looking for brands and models of mig welding machines.

admin

hi guys,Im a newbie to this hobby but i intend to learn a lot. I wanted to look for brands from miller, lincoln, esab and kemppi and which particular mig models that can weld from 3/8 in to 1/2 inch thickness of tubing. I wanted to have a project chopper motorcycle which i intend to start. I was hoping that this forum can help me choose. by the way power source is only 220volts.Im open to suggestions as well since i am very much wanted to go to the right road on doing this. Pls help me guys. edzen
Reply:If your looking for a mig that big, you're looking at a 250 series machine or a power source with a feeder.  I'm imagining you mean 3/8-1/2" side wall.  Are you looking to set your shop up for a lot of different projects in the future?  Are you looking to buy new or used?  What's your budget?In the used market, a Millermatic 200 would be my choice.  If you plan on doing a lot of projects in the future, I'd venture to say an XMT 304 with a feeder.  New, I'd have to say a Millermatic 252 or 350.  Another option would be a TA Fabricator 252. With the TA you'd be able to stick weld metals thicker than the mig could handle and tig weld small stuff.Last edited by Drf255; 11-02-2013 at 07:03 AM.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:The Miller 211 is in the CURRENT REBATE program.  There are numerous threads on the 211. Is duty cycle a issue ?  What's your budget ?  We can certainly help you spend LOTS of money !!!!!!
Reply:well thats a good start there guys. Money is something not what you worry about if its something worth that you are buying but if its gonna waste your money then that would be a different story. I wanna have a handful of options. Yes its a 3/8 to 1/2 inch thickness tubing and as well as plates that i intend for my project. And yes BD1 you have mentioned about duty cycle, what is it all about? and between the millermatic 211 and the 252's, whats the difference when we say duty cycle. I read about it and all i can understand is that its the percentage of how long you can straightly weld otherwise you have to stop or else it would damage or overheat the machine? is that right?
Reply:Spend some time here.http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/dictionary.htmlBubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Here's some simplified terminologyhttp://www.jcfswinnipeg.org/document...erminology.pdfBubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:hi burpee. thanks for that great source. Guys after looking at welding brands and models over the internet. I think this 2 will suffice the need i am looking for to weld on 3/8 to 1/2  inch thickness metal. By the way its gonna be carbon steel that im welding. I was caught between the mig welding machines from Miller Millermatic 350P and the Millermatic 252. What do you think guys? Any equivalent from ESAB on this 2 models?
Reply:You can find the welding thickness recommendations on the manufacturers website as well as duty cycle. As a hobby, a 20% or 40% duty cycle is usually not a problem. Rarely does a hobbyist have the fab & fit up done far enough in advance that constant welding will be required. What are you welding that uses 3/8" or 1/2" tube? Bikes would rarely use this kind of tube. If money is truly no object, I won't try to steer you away from the MM252 or MM350P, but these are full on commercial machines designed to be welding all day everyday.If you are serious into the bike building hobby I'd go with what Drf255 recommended and go with the XMT304 from miller and choose a feeder that suits your need. Besides being a power source for MIG, you can TIG weld mild, chromoly, and stainless steels.http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...xmt_304_cc_cv/Millermatic 200Hobart Handler 120Victor O/A & Ramco BandsawLincoln 225 ACSnapOn AD HoodMiller XMT304/22AHypertherm Powermax 1650 G3Lincoln Idealarc DC600 w/Extreme 12 VSMiller Digital Elite "Joker"
Reply:Another place to look:  http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Pages/default.aspxA few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by RaptorDunerIf money is truly no object, I won't try to steer you away from the MM252 or MM350P, but these are full on commercial machines designed to be welding all day everyday.
Reply:Thermal arc 252i set up for .045 wire right from the factory, up 300 amps.You get stick and tig also great machine
Reply:Originally Posted by forhireIt ships setup for 0.30 wire so you'll need to replace the rolls and liner.
Reply:Originally Posted by forhireYikes! Typo... of course I meant 0.030 NOT 0.30.
Reply:Used XMT304CC/CV-$1000Used S22P12 suitcase-$400New Bernard Q300-$125Used Optima pulser (optional)-$400You'll have a 400 amp mig for under $2000 with a killer duty cycle, pulse, and the ability to tig and stick also.   You won't meet something you can't handle. Add a spool gun and controller for another $1000 in the future.  No Mickey Mouse stuff above.  It's what I use.Last edited by Drf255; 11-03-2013 at 04:24 AM.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum