Recomend a welder

[BIG98XJ]

Looking to buy a welder soon and would like to be able to burn up to 1/4 for bumpers, sliders and such, and also small suspension stuff like shock tabs and such. What do yall recomend to start out on?

[MogifiedXJ]

Looking to buy a welder soon and would like to be able to burn up to 1/4 for bumpers, sliders and such, and also small suspension stuff like shock tabs and such. What do yall recomend to start out on?
A Miller definately. I like the 210 and 251 models for home usage. Here's a link:

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_210/index.php

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_251/index.php

[BrettM]

one of the big 3 (miller, lincoln, hobart, in that order IMO) in a 175/180 amp size is the perfect welder for your typical garage welding NAXJA member. If you want to drop some money the 250 amp units are great.

[BIG98XJ]

Since cost is an issue, waht do yall think about this setup http://cgi.ebay.com/HOBART-HANDLER-140-NEW-MIG-WELDER-FREE-SHIP-W-CART_W0QQitemZ250016092288QQihZ015QQcategoryZ11374 3QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[IntrepidXJ]

Since cost is an issue, waht do yall think about this setup http://cgi.ebay.com/HOBART-HANDLER-140-NEW-MIG-WELDER-FREE-SHIP-W-CART_W0QQitemZ250016092288QQihZ015QQcategoryZ11374 3QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

if you have access to 220v.....that would be a much better option.

[Ramsey]

if your gonna drop that much coin, might as well spend a little more and get a 220 and run a line for it.

[BrettM]

220v

It's not that hard to wire up an outlet. Get a 175/180 unit.

I've used a 110v Lincoln with flux-core to do 1/8" steel, and it worked great. I might even feel comfortable with it on 3/16", but I wouldn't use it for 1/4", especially if you want to use gas.

When I linked the rear of my MJ and did some cage work last fall I used that 110v Lincoln for all the 1/8" and smaller and to weld to the uni-body, but I have an old 220v AC arc welder that I picked up for $50 that I did all the thicker stuff with.

[MudDawg]

I just bought a new Millermatic 175 mig to suppement my aging 60 amp Clarke. I will work 1/4" with no problem at all. Very nice machine.

[Joe]

If you want the best of both worlds in voltage 110v and 220v then you want to look at this welder:
http://www.htpweld.com/products/mig_welders/mig_160dv.html

[BrettM]

one of the big 3, miller I think, makes a 110/220 machine also, but it costs almost as much as buying both seperately. if you really are stuck with 110, buy a good one and it will keep a very good resale value for when you go 220.

[Menzenski]

I have a 220v outlet in the laundry room. Could I safely run a 220v welder on an extension cord (it's not very far at all), or is that asking for trouble? I'm thinking I may be better off with a less expensive 110v unit.

[BIG98XJ]

I took a look at the outlets for my washer and dryer and the 2 upper prongs are diagnal. Is there any type of adapter that would allow me to plug in a 220 Welder?

[BrettM]

I know a handful of people that run 220v welders off washer/dryer outlets. Make your own extension cords with the right connectors on each end, just be sure to use large enough wire.

[Gunner]

Go 220. I have a Lincoln SP100 that works pretty well considering the lack of power. I welded 1/4 plate to my DOM (forgot the size) tie rod for my ram. It's still there but I worry about it. But I picked up my SP for $75. Before that I was going Hobart, Lincoln 175 or better. Which I will sooner or later. Probably when my ram rips off.

[apsdad]

Go with one of the big 3. Size is a matter of your budget. I have the Hobart 140, and I have had no trouble doing up to 1/4 inch plate. I know experts will say it's a stretch on the capability, but I haven't had any weld failures on any of the nerf bars, sliders, or bumpers I've built for the three trail Jeeps in our family ('87 YJ, '97 TJ, and my '96 XJ. Before you buy online and pay shipping, check your local welding supply shop. I think their prices are pretty close to what I see on EBay for a new unit. Used units are less, but you don't get to return a defective one.
You can see my work on http://home.windstream.net/rsolomon/Jeep.htm

[HotSpringsXJ]

Take look at www.tooking.com also. They have some good prices and dont kill you with shipping.