I am looking to buy a wire welder and would like any sugestions?? and any sites for welding tips for the beginer?
thanks

Do a search on welders. There is a lot of information in the archives.

Dave

I bought a Campbell-Hausfeld several years ago at Lowes. 110 volt, complete except for the bottle. At that time, I paid $300.00. I like it and it works well. I didn't see the need for a mega doller set up since I will use it only sometimes. The CH is adjustable and can be used on both heavy frame metal and sheetmetal.

I bought one from Daytona Mig:

http://www.daytonamig.com/

-Over 15 years ago and it is still going strong- if you dont want to buy name brand like Miller or Lincoln, which come highly recommended. You should go with true MIG- with gas, for detailed body work. There is plenty of discussion on this forum regarding this topic- but the basics are well established and still hold true.I think it is under paint and body. Good Luck-

Rob

Here is one example of a thread on this topic:

http://www.camaros.net/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=005759#000000

I think this link will work. Martinsur has posted extensivly on this and other topics.

Rob

I know a lot of people are going to reccomend Miller, which is a very good brand, but I went out a bought a Hobart handler 175, which is a 230 volt mig, and can weld up to 1/4", in a single pass. Hobart and Miller are made at the same factory, but Miller offers a little more fine tuning then the Hobart. But the Hobart cost me about 100.00 cheaper then the Miller. It can do anything from chassis work to body work. If your going to do chassis work, go with at least a 230 volt mig. If it's just for body work, then you can get by with a 120 volt mig. But my vote is for a Hobart brand.
Bruce

I have a Hobart Handler 175 and I really like it.
I never welder before, but with the shielding gas and a liitle practice, you'd think I was welding for years.

Mike

Before you plop your hard earned money down on a new 110VAC 100amp welder, check the used market. I'm finding that auctions and classifieds have 175Amp 220VAC welders with all the goodies for not much more than a brand new 100Amp 110VAC welder. You will greatly apprciate the added power since the small welders can't do much over 16ga steel without multiple passes.

i agree on looking into the used market. i saw a lincoln weld pak 100 with mig gas conversion and bottle for i thing it was about $275.00 on craigslist.

I love my Miller 250 Millermatic, I like the digital control which gives you complete control over wire speed and welding amps.

68,
If you are going to buy new, I would suggest finding a local welding supply store. You might pay a couple of dollars more than you will from a "Big Box" type store, but the help and information you will get should be well worth it. You will need to purchase or rent a gas bottle from them anyway, and they are more likely to spend time helping you if you purchase the welder from them. They might also have some slightly used "trade in's" that you might get for a better price than new. I personally think that all of the "name brand" welders are pretty similar, especially for hobby use.
Just my opinion,

Thanks , as always great tips and advice.

kevin. graemlins/beers.gif

Also check out HTP welders. I have had one and absolutly love it. My friend is a welder by trade and he says it is a very well made machine. He uses Millers at work and he said it rivals Millers. chheck em out.

Originally posted by angelglo:
i agree on looking into the used market. i saw a lincoln weld pak 100 with mig gas conversion and bottle for i thing it was about $275.00 on craigslist. I use a weld pak 100 with the gas conversion, and it works great. I did floors and quarters with ease.