I am trying to find a good deal on a non industrial strength MIG (Flux?) Welding kit. Going to be used for minor chasis/suspension/etc welds and possibly minor body sheet metal. Looking for something that works on normal AC outlet. Can anyone reccomend a kit.

I'd suggest a Hobart Handler. I would not recommend flux core though. Gas bottle is the only way to go imho. Much better results,and stronger welds.

http://www2.northerntool.com/welding/wirefeed-welders/item-1646140.htm

I'd suggest a Hobart Handler. I would not recommend flux core though. Gas bottle is the only way to go imho. Much better results,and stronger welds.

http://www2.northerntool.com/welding/wirefeed-welders/item-1646140.htm

Thank you Bob. That is exactly what I needed to know. By the way, I am in Sandy Springs, at some point I need to stop by and check out your store. -John

I think Bob is correct that about a 140 amp unit WITH a shielding gas is about right for what you want to do.

Check your local Craigslist for deals on a Hobart, Miller, or Lincoln in that size range. Lots of good deals on the Craigslist local to me on welders that size.

I have a lincoln sp125 plus with gas and it works great on everything from sheetmetal to race car chassis. Cost @ a grand with cart and helmet, but I would rec. and auto darkening helmet.

Dan E.
69 SS396 4spd. 4.10 posi. x66 coupe

I use a hobart without shielding gas (flux core is all I use). It works just fine for the things that I do. A gas model would be better.

I have a lincoln I bought at Home Depot.. works in a regular outlet. I was able to weld all my sheet metal along with the frame rails with no problem. Its very simple too use and came with a dvd. I definitely like the gas better than the flux cored. If you get a hobart or miller or lincoln you will be in good shape.

Thanks everyone. I think I am going to go with the Lincoln, it is a little less expensive.

A co2 mig/mag welder is the way to go . dont know what outlet you have in the US but i would use one for a 3 fase 380v 16amp outlet and a welder there is 180amp+.

did not get your picture...

Even thought these small welder say 110 AC a buddy told me that they pull a lot of amps and may be to much for my garage circuit.

I love my Lincoln HD3200 from Home Depot. I use Argon/co 75%/25% gas. Works great! I have welded items from sheet metal to 1/4" plates with it. Lincoln, Hobart, Miller are probably the best brands for the money out there...

do you omly have an 110v ac outlet

The pulling too much amps is a possibility. I have a 20 amp circuit in my garage and once in awhile it popped the circuit. It all depended on how long I welded. But if your tacking thin body panels or plug welding you probably won't have too much of a problem. I have the HD 3200 as well. What I ended up doing was just bumping up my circuit breaker too a 30 amp so it wouldn't keep popping. If you have space in your distribution panel you can just run a dedicated circuit.

What I ended up doing was just bumping up my circuit breaker too a 30 amp so it wouldn't keep popping.


No disrespect, but if you just changed the breaker without increasing the size of the wiring and outlet, you are asking for a fire. Certain gauge wiring and receptacles are only rated for a certain amperage or they will light up like a toaster coil.

None taken. But thanks for pointing that issue out. I wouldn't want someone placing a 30 amp breaker on knob and tube wiring or old 15 amp in the garage It is 12 guage wire in my place and can hold 25-30 amps and the welder doesn't take anywhere close to that. Plus I have a breaker on the power chord I use going into the receptacle to prevent any problems. I just didn't find it necessary to replace 12 guage with ten guage for an occasional circuit breaker tripping. Although I am in the process of adding a 220v receptacle..

And that is why I suggested a dedicate cicruit. Although I know that you should only use a 20 amp breaker with 12 guage.

Excellent point! I did change out my wiring and upgraded the breaker as well. I forgot to mention that too.

I also ended up mounting a separate 220v outlet for my Lencospot spotwelder.

I didn't know which welder to buy as well. So I borrowed a 110V gas shielded mig welder from a friend. Just to see how I liked it. I had very little experience and my welds showed it. As time went on they became acceptable.

When it came time to buy and after reading posts here , we bought a miller 180 autoset 220V. All I can say is this welder makes it look like I have been welding for years. Well worth the money and a lot less grinding time.

If you need to run a new circuit make it 220V and make it easy on yourself.

Hi BelAirBob, I also need to purchase a welder. I have researching the various models and costs, etc. I would like to ask you how you would compare the Harbor Freight welders to the Northern Tools models? Thank You.
GP67
:)

The lincoln I have trips a breaker inside of the unit itself if I weld for an extended period of time. I have a 30amp breaker with #10 wire. It welds all you want to weld on a car project. For the bigger stuff I use a Bobcat.