another newbie with questions

admin

I would like to get a small rig to do some light weight stuff, like a wire mesh side boards for my utility trailer and some tables or grills, 1/8" stuff, maybe some 1/4 when fixing a broken trailer hitch. I have done some stick welding in the long ago. It wasn't pretty, but it held. I don't know much about mig welders, gas or gasless. I assume wire and gas is cheaper then the fluxed wire. Is one better or easier than the other? What kind of machine would you guys suggest for a would be hobbyist who wants to do a good job?
Reply:Not sure that the wire and gas is cheaper than the fluxed wire, but you get a much cleaner weld with the gas -- no flux to chip off.I think that what you are going to run into is the question of duty cycle.  You could do 1/4" with a little 110V system, but you'll be waiting more than you are welding.  If you only do it once in a blue moon, you might get by with a 110V.  If you do very much at the 1/4" range, you'll want to step up to a 220V system.I have a Century 110V (see sig line) that worked well for me for many years but I just got to the point where the duty cycle was driving me nuts.  I'd weld for a minute or two and then stand around for five to ten minutes while the welder cooled down again.  So I jumped up to the Millermatic 250 -- a bit overkill, but I can weld all day long with it when I need to.Tell us some more about what you will be welding and how often.  Miller and Lincoln both have their fans.
Reply:I think most of what I'd do would be making things out of square tubing and diamond wire, small tables, outdoor seats/benches, a couple of animal enclosures. maybe some brackets for building/framing a gazebo or to build a monitor stand/arm. I'm not opposed to buying a small 220 unit, maybe something that I can do flux core with to start out and maybe add the gas later?
Reply:noel, you might want to check out Lincoln's SP 175T.  It is capable of both flux core and solid wire with gas.  It runs off of 220, fairly portable for its size, fairly decent duty cycle for the amp range provided you dont intend to use it all day, and reasonably priced.  Check out Lowe's and also www.weldingmart.com.  Stick with more popular brands and I dont think you will be disappointed.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Noel,The 120 volt units are best suited for sheetmetal. For what you are wanting to do, a 230 volt unit is a much better choice. If you want the best unit performance wise of the smaller compact 230 volt units, check out Lincoln's SP 175 PLUS. I happen to own a MM 175 along with a MM 210 and MM 251. Anyway, after I bought the MM 175 I ran a SP 175 plus, and it is definitely a more user friendly unit then the Miller with its wire speed tracking.
Reply:Dan is correct.  The SP 175 Plus has the infinite voltage adjustment on it where as the SP 175T has the tapped version of voltage adjustment.  The tapped version, 175T, gives you choice of 5 different voltage settings whereas the Plus version gives you infinite settings from the lowest to highest with everything in between allowing the operator to fine tune the settings to his needs.  Both are basically the same units with the voltage setting setup being the difference.  The Plus does sell for upwards of $100 dollars or more than the T for this added feature.  Is it worth it?  Up to you to decide.  I do agree that Lincoln's units are more user friendly than others.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A