Which MIG?
 

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.

Re: Which MIG?
 

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.

Re: Which MIG?
 

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.

Re: Which MIG?
 

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?

Re: Which MIG?
 

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.

Re: Which MIG?
 

Re: Which MIG?
 

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

Re: Which MIG?
 

Re: Which MIG?
 

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

Re: Which MIG?
 

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

Re: Which MIG?
 

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

Re: Which MIG?
 

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.

Re: Which MIG?
 

Alright, thanks alot. You guys helped alot.

Re: Which MIG?
 

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. :thumb:

Mike