Need some advice on choosing the right welder

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I have never welded before but I am very good at learning things. I am an auto mechanic by trade and this is something I need to learn for my job as well as my own use for my severe addiction to drag racing! I need to weld up a roll cage for my car as well as some other chassis fabrication.The cage is 1/8" mild steel I believe. Now, I honestly have no intention of picking up a gun and welding up the cage right away if thats what some may be thinking. It is something I would really like to teach myself to do with practice. What would a good general purpose MIG welder be for my intentions? I have been looking at the Miller and Lincoln 110v machines but I think they may be lacking for what I want to do. I can set up 220v in my garage but money is a limiting factor. I can't go much must $700 for a machine. Any good recomendations or advice? Am I probably in way over may head thinking I can teach myself to weld up a roll cage?
Reply:If you are doing strictly mild steel then the mig welder is going to be your best choice.  It is by far the easiest to learn, very easy to weld out of position and is a fast welding process.  As for size of welder, I would highly suggest not trying to build a drag car with any of the 110 volt machines.  A few of the high end ones can do it, but, you will be maxed out on the settings for the roll cage itself, let alone trying to weld brackets to a rear axle housing.The only 110 volt capable machine that I have seen that could handle the job is the Miller DVI. But, set on 110 volt I dont think it could be set hot enough to weld on an axle housing.  The machine is capable of being run off of both 110 and 220.  I have personally used one of these machines and it seemed to be a pretty good machine.
Reply:sb93To answer your question, I would not look at 110v mig, unless it is just to practice and understanding that you will upgrade later.  There are some inverters that run off 110v and 110/220v that work well.  The inverters in your price range are stick/tig machines.  HTP sells mig/tig/stick machines.  If you are going mig then look at 220v machines.  However, I would suggest learning to weld first.  Try a local trade school or local welder willing to help.  You can even rent welders.  This would give you more of an idea of what you are looking for and expose you to other forms of welding.  Hence, you will buy the right welder the first time, instead of buying one welder then another to actually do the job right.  While you can teach yourself to weld, roll cages are not decoration. Thus, having someone else look at your weld and teaching you how to get good penetration is important.  There are several websites of roll cage fabrication.  Look at used machines,too.  This will save you lots of money.  I have never gotten a bad used welder.  Last year I purchased from an individual a Panasonic Guslinger 260 Mig welder for $600.  I also purchased a HTP 250 plasma cutter for $100 from a pawn shop, then sold it for $550.  I recently purchased a Thermoarc Dragster 80 inverter stick/tig for $100.  So look around for deals and save money for other tools you will need for metal fabrication.  Don't limit yourself to lincoln or miller.
Reply:Hence, you will buy the right welder the first time, instead of buying one welder then another to actually do the job right. While you can teach yourself to weld, roll cages are not decoration. Thus, having someone else look at your weld and teaching you how to get good penetration is important.
Reply:Have a good buddy source one out for you locally or if they know someone who is a welding rep (i.e. Praxair) - some of these reps can get used/demo/display models at a crazy price.When I started out, I had no idea as well, but I trusted a friend to source one out for me through reps. I ended up with LE Power Mig 300 for a quarter of the retail price. With proper care, it will last a very long time with no need to upgrade. Good luck on your search.///e46toronto.caCanada's premier BMW forum
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