Thinking of getting a MIG

admin

I currently own a Lincoln Ranger 225 mounted to my trailer backed in my garage.  I use the Ranger for prepping work that we trailer to our property 700 miles away.  So getting as much welded beforehand helps.  However when I do weld at home the Ranger is loud as heck and even though no neighbors have complained yet I want to get a MIG to replace the Ranger for home/garage work.  Some of the things I have welded are fence corners and a gate.  I made a hitch cargo carrier and a headache rack for my last truck.  Also welded an elk hoist together.  Fixed my trailer when one of the welds for the spare tire carrier broke.  Those are just some of the things I use it for and everything welding is just a hobby for me.  So with that being said I have never used a MIG and am ok with a Stick to get most of my farm/ranch work done.  Would a MIG be easy for me to pick up since I have some experience with a stick welder?  Part of me wants to go with flux core to avoid tanks and the option to weld outside.  But with a MIG added to my collection I could do more welding in my garage without disturbing my neighbors and use my Ranger for outside work.  If I do go with tanks to avoid flux core is that any easier to learn over flux or are they about the same?  I would prefer a self-contained unit if possible if going with tanks.  Any recommendations of what I should consider keeping everything under 2k.
Reply:People love the TA multifunction units and that new Lincoln 210 just came out.  With one of these you can also choose to stick weld something with an extension cord and without starting the ranger.  I'd go with above or a used name brand 220V unit.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:For under 2K, you could also do a Miller XMT or an Invertec 275/350 with a suitcase feeder if you go used.  Maximum versatility there.  That's the setup I use.  Plus, you can out the suitcase on your ranger when u need it.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I have seen both Lincoln and Millers suitcase welders that look indestructible.   Activ8 and something else.
Reply:Lincoln power Mig 210mp. Mig tig and stick for 1,000$ from Lincoln. Very very nice machine. Im about to get one. You can go cheap and buy a northern tool or hf cart, or you can build one. Also buy you a 75-25 bottle, 125Cf id your best bet. Back to your question short circut is a little easier then flux core. But when you get your Mig you'll ask yourself how did I survive without this.
Reply:I will definitely stick with Lincoln or Miller.
Reply:I agree with the guys above. With stick welding you need to control hand and arm as rod is used up and move closer toward weld. With mig, just stay where you are comfy and the wire just runs out and only move gun.  The  Miller 211 that will work on 110/220 volts is a popular machine , I love mine .
Reply:Plenty of options out there in the price range you talk about. A nice used XMT or other industrial power source would allow you to use a suitcase type feeder. If you choose a VS style feeder, like an older Miller S 32P, Hobart Hefty or one of the newer VS8/VS 12's from Miller or a  Lincoln LN 25, you can also run wire off your Ranger since I'm pretty sure a Ranger is CC/CV capable. That will give you even more options to work with.Also any of the 220v self contained migs would work fine. The bigger cabinet style migs have a better duty cycle than the smaller units do, but with a higher price tag.As far as learning, either will be fairly easy to pick up if you can weld well with stick. Solid wire is very easy to learn to read the puddle with since that's all you see. FC wire is a lot like stick where you have to differentiate between slag and steel to learn the puddle. I've found most who can stick weld pick this up pretty easy. It's a lot like continuous stick welding..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSW you can also run wire off your Ranger since I'm pretty sure a Ranger is CC/CV capable. That will give you even more options to work with.
Reply:What he is saying is that if you bought a shop power source and a suitcase feeder you could use the feeder in the shop or in the field. Realistically you are looking closer to 3k for a decent feeder and power source used. A Millermatic 211 sounds like the right welder for you. Can use it in the shop and possibly power it in the field if your engine drive has enough aux power. I have an xmt304 with a feeder in the shop, great machine but possibly more spendy than you need to go. I also have a Lincoln Ln25 and can run that on my xmt or off of my TB251. Not enough aux power to run a 220 MIG, or a 110 off of my TB though.
Reply:I was thinking more for those times away from the house. You use the power source  like an XMT 304 at the house, and run wire off the Ranger in the field, both using the same VS suitcase feeder. I think once you get some time running wire under your belt, you'll find more and more uses for it..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:The nice thing about coming from a stick background is that you will not object to the splatter and slag from using flux core with MIG.   It should be less than what you are used to.On the other hand, you need to learn to be alert to cold welds.  Dan
Reply:My setup since the late 1990's is an engine drive TA T-Bird with lift start tig, 270 amp stick, spoolgun and suitcase mig.This has been a great setup, but if I was going to do it today I would get a stand-alone mig that can also run a spoolgun.