Going to start welding, need to pick a machine. Will be using for sub-frame connectors, some roll cage gusseting, sheet metal etc. Don't anticipate any real hevy stuff. Like to hear your recommendations on a machine...gas or flux wire, brand etc...thanks in advance.

You get many fine opinions but from someone who has endured welding with a crappy unit this is the minimum I would recommend.

http://store.cyberweld.com/mi211aumigwe.html

That is a nice machine...it will do every thing you need for a race car. unless your into tig, but if your just starting to weld thats probly N/A. good luck

You cant go wrong with Miller

I'm just starting too, but after a lot research, I went with the Hobart Handler 187. Hobart is owned by Miller, and some of the parts are the same but at a lower price. The gun even says Miller on it.

http://hobartwelders.com/products/wirefeed/handler187/

I got mine at my local Tractor Supply (TSC) for $600. You will still need to buy a tank ($210) and fill with C25 ($20), and a cart. I have yet to get a 50 foot extension cord ($110). You will also need to have your garage wired for the welder. I did mine myself, but you need to know what you're doing. Most people should have it done. I wired two outlets, one in front and one in the back of the garage. From what I learned before buying, there are three good brands to buy. Miller, Hobart, and Lincoln.

Hope this helps.

If your really serious. Buy a Lincoln Electric Power Mig 255. You also cant go wrong. First of all dont believe all the lies about a 110 volt machine. Dont waste your money!!! A 220 volt machine is the ONLY way to go. It gives you the ability to weld from 16ga.(1/16 in.) up to 3/8 in. plus it has a cheat sheet for wire speed and volt settings. Very User friendly for beginners and veterans alike. Plus its made entirely in Cleveland,Ohio. With this machine youll be capable of everything youve described and so much more. Oh yeah, Just FYI, Have your electrician wire in a 20 ft. extention lead(cord) into your panel. That way you can roll out around car, across shop,outside for sidejobs(mufflers,trailer repair,etc.). A new Lincoln will cost you about $2500.oo complete with small 75/25 mix cylinder. Depending upon your location, you could go with a used setup for about $1000.oo or better. Shop carefully (Machinery auctions,factory auctions etc.) ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT AND WHERE YOU ARE WELDING!!!!!!. Those sparks and heat remain long after youve stopped tacks and welds. SAFETY is always #1. I hope this will help. I have taught many people to weld in my 35 yr???? tenure. If you want I could teach you to weld online for FREE! Thank You

my lincoln 110 has served me well for 9 years now for any and all automotive work. i don't think my bee has any 3/8" steel on it anywhere? of course a 220 will be more versatile and if it's in the budget get one, but my 110 was like $500 and i use it for tons of stuff. don't bother with flux core wire, get a tank of migmix and start welding

miller 185 here....

I forgot the most important piece, the helmet. Do not skimp on the helmet at all. I got a Speedglas 9002X online auction, but there are several good ones to choose from. Things to look at are field of view, how fast it auto darkens. You may or may not want the delay option to stay dark after you stop welding because of your work still glowing, I believe this is mostly for TIG, but could be wrong.

Bottom line, protect your eyes well.

I have a Miller 210, it is a great machine, if I were to buy another it would be a Miller 252. Hobarts are made by Miller but are not the same inside.

+1 on the 220 v.
I have a Lincoln 170 and it really works well for me.
I test drove Miller's and ESAB's before I bought and they were all close in $$$
I just liked how the Lincoln worked.........easier to weld with for me.
A purely subjective criterion , but how it felt making beads did it.
Big tank of 73/30 CO2 and argon and I have been happy with it for 15 years.

Miller 180 here, 220 for frame and roll bar only! 110 will not do it.

Quote:

---

Miller, Hobart, and Lincoln.

---

Agreed, but get one with infinite voltage and wire speed control.

Dennis

Lincoln SP-170T here,It's a 220 unit that works well. Mike

Thank you all for the inputs, Moparts Rocks

Miller all the WAY


Miller 200, a miller 250, and an old 70s model miller 210. We are looking at a used miller syncro wave machine a friend has. The big miller 250, and 210 are at my dads shop in Wyoming, I have a small econo tig there too, but Dad uses them a lot. I have a new miller 200, and its got the auto arc feature. My dad in law likes it, I hate it. But by far one of the smoothest welders I have run.

Kasey