The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest MIG welder

I use a Lincoln 175 gas shielded MIG. Works great. I don't think 110v really gets great penetration when you work on thicker materials. But, I'm not a certified welder either. What I do know is that I tried a friends Harbor Freight welder about three years ago. That would be the second time I've tried one. Both times they were horrible. Even at max amperage dialed in and running on a 30-50 amp wall circuit we had a terrible time welding clean scale-free steel. Might as well have used a stripped extension cord as the welder and old clothes hangers as welding rod!!

If you want a welder just for occasional repairs I would suggest finding a used quality welder rather than a crappy welder. You'll get good welds rather than crappy ones.

I also received a Chinese plasma cutter from a friend for helping him build a truck. I truly appreciate the thought and the gift. But as far as quality goes it leaves a lot to be desired. IF it cuts it cuts well on thin material. It does not cut well on 1/8" thick material. I say IF because what I call the "trigger to fire ratio" is agonizingly frustrating. Pull the trigger and no fire! Ground is excellent. Air pressure is very good and regulated correctly. Water separator is working well. Wall circuit is 50 amps. Pull the trigger and no fire! This could repeat itself once before firing or numerous times. It's so frustrating I dread using the thing. I'll save my money and buy a new quality plasma.

One more thing on plasmas that I was told by the Lincoln rep at the SEMA show in Vegas. The entry-level machines put all the circuits on one board. If that board fails it's about an $800 repair on a $1200 machine. He said the higher level plasmas they offer have the functions separated onto separate boards to make repairs more economical. Trade show bullsh*t? Don't know, but I still haven't repaired my Lincoln entry-level plasma because the repair quote I got locally was going to be $800!