MIG Welder - I want one

[smiffy555]

In the market for a Mig welder. Is there a specific gassing category for this question?

[smiffy555]

Thank you for your reply. What sort of budget should I be looking at.

I want to weld up and fabricate some barn door frames etc. Also have some farm equipment that needs repairing. Have done quite a bit of welding in my farming days but have never purchased one with my own money. A pointer in the right direction would be appreciated.

[smiffy555]

Landie90 said:

Depends what you want one for. Welding farm stuff and thick metal outside, or car body stuff inside?

I've got a Clark 135TE Mig from Machine Mart. It's a hobby machine, but it is fine for what I want it for. No point spending more than is needed for something that gets occasional use.

I use the Hobbyweld gas.

Edit, just seen your reply. You want an inverter stick welder for that job.

Inverter stick welder??? Is that ARC welding? Forgive my ignorance etc.

Just googled.....yep, ARC welder.

[smiffy555]

Landie90 said:

Yes. They handle thicker material and adverse conditions (like being outside) better than a mig.

If you are in a nice draught free workshop, then a Mig will do it, but I suspect you will need a powerful one to do barn door frames which will require a 16A supply.

All fabrication will be in a workshop. Will be using 40mm square box with 5mm wall section.

Will then be screwing on square section sheets on to the frame. Will need to weld the hinges on

Was thinking of a 100 to 150 amp welder running 0.8 to1mm wire

[smiffy555]

Landie90 said:

My Mig is a 135 amp and 5mm is its absolute maximum. It runs off a standard 13A socket.

You probably want a 150 amp which will be more than up to the job. You could probably run it from a 13A socket as you aren't going full power all of the time. It may trip the breaker occasionally.

Thanks for your help / advice.

Looking at his fella.....

https://www.weldequip.com/parweld-xte171c.htm

[smiffy555]

finishing touch said:

PaulKemp said:

finishing touch said:

Don't want to get involved in any arguments so I will comment on things that haven't been covered on the thread so far.

I have a Migatronic 180 (180 amps) running 0.6 wire and 5% argon/ CO2 plugged into a 13amp socket, connected to a MCB B32 breaker in my consumer unit.
I make a lot of thin ducting so its handy to leave this set for thin stuff.


I also have a Lincoln 210 (180 amps) running 0.8 wire and 15% argon/CO2 which copes with the 3 to 8mm jobs. This also will go down to car bodywork.

This also runs from the same sockets in the workshop. It's a pain to keep swopping 15kg reels of wire so both welders get used as welding is my living.

Both have a good range of settings (10) and this is important. Welders with H/L-1/2 are just toys.

Gas also adds to the equation as for example by using neat CO2 (pub gas) the heat is increased for thick plate. I have welded teeth to digger buckets by depositing 3 run fillets using CO2.


Hope this helps.

Paul G

This man knows his stuff and is a class welder, great info Paul

Owwww, you've made me blush now !

I've seen loads of threads like this in my time.
It's a shame that in 99% of cases the OP ends up buying a HOS make. (shrugs shoulders)

Don’t worry, I won’t buy a HOS (whatever that means)

I’ve learnt over the years that if you buy cheap you buy twice.

[smiffy555]

Thank you all for your advise, some very good comments have been made.

I don’t want a stick welder as I do want to also do car welding on much thinner sheet metal.

Thanks again.