what should i buy????!!!!

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hey everybody, im new to the forum and i have a question. i want to buy a mig welder for projects for my jeep and other cars. i will mostly be welding from sheetmetal to 5/16, including DOM tubing. some bodywork, bumpers, rollcages (once i can weld good enough), storage racks ect. i took a welding class at the local junior college and i took 3 years of advanced metalshop in high school, so i know the basics. i am on a college kid budget, so probably nothin over $500, unless i can convince my dad to go half in with me. i just do not know what welder would be best for me. any information would be greatly appreciated. size, flux core or gas, brand, any info is appreciated! thanks alot!Last edited by nor*yj*cal; 09-26-2009 at 12:55 AM.
Reply:I don't know anything under $500 that fits your needs.  I'd look for a used  110V or 220V mig that you can use normal household voltage with.DAG NABIT, I left my tape on the saw.Wild Fire Welding
Reply:I'm rebuilding a 67 camaro and bought a Lincoln 180C for the project and have no complaints.  On the otherhand, my ex boss bought a Lincoln 140T for his car project and found the "tapped" machine doesn't allow for finer output adjustments which is helpful for sheet metal.
Reply:You will need to look for a 220 volt unit. I know I am a big fan of the 110 volt units but your list tells me that you are going to need something of reasonable size. A 180 Miller or Lincoln will do to start but I think you might even have some trouble with that. DOM is going to need some good power to mig properly. I would start looking for a good used mig like a MM210 or MM212 or Lincoln unit of the same output.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:i vote for the miller 211Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:Welcome to the forum!  I suggest going bigger on 220v to begin with.  Even if you have to go with a good used machine at 220 it will give you better options than a new one at 110.  You can always turn down the output of a bigger machine but you cant turn up a smaller one if its not capable.  Check ebay, craigs list, etc.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:tractor supply co has the hobart 140on sale for $449.00 with the gas kit
Reply:Millermatic 211 is both 110v and 220v.  It's the right machine for what you described, but it's double your budget.  Talk to Dad about going in for half.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:I see used Millermatic 175's for sale in the $500 range.  That's what I paid for mine a few years ago in practically brand new condition with a cart and a bottle argon/mix.   I still see similar deals on Craig's List around here.  Millermatic 135 or 140 will do the trick too if you don't have 220v power available and are willing to do multiple passes on 3/16 and thicker.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Lincoln 180C!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply:awsome, thanks for all the info! what is the thickest metal i can weld wih a 110v? will it be enough for 1 3/4 .120 wall dom?a 110 seems to fit in my price range alot better. will i be able to weld 1/4 inch steel? thanks again for all the info!
Reply:Yes! (1 3/4" tubing with .120 wall)1/4" steel, 110V, IMO, not the best on a single pass, perhaps multiple
Reply:A 220 volt machine would be your best bet.  Ya never know what you'll need it for in the future.  That said,  I wouldn't be scared of a miller 110 volt unit if the price was right.  Not everything needs 100% penetration or one pass.  A bevel and multiple passes will do wonders if done correctly.  Duty cycle on the other hand.....might be cause for a bigger machine.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmA 220 volt machine would be your best bet.
Reply:What are you going to use the DOM for.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.