I have GOT to buy a welder...
Honorary Moderator
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8,135
Likes: 16
From: Gilbert AZ/Las Cruces NM
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 upgraded
my best advice is if you are using your welder for body work stuff 110, if you are using your welded for armor 210-250. With a 210 you weld thin sheet to 3/8" no problem.
I use a MillerMatic 210 but it is also a $1600 welder... But that is the only thing i use. And like mentioned Co2/Argon gas mix will be the best. Cleaner welded and you can actually see what you are welding.
some basics are:
standard or auto dimming hood
leathers-jacket and gloves
fire proof blanket (atleast 1)
and then you can get fancy stuff as you become better
I use a MillerMatic 210 but it is also a $1600 welder... But that is the only thing i use. And like mentioned Co2/Argon gas mix will be the best. Cleaner welded and you can actually see what you are welding.
some basics are:
standard or auto dimming hood
leathers-jacket and gloves
fire proof blanket (atleast 1)
and then you can get fancy stuff as you become better
Former Sponsor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 1
From: Hesperia
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
if you save a little and get a 220v welder its a world of a difference compared to a 110 in how it welds, some people will say oh well then just turn up the 110 welder and its good, but once you use a 220 welder even though it may be on a setting to where its drawing the same amperage as the 110, the 220 will still do better and once you realize that youll hate 110 like i do now lol, the co2 argon mix and strait argon both work well, i use strait argon because its simpler to do
also if you use a good helmet at first it will make it alot easier to weld. when i started learning i used a hf one and it took me forever to get the hang of it, then i switched to a better helmet and it made a huge difference instantly, its amazing what you can do when you can see lol. now that im better i can use a hf one but have no need to now that i have a nice helmet
also if you use a good helmet at first it will make it alot easier to weld. when i started learning i used a hf one and it took me forever to get the hang of it, then i switched to a better helmet and it made a huge difference instantly, its amazing what you can do when you can see lol. now that im better i can use a hf one but have no need to now that i have a nice helmet
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 889
Likes: 2
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
my best advice is if you are using your welder for body work stuff 110, if you are using your welded for armor 210-250. With a 210 you weld thin sheet to 3/8" no problem.
I use a MillerMatic 210 but it is also a $1600 welder... But that is the only thing i use. And like mentioned Co2/Argon gas mix will be the best. Cleaner welded and you can actually see what you are welding.
some basics are:
standard or auto dimming hood
leathers-jacket and gloves
fire proof blanket (atleast 1)
and then you can get fancy stuff as you become better
I use a MillerMatic 210 but it is also a $1600 welder... But that is the only thing i use. And like mentioned Co2/Argon gas mix will be the best. Cleaner welded and you can actually see what you are welding.
some basics are:
standard or auto dimming hood
leathers-jacket and gloves
fire proof blanket (atleast 1)
and then you can get fancy stuff as you become better
What do you think of this...found it on craigslist:
Millermatic DVI.... 5 years old with low hours... Runs off of 110 and 220v. this machine is awsome welds up to 3/8 pl. ive welded 1/2 pl no problem.. ive upgrade the lead to a M25.. This machine is 1500.00 new and the lead was 250.00. the only reason im selling it is that I have 3 other mig welders and this one is in the way... No tank and no wire!!! whats nice about the unit is you can use a 8 to a 33lb spool.. this machine is better then the new millers out now you can fine tune the wire speed.. 900.00 OBO.. I know my welders so no low ball offers Please!
Brandon 586-713-0410
- Location: Sterling Hts.
- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Your posts make me cringe.
It's not easy to weld with a cheap welder. If you plan on using normal house power (110 volts), spend the few extra dollars and get the biggest one you can. It's hard to get good penetration from the smaller welders, especially with little to no experience. And of course reading up on it will make you a better welder. Sure, in the end practice is the only way to get good at it, but reading about different techniques and tricks will most certainly help.
I have a Hobart 135. It's decent for a small rig and you can run gas through it if you want cleaner welds. I bought the gas attachment but regret to say I can't tell you how well it works as I've not bought a tank yet.
Good luck. It's fun when you start making halfway pretty welds
Former Sponsor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 1
From: Hesperia
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
no no no your all wrong except for what r cannon said lol,
get the miller welder off of craigslist, but id make the guy hook it up and let you see it work first before you hand him any money
get the miller welder off of craigslist, but id make the guy hook it up and let you see it work first before you hand him any money
Registered Users
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 4
From: morrisonville ny
Year: 2000 @ 1994 givin away
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
AS a retired boilermaker/ship builder.. For what It's worth the auto dimmers are required by industrial safety law for welders! Having used one for twenty years and still do...they are virtually fail safe... Some have battery power and others solar (light) power... I have never been 'flashed' since they arrived on the scene... Why... super fast light circuitary...and you can see what you are doing to set up THROUGH the mask.... in the past we had to often lift the helmet to manage the work pieces...that was when we got 'burned'...on one job, a new stainless steel paper mill, we were all using TIG in those days... in 4 months of work I spent three days in eye hospital... not in the least enjoyable... due not only to my work, but the surrounding welders 'striking arc' around me...the stainless steel reflecting 'strikes' every where... we all suffered this industrial madness.
