mnwildfan2k

Gentlemen, I have come to the conclusion that I would like to do a rocker replacement (2x6 steel) and repair the floor pans of my 95 Cherokee. I want to pick up a decent machine that will suffice for both projects. Sure don't want to break the bank, but definitely want something that will hold up. What are your recommendations?

My first thought was maybe something like this...
http://www.harborfreight.com/welding...der-97503.html

kaker123

your gonna outgrow that welder before your done with your rocker repair, go with a hobart 140 at the least

http://www.google.com/products/catal...ed=0CFUQ8wIwAQ

there are many cheap tempting welders out there, but where you run into problems on the mig welders is the mechanics and drive system, the cheap welders have cheapo drive rollers and tensioners, but a name brand welders will last for many years and you can always find parts for them

for example: i bought a hobart 135 9 years ago and recently upgraded to a miller 211, gave my hobart to my dad who is still using it and it is at 300lbs of wire and counting

this is just my opinion and experience

d50

you might also wana try looking for a used one to save a little money and still get a better one then hf.

CPLSeraphim

I bought the Hobart 135. Havent used it yet, waiting for the rest of the parts to come in. Anyway, I did a lot of research, and didn't want to break the bank. Everyone said Harbor freights Welders are kind of a 1 time use thing, between jamming, and anything else. I picked up a very lightly used welder on ebay for 365 total, including shipping from texas to Pa. Almost half was shipping alone, but the price was right... Get something worth your money. You may pay a little more up front, but saves you a lot long run, and even just during your 2 projects.

Rollin N Mud

I bought a Hobart Handler 140 about a month ago, it'll weld just about anything your heart desires. Made the lower control arms for my long arm set up.

Friend of mine has the same welder and made his long arm 3-link with 2" .25" wall DOM tubing. Also welded .25" brackets to the axles for new mounts, and made a Cross over steering out of 1.5" .25 wall DOM tubing. All of that was made with his Hobart 140 and gas.


Edit: I had the 110 version of what you linked from Harbor Freight, prior to my Hobart.

Destination XJ

Lincoln/miller/hobart are all good brands to choose from.

SirLasVegas

eastwood 135
http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-1...5a-output.html

Bugsy

I just got the welder you linked to recently on Craig's List. Paid $100 for it and it was new...never used (although I did have to put a male plug end on it). Best $100 I've spent in quite some time.
This welder does everything a home welder needs for light-duty applications. I've used mine a on a number of applications and it runs quite well.

BlueXJ

Mig is the way to go. Tig takes a lot more practice. I learned on a Lincoln stick welder over 50 years ago and though the mig is easier to use the principles are the same. I recently bought a Miller Autoset which takes much of the guesswork out of the settings.

ZachsXJ

Powermig 255

Seriously though, save up some coin and get something big. Get more welder than you see yourself needing in the near future because chances are you will out grow what you needs are right now. The other thing about welders is you really do get what you pay for.

I picked up my pm 255 for less(including 10lbs of solid core wire & gas bottle) than you can buy a new Hobart 210, and it will weld 18 gauge sheet metal like a boss, yet it will burn holes in .25" plate all day long. Keep in mind it was 5 years old when I bought it and the only thing it could use a new gun liner. The nice thing about higher end welders is the infinitely adjustable heat and wire speed settings. Being able to adjust settings so finely makes welding in odd positions a piece of cake compared to other welders.

Check craigslist, and local pawn shops. You may find a great welder at a great price. Its how I found mine and I couldn't be happier.

dev_daddy

X2. I wouldn't say my welder is the best out there. But I started out with a lincoln weldpack, 3200. And I hated that little thing. So I did a little research and got my Hobart Stickmate 210 for a super good price. Its a million times better then mu lincoln. Paying more and getting more than you think you'll need is what I did, and it was a good decision.

ericfx1984

that is actually not a bad welder... it was made by a company called 'Clarke Welders'... they went out of business and Harbor Freight bought all their finished stock... then they slapped new stickers on it...

if you buy it make sure you upgrade the fan to a 120mm 110+ CFM fan (220v)

the stock fan is about 60cfm

then you should upgrade the ground clamp

you can also mod it over to accept an 8 to 12 lbs spool

this is not a bad welder... it can put down a solid 135 amp... depending on your plans... it will be just fine

I would put it above the quality of Lincoln but below miller/hobart


once I figured out that this was a Clarke Welder (and not a Harbor Freight) it was a no brainer for me

Thekid320

I weld for a living and there is no replacement for a good machine! They are worth every penny I have a miller 211 and it's a Beast for how compact it is. Trust me not having to fight with the machine is worth every penny you spend on a good one you will not regret it

ericfx1984

just for the record the '110 version' is not even close to the Dual Mig 151... the 110v welder you are talking about is a crappy 90 amp unit and nothing internally is the same...


here is some info on modding the welder... the CAP mod is awesome BTW

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=33848

ZachsXJ

You're kidding right? There is no way in hell that thing is better than a lincoln, not only that but you'd be lucky to get adequate penetration on .185" (3/16) steel, and forget welding .25" or anything larger without doing lots of beveling and multiple passes