MIG Welder Info: 120 or 240, Flux or MIG

[FL02]

Is a Flux welder the same as a MIG? I saw a Horbart Flux welder that looks like it would work good on sheetmetal, etc for a project I'm working on. It looks to be the same wire-feed system as a MIG. I'm looking to weld some sheetmetal together and build some structure behind some rust holes for a van I'm trying to fix. It doesn't have to be pretty and don't mind using the angle grinder or body filler to smooth it out. The welder is a 120v system, not a 240v. I think I'd rather run the 120v because it would be more portable and versitile. So, what do you all think works good as far as a welder for bodywork?

[winstontj]

I just went down the same road... You get what you pay for. I have no idea what Hobart's reputation is so you're on your own with that one.

MIG = Metal Inert Gas. It's a wire feed system and it works like a gasoline pump at the gas station. Do you know how there is a smaller tube inside the bigger tube? The small hose pumps the gas and the larger tube sucks the vapors back up. Well with MIG you have your wire feed welder which means the wire is the electrode which constantly feeds out - a glorified glue gun. Then the outer hose, running in combination with the wire feeder mix of inert gasses (argon + Co2, etc.) which shield the arc from contamination by outside variables. A MIG machine needs tanks, regulators, a wire feed, etc. A wire feed machine is a MIG minus the gas. Many use wire feed and are very happy with it. If you can get a 120V cheap and have never welded before I'd say go for it. Learn but plan to dump that and upgrade down the road.

MIG = GAS

I just spent a shocking $3,500 on a TIG welder and after using it for the first time, having never TIG welded before, I know that it was worth every penny. The $1,200 machine I could have gotten at Wal-Mart would have made me believe some on the FAQ that only the most experienced can TIG weld. It's all about having the right tool for the job.

Panel van = not an 02 - do with it what you wish and happy welding.

TJW

[Ian]

I agree about the quality of the machine affecting the ease of welding. I tried out a bunch of MIGs last year and picked up a Miller 210, and found the quality of weld was much better on the 210 than the Miller 135 or 175. Experienced welders can do wonders with any machine, but I found that for a newbie having better technology on your side is a big benefit.

Ian

'76 M2

'05 mm210

[winstontj]

I got a steal of a deal at $2K even but all in all with the contract, tank, hoses, regulators, cart.... yada yada AND some metal stock, a new face mask... It was a whoping $3,500 - or like $3,396. NOT CHEAP but still worth EVERY penny. It's nice to have the stick and TIG feature as well as everything all lined up for SS & ALU welding.

Everybody should have a welder! Oh and your not kidding... GOOD welders can make anything look like artwork but I'm a completely different story.

[tinkidz]

If it's your first time welding I would try renting. You might find a small flux welder for 25 a day. If your buying a welder for home use go with the loncon or miller 135. You can plug it in your wall and if you have a heavy ga. drop cord you can now weld anywhere. I have 2 120v units and 1 240 with a tig. If needed for home use 3/16th or less get the small ones.

[Jack]

I have a Miller Synchrowave 180 for tig and stick and a Miller 135 for mig. For the inexperinced, or anyone,imho, the mig is the way to go. Flux-core is just harder to identify what is happening with the weld puddle. What you see with mig is all metal with the inert gas barrier. Much easier. I have been very pleased with my 135 for body work. Get a piece of 1 1/2-2" copper pipe about 4" long, flatten it and use it to back up the weld puddle. Wedge it, don't try to hold it by hand. The guys spending the money have the best, unquestionably, but for occasional use...I like the 135.

[Britt]

I've got a Lincoln 135 (110v mig) and I really like it. It does an excellent job on all auto items that I've asked it to, and I dang sure like the portability. I've got the gas mig kit for it, as well as have run plenty of flux core thru it. I've even puddled up some aluminum with the teflon liner and some Argon (although it looked poor, it held well, and looked much better once ground down). IMHO it's an excellent hobbiest use welder.

I've also got a Lincoln 225 stick for the bigger things, and am currently looking at a Miller Dynasty 200DX tig purchase in the near future...