choice of welding machines Options

[CTDan914]

I'm no sure if this is the right spot for this or not but here it is.

I see a lot of you guys do your own welding on your cars. I plan on getting a welder soon and the electrician running the 220 wants to know which plug to install. HUH!

The machine I'm thinking of will be either a Miller or Lincoln Electric. Someone once told me to stick to a known name brand because it's easier to get serviced locally if needed.

OK, but what size welder do I need that's the question. Can you guys help me with this?

I want something that can be used on body work up to maybe 1/4 to 5/16" think tubing etc. A friend of mine said mig is the way to go.

What would you be using?
Dan

[toolguy]

I've used them all, but IMHO MILLER is the only brand to get. . I still use my old Miller 35 from the 80's and have never had an issue with it. . . . . To me, Lincoln's require too much fiddling with the settings to get a good weld. . seems like their setting parameters are narrow, while a Miller is much easier to set up. . .

Next. . get a 220v machine. . much more versatile, sucks less amps and easier on the machine. I've used a MIller 135 [110 volt] and found it didn't produce a deep weld and was hard to control weld pattern consistency. . I also prefer one with a wire wound transformer vs. an inverter. . . If the PC board goes in the inverter you might as well buy a new welder. . Finally, don't get something using coated wire; use a shielding gas. . Doesn't need to Argon or Mig mix- straight CO2 works fine for welding steel.

My son got a miller with dual controls. I think it was a 250 or so. . . He has a spool guy with aluminum on one side and steel wire in a regular Mig gun. . It made nice aluminum welds but not really that great for really thin alum sheet. .

Most real commercial welding stores will let you try out different rigs before purchase. . . and my local dealer has matched prices from EBay retailers for Miller units because they prefer you to buy local and become a lifelong customer.