Can anyone recommend an MIG welder for a beginner?

[Fiat88]

I'm considering buying a welding machine, to be able to do some light repair work on the Fiat. Like filling in small rust holes, floor pan patch panels, etc.

What would be a good choice? Budget around $300. Thanks.

[wikkid]

I'd start looking here.

[narfire]

I recently bought a Hobart 180 for $600 cdn. It was slightly used and came with a full spool of wire, full gas bottle, spare tips ect.. I bought a cart and a good auto dark helmet as well. Perhaps check a few welding shops and see if they have or know of anyone wanting to upgrade to a bigger unit and want to sell a smaller welder. Craigslist? To be honest I'm not a welder but do ask around on the quality of the "off-shore " welders.
Chris

[maytag]

I've got an old "Hobart Handler" that I've been using in the manner you're suggesting for about 25 years. I've replaced some consumable parts, like wire-jackets, etc., but it has been a fantastic welder. Lincoln now owns them, and is sellimg the same model, largely unchanged.

My biggest recomendation to you is to make sure that whatever you buy, there are readily available parts, like spool-threaders, tips, jackets, etc etc. A Harbor Freight welder may seem like a bargain, until you throw it away because you can't replace the jacket after running stainless through it. (I don't KNOW that the Harbor Freight model won;t accept others' parts... I'm just suggesting that you should be sure before you buy).

[wachuko]

I went with a cheap unit from HF... you can get parts at Lowes for it... at least the common wear items.

But if the budget allows and you will be using it often, go with a brand name. In my case I use it so rarely that I could not justify the price of a brand model.

[manoa matt]

The harbor freight welder is not bad, but if you get an auto darkening helmet and replace the welding wire it comes with Lincoln welding wire it will be much improved. Flux core is much easier for a beginner than trying to deal with gas, and works well outside even when its windy. It only requires a bit more cleaning after the weld, however the weld strength is just as strong as a traditional gas mig welder.

[azruss]

I brought the harbor freight welder shown above. It is a POS. If you are a beginner, this is NOT the welder for you. Bite the bullet and spend another 50% and get a better welder. I also dont agree with using flux core. I think welding with a co2/argon mix gives you a much better final product without being a pro.

[maytag]

I also dont agree with using flux core. I think welding with a co2/argon mix gives you a much better final product without being a pro.

I agree 100% with this statement. co2/argon mix is the way to go.

Another thing I didn't mention is that if you ever want to try welding aluminum, you'll want the range of adjustability and consistent feed & amperage that a better brand will offer. I weld alu with my Hobart Handler all the time. But if that wire feed skips, you're hosed.

[Fiat88]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Cool helmet Wachuko.

What you guys think about this one?http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LCN-K2185-1/?rtype=10

[wachuko]

My friend has a Handler 210 with the gas setup. Very nice unit. But I could not afford something like that at the time.

Not sure if the reason I find the HF easy to use is because I am not a newbie at welding... no expert here but I helped my uncles do some iron work when I was younger. I learned how to weld with the stick/ARC units and then practiced with MIG and TIG machines. But that was many years ago. I found the HF to be enough to do the jobs I needed. It does have the hoses for using but I have not set that up yet...

I agree, with the recommendation of using a better wire than what comes with the machine. The auto darkening helmet I got as a present from my father-in-law (also from HF). Wish I had one of those when I worked for my uncle, lol... so many watery eyes lifting the helmet to look before tapping, lol.

If you can spare the coin for one of those Hobart 187 units (around US$600.00 on the street), go for it. Comes ready with everything but the tank.

[wachuko]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Cool helmet Wachuko.

What you guys think about this one?http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LCN-K2185-1/?rtype=10

IMHO, and no offense intended... I do not see any difference from that one when compared to the Harbor Freight unit... it has the same brush, same mask, same everything that came with my Harbor Freight unit... Most likely built by the same company...

These folks have that one for 297.00 with free shipping... http://weldingsupplyusa.com/index.php?p ... t&Itemid=1

If you are going to spend that kind of money, close your eyes and spend a few more dollars and get a Hobart... again, IMHO.

[wachuko]

Take a look at this one... better amp (140 vs 80)....

http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500500-Han ... hi_image_1

[Fiat88]

Take a look at this one... better amp (140 vs 80)....

http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500500-Han ... hi_image_1

I think I'm gonna save a little more $$$ and go with that one.

[ChrisSRT]

Wife got me a MillerMatic 211 for Christmas. Alittle more $$$'s but we have a farm and sometimes need to do heavier work. I've got 220v in my barn, but can use my generator if I need to use it in the field. Now I just need some more practice.

[baltobernie]

I've got the same HF model as wachuko, and use the provided flux wire.

I've found that this machine is OK for floorboards, seat rails, bumper mounts, etc., but not so good on exterior body sheet metal. There's only four temperature positions on this welder. "One" is not enough, and "two" is too much . If I had to do it again, maybe I'd have bought a better one with adjustable output.