So, I havent welded in years (16 to be exact) but I was good back then. What Im wondering is, Id like to get a welder to do some sheet metal work at least, maybe some light metal work. BUT, I do have access to a stick welder (buddies) if I decide to make a bumper or something. I dont want to spend a ton of cash.

A buddy of mine in the industry who went to Baron Institute said get an inexpensive Lincoln or Craftsman gasless, portable kit. He said for $250-$400 I could get a pretty decent set up with everything I need and Ill be able to handle sheet metal easily.

So, what does everyone have/recommended? Again, Im clueless with them and although I respect what my buddy says, it is one opinion. Thanks in advance.

 

I have a 110V craftsman flux core (gas-less) welder. It welds anything from 1/8th" plate down to about 18 gauge sheet metal. Anything thinner and you will burn through unless you use real thin wire and a lot of patience. It uses 2 settings for voltage and a variable **** for wire feed speed. For ultra portability and no gas cylinder to maintain... it's a no brainer.

It works fine for what I do. But if I had to do it over again I think I would get a small gas type welder. They are more versicle and do a much...MUCH cleaner job.

 

id look for something used. i had a used lincoln fluxed core but you could run a bottle if you wanted i think i paid around 300 for it that would weld up to 1/4. if you going to mostly be doing sheet metal i would invest in a bottle.

 

Check out this site...http://w3.uwyo.edu/~metal/whichmig.html

 

I am really happy with my Chicago Electric Dual Mig 151

it is actually a rebadged Clarke Welder...

 

I've got a Hobart Handler 140. It's been in service for over 10 years.. probably closer to 15. I've welded mild steel and stainless with it. Gas and flux-core. It's run hundreds if not thousands of feet of welds for both fun and profit. And you can still find em for under $500 if you shop around.

 

Big vig, to the best of my knowledge, working with some serious welders, your application needs would be best suited with a Miller. In my opinion, and other welders I've worked with, Miller makes the best MIG welders. However, if your going to use stick, Lincoln is the way to go. The welding school I went to ran mainly Millermatics and I believe 2 Lincoln's. Millermatics worked like a dream. When it came down to stick, our Miller 8 station set-up was a fluke. Only had 2 other stations that ran single Lincoln's. Everyone I've talked to since then, older guys that have been in the buisness for years, tell me the same thing. Good luck with whichever set-up you choose, and happy welding.

 

Im hoping to buy a welder this week. Looked at TONS so far and honestly, they all seem pretty much the same to me. Ive looked at these ones over and over, and Im leaning towards the Harbor Freight, although Id prefer to go more "name" brand. Anyone else have some opinions, Id REALLY appreciate them. Thanks!

http://www.harborfreight.com/230-vol...der-93793.html

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...2&blockType=G2

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...7&blockType=G7

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&blockType=G10

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...3&blockType=G3

 

The handle breaks on that first Mig welder a lot but it's not too expensive to fix. A mig is your all around best bet though as you probably already know. But if you are looking for reasonable price and an easy to use welder any of those are what you need.

TylerL. 94 ZJ 3" lift. My DD.

 

Definitely invest in a bottle for any welding. U will thank your self later. I've done alot of flux core welding but shielding gas will make your life much easier

I have a lincoln migpak and I've had it close to 10 yrs. Had a hobart before that and liked it alot more but 3 of them burnt up on me so I've had a lincoln ever sence

 

I have the HF 151 and 171. I used the 151 for about 2-3 years and it worked great, still does. The only reason I upgraded to the 171 is because I wanted a variable **** instead of switches for amps and I wanted to run the big spools of wire.