once again you guys on here are awesome thank you so much for all the good info. How much should I spend on a starter MIG?

 

honestly get a used one, as long as it works it will be just as good as a brand new one, my tig welder is older then i am and runs like a champ. and if its a miller or lincoln or some other main brand you can easily get parts for it

 

I would plan on the $400 range. As with anything, you get what you pay for. Can you go to harbor freight and get a new welder for $180...yep, and thats what you'll have...a cheap welder. Im obviously biased to Lincoln Electric, but I dont work for them anymore and I still stand by their product...it really is great. But, as long as you stick with Lincoln or Miller...even Hobart or ESAB, you'll be fine. In most cases a search on craigslist.org should get you what you need, and a good welder will last you many many years, so if you find a deal on a clean used one, dont be too afraid of it...especially if its one of the brands i mentioned.

Heres a GREAT place to buy from...http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/c000027.htm
They ship for free and they beat pretty much anyones prices that i've seen locally or on the internet, they are VERY reliable and a trusted retailer.

I know for a fact the the Lincoln Power MIG welders come ready to weld either fluxed cored or gas shielded and have a roll of each wire and im sure the other brands are the same. If you find something you're thinking about buying, post it and I (and others) will let you know what we think about it.

And keep in mind...I have a couple different Lincoln MIG welders and can sell one. I have a 220 and a 110. The 220 hasnt been used yet and the 110 has been used about 4 hours total.

 

im about to learn mig welding in the next couple months when we start building the chassis for our baja team at auburn. definently excited about learning. i hated stick welding back in middle school.

 

i paid $1100 for my Hobart. and one reason i bought it, is because Hobart and Miller parts are interchangeable. and i can also use a 80 lb spool of wire, instead of a 11 lb spool. i would perfer a 220 volt, that way you can weld thicker metal with it. just remember, hard wire plus gas will give you a smooth and a slick looking weld. wire welders are alot easier to weld with than a stick. but, you can always go with a subarc. i love the one we have at work. now that baby will lay down a good looking weld.

 

Yeah me too.....how sad is it that many schools don't have those programs anymore.

 

Mu best improvement in welding came with the autodarkening lenses.
I improved 100% in a matter of days when I got mine

 

Brazing with oxy-acetylene two if you already have a torch only for little things tho. I just started welding, Its fun but you have to get the hang of it

 

I'm surprised no one mentioned the "duty cycle" on the wire feed. Which means:For example, a 150 amp. welder with a 30% duty cycle must be "rested" for at least 7 minutes after 3 minutes of continuous welding.

 

your duty cycle post is dead on i concider myself an average at home welder but im pretty good with a tig welder on hardened tool steel being a tool and die maker by trade but i grew up a farm boy i can make some damn strong ugly things with a stick welder but i must say mig is totally the easiest

 

havnt run into a situation that was concerning for duty cycle

 

Most people won't. If you are in the "industry" your employer will only buy 100% duty cycle. Unlike my employer, we do have a few wire feeds that make it out to us in the feild. I have had problems with the duty cycle before. Doing alot of handrail one time it "kicked" in. Welds were great then turned to crap. I had to let the welder sit for afew then start up again. You shouldn't really have to worry about it at home but I'd take it into consideration when I buy one.

 

Great point regarding the Duty Cycle, and I agree with whats already been said. If you're a full time welder by trader...this is VERY important. If you're looking at getting your first MIG welder...probably never gonna come up.

To wifordx4...isnt that always the way. Making really strong ugly things. Theres a fine balance between form and function with welding and good welders can certainly nail both!

 

remember, the only difference between the casual welder and the really good professional is...

a grinder