

In the main panel, every other breaker is out of phase with the adjoining breakers.

[Dattebayo]

Agreed. But you actually need two different circuits, not just outlets

Yeah, I know that. Thanks.

In the main panel, every other breaker is out of phase with the adjoining breakers.

Residential rarely has 3-phase panels.

Just go down to the local Lowes or Home Depot. Take a look at the models they have.

Except that you're gonna pay $300 at the minimum for a welder.

[PoorManQ45]

Yeah, I know that. Thanks.

Just wanted to make sure this person knew that. I figured that's what you meant

Residential rarely has 3-phase panels.

Good point. No 3-phase for you! LOL

Except that you're gonna pay $300 at the minimum for a welder.

I've seen the smaller units clearanced for under $200. IIRC mine was ~$129 OTD. It was one of the discontinued models or something like that.

[troskinatior]

I want a welder but I'm short on cash, I'm not going to be doing anything big, I'm just going to probably fool around with it and maybe make som small things. I wanted to get the $80 one at pepboys/harbor freight but people tell me it will be a waste of time. I don't need any thing beautiful or fancy I just need the cheaps welder that will do the job.

[Red coupe]

Your not going to get it done for $80, especially if you go buy a new cheap one.

Keep in mind that you are going to need a full bottle of argon and probably a regulator too.

[Dattebayo]

DON'T get a Chicago Electric welder from Harbor Freight... they suck and are really only meant for flux core. Also remember you will need to buy a tank of MIG gas, a spool of wire, some tips maybe and a regulator sometimes...

They do make 120V Lincolns cheap, but just don't get anything with push-button voltage selection and you will be fine, really.

[r34 gtr]

As always, I will suggest this:

http://www.northerntool.com/we...32691

Because it is competitively priced, has a sold warranty, and is generally the bomb.

The same company sells all manner of MIG welders(Lincoln, Hobart, etc.), so just browse if you want something different.

Edit: I just want to reiterate, it will be nigh impossible to find another welder as good as this one for anywhere near the price. My neighbor has this unit and it really does everything you could ask for, and it feels solid.
Modified by r34 gtr at 3:28 PM 3/3/2010

[PoorManQ45]

They do make 120V Lincolns cheap, but just don't get anything with push-button voltage selection and you will be fine, really.

Yep. Mine is a 120v model. Runs off of an extension cord just fine.

Infinitely adjustable knobs are the way to go. You need to be able to get the heat just right. If it's a wire feed, mine is, you need to be able to set that speed to match material thickness and your skill/comfort level.

[Veriest1]

that's really the important thing I looks for in a welder: The name Lincoln and the dial.

I've been told that some Hobart's are rebadged Lincolns... at least when it comes to arc welders. Does this hold true for wire feed welders?

[Dattebayo]

I just want to reiterate, it will be nigh impossible to find another welder as good as this one for anywhere near the price. My neighbor has this unit and it really does everything you could ask for, and it feels solid.

I had a Northern Industrial welder (which, BTW, they sell at some Harbor Freights as well) at work, and it was not good for extended welding. It has a very light duty cycle that I would not recommend to anyone.

[IanS]

Im no pro welder, but I will tell you this.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

I put it in caps because how important it is with welders. Sure a cheapo welder might stick pieces of metal together, but thats not all you want to do. Bottom barrel welders like that one have limited adjust ability, and no ability to fine tune. Plus the feed motors are rarely smooth. Not to mention they are very inconsistent in their penetration.

Ive had my current Miller for 5 months now, and I wouldnt choose anything else.

Not to mention Millers come with a lifetime warranty.

A nice welder makes all the difference. This is doubly true if you are trying to weld aluminium, which is much pickier than steel.

Remember, you cant just weld aluminium with a wire feed. You will need a spool gun, plus welding aluminium works welders much harder than steel. You would be pushing the limits with that 180. You may want to look at something a little more powerful.

Also remember that the welder itself is not the only expence. You will also need to get a gas bottle, and pay to fill it.

PS, that Lincoln is barely worth $300.

Not to mention, if you dont already have a mask (hand shields SUCK), and gloves, you will have to purchase those as well.

[r34 gtr]

Well, in that case, to absolve myself from any other scrutiny, I will suggest the OP buy this then:

http://www.northerntool.com/we...05539

[IanS]

I've been told that some Hobart's are rebadged Lincolns... at least when it comes to arc welders. Does this hold true for wire feed welders?

Actually Hobart's are made be Miller. They share many hard parts, but do not have the fine tuning, or the IIRC the lifetime warranty.

[Veriest1]

Actually Hobart's are made be Miller. They share many hard parts, but do not have the fine tuning, or the IIRC the lifetime warranty.

Ah thanks, I was probably getting the brands mixed up. I'll do some more research before we invest in anything else from them.

[snwbrdr435]

Update on what you ended up getting?

[breadbox]

My friend and I are looking at a Lincoln MIGs , but Imma have to check out Miller.Thanks for the tip Ian.

[troskinatior]

So whats so bad about the push button voltage? And whats so bad about a flux core?

Im in a autobody school we have tons of high end welders so I dont need anything super high tech at my house, Ill mostly be using it for practice

[Red coupe]

So whats so bad about the push button voltage? And whats so bad about a flux core?

Im in a autobody school we have tons of high end welders so I dont need anything super high tech at my house, Ill mostly be using it for practice

Never used pushed button, but I would imagine it sucks because you cannot control the heat very well, if you need it a little hotter you have to bump up to the next voltage instead of just dialing it up a little.

Flux core just sucks and is pretty much for outdoor use where its too windy for a shield gas. It does a pretty bad just of protecting the weld area so what you come out with is spattery crap.

[troskinatior]

Oh so its like your welding with out gas, do you need gas with those welders?