dylan91xj

Ive seen a couple welder forums but i can seem to find my questions.
I am looking for a welder that i can weld cages, bumpers, and stiffeners. I have access to 210 volt plug ins. What would be my best bet for strength? mig,tig,arc??? im not really worried about how pretty the welds are just looking to have strong welds and be able to weld tube thats between .120 and maybe .250? thanks for any help i get

SeriousOffroad

Tig is awesome, sure wish I had one.

For 99% of the stuff the average Jeep owner is going to do, a 220v MIG using CO2 or CO2/Argon is more than adequate.

dylan91xj

Whats the deference in a tig mig and arc?

SeriousOffroad

Here ya go.

dylan91xj

hahahhaa that was pretty cool lol but thanks that helps i think ima go with mig, something like you said will do me fine

dylan91xj

what manufacture would be better lincoln miller or hobart for mig

ericfx1984

not sure what your budget is... but I recently got a Harbor Freight Dual mig 151, turns out it is a rebadged Clarke... very happy with it so far

dylan91xj

Can you weld like cages and bumpers(thick metal)

ericfx1984

yeah, I have no problem with 1/4" projects... if you wanted to you could burn through 1/4" steel if you wanted to

squigles

What is your budget? I don't know the much of the differences between Lincoln and Hobart/Miller but I am going with either a Hobart/Miller product when I can afford one. I am planning on getting a Millermatic 211 w/ MVP when I save up enough, it will allow me to use it with both 110 and 220, it can weld up to about 3/16" on 110 and 3/8" on 220 (manufacturer specs). Otherwise the 180s should be able to handle everything you are talking about and be a little cheaper.

Eric, I can not find a 151 anywhere, are you suggesting finding one used?

SeriousOffroad

Pay close attention to the Duty Cycle of any welder you're considering. nothing worse than being in the middle of a weld and the welder cuts out. Stop....wait....wait....wait some more.....weld again.

Welders are a lot like engines, heaters, or air conditioners, insurance, pizza, beer, etc, etc. Having a little bit more than you need is a heck of a lot better than not having nearly enough when it matters the most.

If you plan on never welding anything thicker than 1/4" steel, get a machine that can handle 3/8" with ease.

SeriousOffroad

For those wondering what "Duty Cycle" means...

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...e/basics6.html

lolz_jeep

if your asking that you shouldnt be playing with a welder

ericfx1984

20% duty cycle means 2 mins straight welding, 8 mins of waiting for it to cool down

ericfx1984

kinda agree wit you there... but at the same time you have to start somewhere