So as Stu says... you will be safe... the technology is now cheap....early masks could cost as much as a grand per unit.... another point, if you have an eye-sight problem you can now have a correct lens fitted to your mask...should you only have a diopta (age) problem the correct lens is avaliable 'off the shelf' in 1/2 diopta increments... good luck and best Regards Bonehunter.
: bs: Anyway boiler makers are a separte union to the shipbuilders, shipbuilders are in the carpenters union WHY LIE i'VE BEEN IN THE CARPENTERS AND MILLWRIGHTS FOR 20 YRS I HATE xxxxKING LAIRS.............LOCAL#1042-229-370 LOCAL UNIONS And dont worry I can have your # looked up to see it s a fake.
Last edited by rich; Aug 23, 2010 at 06:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 889
Likes: 2
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Whoa. I didn't come looking for controversey...just good welding advise. Please, for the sake of my thread, no bomb runs. I need good info - can't afford to buy the wrong welder or screw up my eyes...I got kids to raise.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 889
Likes: 2
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I hear you...but what about "no tank, no wire" and $900.
That's a lot of money for me. Is a Millermatic DVI that serious a machine?
Another guy offered me a Millermatic 200 for $2500 complete. That is WAY outside my budget...but makes me wonder what is the difference between a DVI and a 200...?
That's a lot of money for me. Is a Millermatic DVI that serious a machine?
Another guy offered me a Millermatic 200 for $2500 complete. That is WAY outside my budget...but makes me wonder what is the difference between a DVI and a 200...?
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 1
From: St Augustine Florida
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
8 out of 10 will tell you this set up will do 99% of all the welding you will need to do...
http://www.google.com/products?rlz=1...ed=0CDQQrQQwAA
and a 135 will do about 80% of all your welding
http://www.google.com/products?rlz=1...ed=0CDQQrQQwAA
and a 135 will do about 80% of all your welding
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 12
From: 9000 ft, CO
Year: 1999 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
I have to admit I'm more inclined to read his post and ignore yours with the repetitive smileys. You sure took it personal there, Rich. His post was about safety equipment for welding. Anyway, to the other members, is a MIG welder more appropriate for body work & thin welding, while a TIG better for frame, suspension, etc.? What would be best for building a cage?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 889
Likes: 2
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
8 out of 10 will tell you this set up will do 99% of all the welding you will need to do...
http://www.google.com/products?rlz=1...ed=0CDQQrQQwAA
and a 135 will do about 80% of all your welding
http://www.google.com/products?rlz=1...ed=0CDQQrQQwAA
and a 135 will do about 80% of all your welding
A guy in Lansing, MI has a 180c (supposedly the good 180...apparently, there is a "180" that lacks the input for CO2 or something) that has been used once. Wants $600. They sell brand new for about $750. I'm thinking hard on it. Hate to spend $600...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 889
Likes: 2
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I have to admit I'm more inclined to read his post and ignore yours with the repetitive smileys. You sure took it personal there, Rich. His post was about safety equipment for welding. Anyway, to the other members, is a MIG welder more appropriate for body work & thin welding, while a TIG better for frame, suspension, etc.? What would be best for building a cage?
What I've been told is MIG for mild steel, TIG for aluminum. TIG also gives you better "control" going around circular objects like steel tube but TIG requires more skill to do well.
All hearsay...I know nothing about it from experience.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 4
From: Wantage, NJ
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Your posts make me cringe.
It's not easy to weld with a cheap welder. If you plan on using normal house power (110 volts), spend the few extra dollars and get the biggest one you can. It's hard to get good penetration from the smaller welders, especially with little to no experience. And of course reading up on it will make you a better welder. Sure, in the end practice is the only way to get good at it, but reading about different techniques and tricks will most certainly help.
I have a Hobart 135. It's decent for a small rig and you can run gas through it if you want cleaner welds. I bought the gas attachment but regret to say I can't tell you how well it works as I've not bought a tank yet.
Good luck. It's fun when you start making halfway pretty welds
It's not easy to weld with a cheap welder. If you plan on using normal house power (110 volts), spend the few extra dollars and get the biggest one you can. It's hard to get good penetration from the smaller welders, especially with little to no experience. And of course reading up on it will make you a better welder. Sure, in the end practice is the only way to get good at it, but reading about different techniques and tricks will most certainly help.
I have a Hobart 135. It's decent for a small rig and you can run gas through it if you want cleaner welds. I bought the gas attachment but regret to say I can't tell you how well it works as I've not bought a tank yet.
Good luck. It's fun when you start making halfway pretty welds
Buy around a 250a mig machine. It has most likely adjustable everything, so you can weld 1/16 to 1/4 and anything else you may need, and get used to welding all thicknesses and varieties with that one machine. Thats the only way to get better.
Not necessarily, Mig can be used on almost any metal, including aluminum, you just need to switch to aluminum wire and use aluminum drive rolls. Tig is for aluminum mainly, and yes, mig is almost a beginner to welding. Tig is difficult, but not nearly as difficult as gas tungsten arc. There are so many ways to weld for different applications. Get a half decent mig welder, it will work for what you plan on doing for now.
Last edited by Diesel; Aug 24, 2010 at 08:12 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 889
Likes: 2
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
What do you think of that $900 Millermatic DCI machine above?