Shopping for a MIG

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Hi all,This is my first post. I just sold off my antique Birdsell buzzbox and drained my birthday account. I have about $400 to play with and I am shopping for a decent used wire feed. I am looking on Craigslist and see what look like good deals all over.I will use this at home on various handyman type projects and will most likely flip the switch about once a month. I will be welding everything from sheet metal body panels to 3/8" trailer frames. I have used a Lincoln 100 and that is a good machine but it seems I am working at it's limit most the time when on heavier metal.I am looking for suggestions about what specific machines I should look for or avoid. I think that a 120v machine will always be working at it's limit on heavier steel. I have 220 in my garage and thing I should probably find a small 220v welder so I have sufficient power, longer duty cycle and room to grow. Welding aluminum would be cool but will probably break my budget so I will skip it, The last thing is, I would rather not have a 400 pound machine occupying presious real estate in my garage...small is good.What can you pros suggest I look for?Last edited by Bonaro; 03-29-2010 at 10:49 PM.
Reply:Unfortunately 400.00 will not get you anything unless you find a deal on a used machine.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Stick with a 220v unit... they are more efficient and are usually more robust.Keep looking on Craigslist. They pop up all the time.Consider a flux-core. Maybe one already set up for .035 wire with some extra wire rolls. If you're not using it too much, the flux core is handy. Gas shielded is cheaper overall, but you'll need the bottle, reg and flow meter, and running out of gas is a drag. Depending on where you are located might be quite a drive for more gas. Flux core is better for outdoors/windy situations. If you do get one with a bottle included, make sure it's owned outright (not a rental) and that it is exchangeable by your local weld shop.Hobart BetaMig 250Miller Dynasty 200DX
Reply:220 is good but half the story. What is the ampacity of the circuit breaker feeding the garage, 20, 30, 40, 50 amps?
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Reply:I have a 30 amp breaker but I wired the circuit with 10 ga. so I could pop in a 50 easily, a 30 is what I had on hand.I have only used flux core wire once and it was on a small Harbor Freight Welder outside on a very cold day. My experience was not rewarding but it was memorable.I have used a lincoln 100 gas mig at work and I can cruise with it but it doesnt like the thicker metal.I am only a few miles from a welding store so a gas refill is easy, good tip about the rented bottle.Should I stick to looking for a Lincoln or Miller or are some of the other brands like century or airco ok as well?
Reply:Originally Posted by BonaroI have a 30 amp breaker but I wired the circuit with 10 ga. so I could pop in a 50 easily, a 30 is what I had on hand.I have only used flux core wire once and it was on a small Harbor Freight Welder outside on a very cold day. My experience was not rewarding but it was memorable.I have used a lincoln 100 gas mig at work and I can cruise with it but it doesnt like the thicker metal.I am only a few miles from a welding store so a gas refill is easy, good tip about the rented bottle.Should I stick to looking for a Lincoln or Miller or are some of the other brands like century or airco ok as well?
Reply:Grrr...shoulda looked it up before I typed.Ok then, 30 amps will get me a good buzz going