What type of welder

I want to buy a welder and learn to weld. I want to get one that I could use on a truck frame later on if i catch on but dont know what type . AMPS? VOLTAGE? MIG? FLUX? BRAND?

Anything from Miller, Lincoln or Hobart would be a good start.

Something that runs off of 220v is also a good starting point.

Possibly something like a Lincoln ProMig175 or a Miller 151.

Whichever one you choose, DO NOT use flux core, learn to weld with gas.

Originally posted by Chopped Mazda



Anything from Miller, Lincoln or Hobart would be a good start.

Something that runs off of 220v is also a good starting point.

Possibly something like a Lincoln ProMig175 or a Miller 151.

Whichever one you choose, DO NOT use flux core, learn to weld with gas.

agree 100%, 220v, good name, MIG.

I dont like to buy things twice, if I had bought a 110 flux core machine I would have absolutely needed an upgrade when I built my frame 6 years later.

If i dont plan on doing any major bods like a stock body drop just a notch for like an 84 chevy and some brackets will a 110 work because i dont have a 220 in my shop and copper price just like jumped out the water

I personally wouldnt.

Most good quality 110v welders, like a lincoln 135, i think their only rated up to 3/16" steel. And thats if you prep the steel correctly and have good welding skill to beable to keep the heat penetrating evenly. And i personally just seem to have problems welding with smaller welders, ones that run off 110v, i never seem to beable to lay a very long bead with them, its probably just me and my technique, but ive never had that problem with my big miller or lincoln welders...i can weld a bead as long as i need with them.

I really dont have a whole lot of experince with the 110v welders. But i know you say now that you wont be doing majior welding, like frame construction or anything liket hat, but in the future you will......so get the right thing now, and dont pay for it twice.


taylor

about how much would a 110 and 220 cost?

I've been using a Lincoln 135 with gas on all my projects. It burns pretty hot and lays a pretty nice bead. Im fixin to buy a Miller 210 with an aluminum spool. My 135 did me good though. The only reason im going bigger is becasue im fixin to build a frame. If you weld good I would say get the 110v if not get the 220v so you will have more penetration. Just my .02

I got my Miller 175 for $700 from Quimby Welding. That includes shipping. I stand by Miller, great products and warrantee. Couldnt be happier with my welder.

I once used a 110 welder and I hated it.

Is clarke a good brand and also a truck frame is usaully like 3/16th thick correct?

A lot of people will disagree with this, but Clarke welders are good to a certain degree. I don't own one so I don't know from any long term experience with them, but the only drawback to them is that they don't have long life. Soe people have had them for a long time with no problems, but are doing small jobs with them and not killing them, but if you're trying to do a LOT of welding, as in frame fab or other big task, they're not going to hold up and they are extremely hard to gt parts for and are expensive to fix. And most factory frames are 1/8" thick, if you're building one use tubing no less than 3/16" thick, usually 2x3 or 2x4.
Oh, and after using Lincoln welders for years, I broke down and bought a Miller TIG the other day and I LOVE that bitch. I belive I'm going to be diehard Miller from now on