Dave,
What I can tell you is what I own and what I have done with it. I have a
Lincoln weldpak 100 with the MIG conversion kit. $399 for the welder from
Lowes( $349 on sale) and $100 for the MIG kit, so $500 total. I have welded
all of my frame work on the Healey with it, tightened up the torque boxes on
my old Mustang, and added a 1.25" receiver tube to the hitch on my VW Golf
TDI. Have had the welder 8 years now. With a 20A breaker and the right
gas, it will weld anything I need from stainless exhaust pipe, to 1/4" mild
steel, to aluminum shrouds. I have only needed the max current setting D
when welding a piece of cast aluminum 3/8" thick. Everything else has
required C or less. An infinitely adjustable wire feed speed is a
necessity.
Flux core is great if you don't need good weld penetration or care what the
finished product looks like. Whatever you do, get something set up for true
MIG welding. You can choose the gas to give you more or less penetration on
the weld, and what kind of finish you want. Just ask the guys at the
welding supply house and they will give you what you need.
If you have the money to spend, bigger is better when it comes to welders.
However, from my experience I have never needed anything more than what I
have. If I had to buy again, I would get the Weldpak 135 since mine is no
longer available...more would just be overkill unless you weld for a living.
Cheers,
Chris
BJ8
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Schweninger" <quenty@ntelos.net>
To: <healeys@autox.team.net>
Cc: "Dave Schweninger" <quenty@ntelos.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 12:02 PM
Subject: Which Welder To Buy
> Hello Listers,
> I had a great response to my asking for recommendations on which MIG
> welder to Buy.
> Almost all responders felt that:
>
> #1. MIG over TIG. MIG is easier to learn. TIG requires close coordination
> of the arc, puddle, and Filler rod.
>
> #2. MIG with gas (Argon or Argon-CO2) is preferred over flux cored wire.
> Cleaner, no spatter and no slag to chip off. All these welders can be
> used with Flux wire.
>
> #3. 120V appears to be adequate for most restoration work. Will weld 3/16
> Steel and can be plugged into household receptacles ( requires a 20A
> breaker).
>
> #4. Continuously adjustable wire feed and voltage control is preferred.
>
> Which one to buy?
> I looked at the following American made Brands.
> Lincoln 140C $735@ Lincoln. $585@Ebay new.
> Miller 135 $764@ Miller. $637@ Discount Store.
> Hobart 140 $680@ Hobart. $540@ Discount Store
> HTP MIG 140 $749@ HTP. Not sold elsewhere.
> If you spend some time on the internet you will discover that all the
> above are very similar All have the the features (available) as listed
> above with the exception of the voltage control. Most have 4-6 voltage
> levels.
>
> As usual Big Bucks gets the best. My choice is the HTP. However the
> necessary accessories (Flow meter, Kit, Gas bottle, Mask, & shipping)
> push the cost to about $1000.
> I got a very strong recommendation from Concourse Committee member Kent
> Lacy. He has restored several 100m' and had no problems over a 15 year
> period.
>
> The prices and what's included on the others bounce around the discount
> prices + - $50.00
> The HTP costs what it costs. Unfortunately.
>
> Dave & Daisy
|