Choosing Welder Question...

Whats up guys, I have some quick welder selection questions. I'm not even sure if this is the correct place to ask this and if this post needs to be moved, please do so. So anyway, Im in the market for my first mig welder and im think im going to buy the lincoln 3200HD. Ive done some welding in the past, mostly custom exhaust work, but i am probably going to start my bad job on my 92 yota pickup. I was just wondering if you think this welder will penetrate enough to hanlde the frame work? Are there other welders in the 110v range that anyone would reocmmnend over the 3200hd for around the same price? Thanks!

the 3200hd is a nice welder for a beginner, but if price is not a concern, go ahead and get a HOBART or MILLER of the same specs.

hey, thanks for the response blitch! I just kinda like the 3200 for some reason as i think its a decent deal with the stuff you get with it. Im just still kinda curious if you guys think a 110v welder like the 3200 would be good enough to get the proper penetration on frame jobs as the material is going to be alot thicker...

It can be done but you really need to know how to use the machine. You'll have to do alot of prep work to ensure proper penetration, and its going to take a long time.

You can get smaller 220 machines for fairly cheap these days.

If you are planning on 1/8 steel (which is plenty) a 110 welder will be fine. You can always make 2 passes. I have a millermatic 135 when you run a .035 wire through it with the power setting at 10 and the wire speed at 50-52 that beast welds 3/16 like a champ. Like joel said, prep every peice and use well placed gussets and a 110 welder will deff do the job.

The new Lincoln 180 Weld Pack @ Home Depot is only $660.

I would suggest not buying a welder from a hardware/lumber yard like home depot, lowes , or menards. Welders and welding equipment is best bought at a welding supplier.

Hobart 187 is what i use and i love it. they go for around $600 now and will weld anything you need to vehicle wise,easily.

I have a 3200HD and it runs like a champ! Not one complaint here! I beat the piss out of it and have never had a problem with it. I actually didn't even buy it from a welding supply store because they couldn't compete with the price I got from the "other" place. I am a seasoned welder and know how to run the machine. As mentioned above prep everything before you weld and it should be fine.

we are using a 3200HD on the datsun we are doing right now, and it works good. But I have used the Hobart and the Miller of comparison and both are so much smoother machines. The Lincoln will do the job, but I just prefer the smoothness of the other two. They all have their own drawbacks though.

But as far as your question about the 110 being enough. Yes it will. We are and have welded 1/4 with it, but you just have to prep good and take your time, and don't get in a hurry.

I am sure you will be happy with whichever you decide on.

Good luck and happy burning metal together.