Welder recomendations

[hinkv10]

I took metal shop in 9th grade but that is about the extent of my welding experience but I'm interested in doing a couple patch panels on my truck. What kind of welder and make do you recommend? Anything to stay away from? I don't think I'll be doing anything with the frame for awhile so this is pretty much just sheet metal but I'm open to suggestions. Also I'd like one that runs on 110. thanks in adavance

 

[foamypirate]

Hobart Handler 140, hands down. Can do fluxcore, MIG, runs on 110v, and is a VERY good unit for a good price.

 

[89Suburban]

Foamy have you ever welded aluminum with that unit?

 

[foamypirate]

Foamy have you ever welded aluminum with that unit?

I can't say I have. To weld aluminum, you really need to have a spool gun. This puts the wire feed right at the gun, which is needed with aluminum since it is so soft. It won't feed well through a regular hose unless you have it almost perfectly straight, but it can be done if you are careful. I don't think the 140 has the capability to run a spool gun. I actually have a Hobart 210MVP, which does have the capability (Basically a Hobart 140 and a Hobart 190 in one package, can run 110v or 230v). I haven't had a chance to try it yet though, since I don't have a spool gun yet.

 

[89Suburban]

I was just curious, I see in the description it is supposed to run aluminum wire. I would like to get a welder too but I need it to do aluminum so I can do repairs my boat hull.

 

[foamypirate]

I was just curious, I see in the description it is supposed to run aluminum wire. I would like to get a welder too but I need it to do aluminum so I can do repairs my boat hull.

You could probably manage well enough. Just have to keep the hose as straight as possible and use the right gas. Adding the capability to use a spoolgun seems to add a few hundred to the price for some reason.

 

[89Suburban]

The gas is different from steel wire?

 

[foamypirate]

The gas is different from steel wire?

Yep, aluminum is typically argon or argon/helium mix, while steel is argon/co2 mix.

 

[CCSS]

Foamy have you tried flux core with argon/co2 mix? It make a beautiful weld IMO. I am partial to Miller which Hobart is made by Miller but I guess I like the blue! I like my Millermatic 211 welds from 24 gauge to 3/8. Works on 120 or 230v and is compatible with spool gun for aluminum ( bought separately for about $300). Welder was about $1000-1200. And if your looking to weld frames later there would be no need to upgrade later.

 

[Driver4r]

We have 2 welders, 1 wich is a el cheepo lincoln 110 flux core machine, welds nice for what it is, bad thing is its .025 max.

Our other welder is a snap-on welder, i think its 220 only(not sure tho), it can handle a spool gun and can also do DC tig, thats my dads welder, it was not a cheep machine.

the snap on is a hell of a lot more flexable as far as settings, i think the 110 is to hot even on the lowest power to do sheetmetal.

On the topic of welders, we just got the new dynasty tig at school, that thing will weld on alumium foil.

 

[roving4s]

I have a everlast pa160 230v smaw welder. 5yr warranty can crank it up to 160, and use 6010. Burns through **** I can't get a grinder near. It's tig compatible, needs torch with control and gas. I still need plasma and mig, they sell some 3 in 1 units 2 in 1 etc.

If you want a industrial type welder, start looking @ state,education auctions. Those linc welders can take some abuse.

 

[Driver4r]

If you wanna tig, it has to be AC tig, aluminum doesnt like dc, it wont flow worth a ****.

 

[foamypirate]

Foamy have you tried flux core with argon/co2 mix? It make a beautiful weld IMO. I am partial to Miller which Hobart is made by Miller but I guess I like the blue! I like my Millermatic 211 welds from 24 gauge to 3/8. Works on 120 or 230v and is compatible with spool gun for aluminum ( bought separately for about $300). Welder was about $1000-1200. And if your looking to weld frames later there would be no need to upgrade later.

I can't say I have, might have to try it sometime for kicks.

My Hobart Handler 210MVP is the brother of your 211, same deal with the changeable plug for 110v/230v. I love it.