any useful 110v gmaw?

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So i dont have 220 in the garage only 110, although upstairs in the laundry room there is 220. But im renting the house and dont want to mess with that.so my question to you is. is there a good 110v mig welder out there that can weld, lets say 1/4''?
Reply:Originally Posted by DroptHiluxSo i dont have 220 in the garage only 110, although upstairs in the laundry room there is 220. But im renting the house and dont want to mess with that.so my question to you is. is there a good 110v mig welder out there that can weld, lets say 1/4''?
Reply:In reality no. Most Manufacturers over rate their little 110v migs. The practical limit is usually 1/8" with a 140 amp class mig. Many Mfg's will list the machine at 3/16" under "perfect" conditions with an unlimited input power and in the hands of a very skilled welder running short beads. You might squeak out a tiny bit more with FC wire or 100% CO2 mig, but 1/4" isn't practical with maybe one exception below...One big issue with small migs is you can lay a very pretty bead on thicker metal like 1/4", but have no penetration. That doesn't mean the machine can do 1/4". Yes with correct prep, say a deep bevel, and welding on both sides, an experienced welder can push a small mig a bit farther, but you'd better really know what you are doing, so that you can recognize whats happening. the majority of 110v mig users can't.The other big issue is that most of these small machines only reach their rated max with dedicated 20 amp outlets or higher. Older homes almost never have 20 amp 110v breakers, let alone dedicated lines with no other items on it. This drops the max rating if you have to run on a 15 amp breaker because the machine will keep tripping the breaker if you try to push the max. Also duty cycle is always very small at max, often less than 10%. ( most 140 amp class machines are rated at 20% duty cycle @ 90 amps) Many machines will see a marked drop in weld quality and penetration as soon as the duty cycle is exceeded though they won't necessarily stop welding.Probably the best 110v machine out there would probably be Millers Passport Plus. Because it's an inverter and designed specifically around 100% CO2, it's rated at a higher max thickness than other machines in it's power class. However it's a 110v/220v machine like Millers MM211, so the listed maxes are for 220v, not 110v, other than the little "chart" on the comparison page. They show it "rated" at what looks like 1/4", but probably in reality you'd be best figuring 3/16" to be safe. They have it rated at 20% at 110 amps compared to the other 110v machines at 20% at 90 amps, so it's quite a big jump. It's also quite pricey because of it's light weight and 110/220v option, but a very nice machine..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:Millermatic Passport welds the most with 110 volt power of any 110v capable mig out there, bar none.  I do quite a bit of welding with mine on 110v, though I usually switch it over to 220v for 3/16 and 1/4".  I use mine primarily with self shield fluxcore wire, .035" size.Why not run a 220v extension cord from your dryer outlet to the garage?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:well basically i was wanting to purchase a welding machine so i could build a 4 link and modify the frame on my toyota. but my life could potentially be in jeopardy if a 110 wont do the job. essentially i guess i could run an extsension cord from the dryer, or could i wire up an outlet off of the central ac unit right outside the garage?
Reply:Originally Posted by DroptHiluxwell basically i was wanting to purchase a welding machine so i could build a 4 link and modify the frame on my toyota. but my life could potentially be in jeopardy if a 110 wont do the job. essentially i guess i could run an extsension cord from the dryer, or could i wire up an outlet off of the central ac unit right outside the garage?
Reply:"What's the best scalpel for a beginner?  My grandpa needs a heart bypass operation."I agree with Fat Bastard's concerns.  If you're looking to learn to weld, then there ought to be a long stretch of time between buying a welder and doing something like vehicle frame work.  That stretch of time should involve classes and a lot of practice.  I've been welding for over a year and wouldn't consider working on a car's structural pieces (or a cage, or a trailer) at all.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:I am in a welding class. I only asked because generally i've only heard negative things about 110v welders.For all you concerned ones out there, i feel i am capable of doing the job.
Reply:Originally Posted by DroptHiluxI am in a welding class. I only asked because generally i've only heard negative things about 110v welders.For all you concerned ones out there, i feel i am capable of doing the job.
Reply:the first vehicle i backhalfed was an s-10 put a 9inch with ladderbars and coilovers in it.. i used a 130amp snap-on welder..  truck is still going 20years later.. i did put a cage in it also though, that makes a huge difference.. you have to use clean steel, and bevel everything and gusset your mounts and such.. i believe a 140 amp miller or lincoln wouldl handle it... all i ever used was 1/8" and 3/16" wall tubing and .120 wall dom for cages.. i would feel much better with a 180 amp machine though.
Reply:I would not fabricate a  4 link suspension with a 110v "pocket mig".
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat BastardI would not fabricate a  4 link suspension with a 110v "pocket mig".
Reply:have a look at this machine:weldking.com/MigSonic145.aspx