I am looking to pick up a MIG welder withing the next week or so. I need some input, I dont want the cheapest thing, but I dont want the most expensive thing either. Would something like this: http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...WE6523P-5.html be ok for doing your own FI plumbing? If there is something better in that price range, let me know. Thanks alot.

 

Looks like a good deal, although I don't know the track record for Clarke. That isn't saying much since I am new to it. Miller is the way to go but money has to be spent. I ended up buying a Lincoln Electric Pro Mig 135(the same amps you are looking at) and I like it just fine. The one you are looking at is plenty big enough for fi piping as well as many other things.

 

My MIG is a Lincoln 125sp and with .023 wire welds awesome. I've even welded suspension peices with it (relocation brackets, BMR Track Pak, beefed up my Moser Torque arm mount) and I have had Zero failures! Works great on piping as well. I think they are in the $300 range. Look into it, just make sure you don't go bigger than .023 wire.

 

Awesome, thanks guys. I just want to buy some huge machine that I dont need. I think im gonna look into the same Lincoln your talking of Smoknz. Where did you buy it from?

 

Whichever one you choose, Lincoln def. being a good choice, make sure you opt to use sealing gas, pick up a small tank instead of using flux cored wire. most welders give you the coice of going either way.

 

The flux core works ok, but the welds aren't as clean, and the smallest flux wire I have found is .030. For the thinner stuff you need .023 or thereabouts, and invest in the gas kit. Nice thing about the small 110V migs is you can just swap the polarity back and forth depending on what wire size you need. I have done everything from bodywork to chassis and roll cage with my 110V 140amp mig that I got from Home Depot many years ago. Don't ask me brand, 'cause it is at home, and I am not!

 

What are you guys using for sealing gas? I heard you can use many different things.

 

argon/co2 mix. For aluminum pure argon is needed, just tell whomever you buy the bottle from what you are welding and they can hook you up.

 

Airtech, its a local welding supplier. Also check ebay!

 

I've always been able to weld much better using gas (argon/co2) then using the flux core wire. I hate that ****.

 

How long does a bottle of sealing gas last for you guys? And where do you get them filled when its gone?

 

Depends on how much welding you're doing - a 80 to 125cf cylinder might last you a year if you are just doing a few jobs here and there. Buy yourself a cylinder with a cga580 valve, and look in the yellow pages under welding supplies ... most of the larger welding supply stores will fill/exchange your cylinders. Tell them what gas you want, and they'll take your empty cylinder and give you one that's already filled. I think my last refill was $17 for straight argon (I only use TIG now) w/ a 80 CF cylinder. Try to stick with a 80 CF or smaller cylinder unless you plan to do lots of welding ... 125 CF and larger starts getting pretty unhandy to move around.

 

Alright, thanks alot. You guys helped alot.

 

That is the same machine I've had for about 6 years now and it's great. Runs on 110v and still heavy duty enough to weld some pretty thick stuff. I've tackled some 1/2" plate with it and the penetration was very good. I've also welded very thin stainless with great success.

My vote is for Lincoln.

Mike