Wanting to buy a welder

Hey fellow minitruckers. I am wanting to purchase my very first welder. Now, i dont really know a lot about welders and thats why im here to hear from the pros. I've welded some stuff on my buddies welder but never done anything big. So having that said, i need a recomendation on what welder would be good to learn with. How many amps, etc. Thnak you guys.

Whatever it is, make sure it is a 220V.

Miller 175.....is all the welder you need.

thats what i have and LOVE it.

Get a miller 175 amp. That should be enough for whatever you're going to do.

Miller 251 Is nice thats what i got.. but all you need is a 175... Just make sure its 220.....

Im not going to do anything big w/ it such as frame work since im still learning. Mostly gonna use it for rollpans, notch cover, and other stuff like that. I saw this one

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00920566000&subcat=Welders

The Hobart 180 makes a nice begginner machine and can usually be picked up from Tractor Supply as a package with a cart and gas regulator included. Stay away from any 110v machines because you will just wind up replacing it with a 220v in the end. Also make sure you hook up the shielding gas instead of flux core wire when you buy a machine, you will be happy that you did(cleaner welds).

Edited: 3/17/2006 10:18:26 AM by 87s10SC



ARC would be bad for body work, if you just want something for body work and small stuff, Run out to Lowes and pick up a Lincoln 135 or get a Miller 135. If I were you I would go ahead and spend alittle more money and get the Miller 175.

or this one.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00920580000&subcat=Welders

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