The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop MIG Welder

I am looking at adding a MIG welder to my shop to help with the restoration of my 51 Chevy 2 ton. My welding experience is somewhat limited, but I am not afraid to try and tackle it with some practice. Just wondering what brand, voltage and amps you guys are using and would recommend. I am looking to replace the floor pans and a couple of panels on the cab and whatever else may pop up. I don't want to spend a lot of money but want something that is reliable and will do a good job. Thanks.

Really, its the age old question of how much money will I spend because I didnt purchase the right tool in the first place?

For a total frame up restoration, I recommend 220v. I want to be able to make Frame repairs, as well as the 110v thin sheet metal repairs. But for those who use 110 for frames, lets take a look at the shop. Need a Metal table, or a jig? 220v is just the right tool for the job. So Miller or Lincoln 180 gives you BOTH. 110 AND 220 depending on the voltage you have available. Cant loose. About a grand before its all over. Dont forget the Auto Helmet, Gloves, Wire, Incidentals. Fork it over, you will be glad you did.

I have to agree with Deve.. Go ahead and bite the bullet and get a good machine. You tell yourself now that all you want to do is weld a little sheet metal, but if you are serious about setting up a decent shop, spend the money. Other projects will pop up in the future that a little 500.00 120 volt rig cannot tackle. I am currently using a Lincoln 135, which is a decent little welder, but wish I had listened to this advice. I have a stick welder for thicker stuff.

Thanks for the words of advice. I ordered a Lincoln 180 and feel good about my choice. You know the saying, "When you buy quality, you only cry once."
Look forward to getting it and learning how to use it. Thanks again.

Good for you! Way to go!

Another advantage not mentioned.. If you decide you don't need it any more, the re-sale is a lot higher than a the more common 120 Volt units. Happy welding!

Great Choice. My Lincoln SP175+ (older version) has been giving me reliable service for years. I would just get a small bottle of Argon/CO2 mix gas. Most welding supply places even some auto parts stores set you up with a bottle that you take in and they swap out when empty. Something in the neighborhood of $35 a bottle will last pretty long. Nowadays I have the large bottle chained to the wall. Lasts for months depending on how often you use it.

Congrats on the new welder! We have a 180 at work great little welder up to about 3/8". Will work great for the truck resto!
You can also get a spool gun for it and do Aluminum!

After seeing this thread, I am considering upgrading my little Lincoln 140. I am considering either the Dual Voltage Miller Millermatic 211 or the Lincoln 180 mentioned above. Although the Lincoln is cheaper, I don't think I could go wrong with either machine.

I DO like the idea of having 110 as well as 220. I do not have that. Mine is all 220. Its restrictive because I cant just take my welder to a friends shop. But then again, they wouldnt have the Argon/CO2 bottle and its not easy just hauling this stuff around. Nonetheless I would love to have the option.

The other thing I see in my future is a TIG. Maybe I am watching too many TV Resto Shows? Looks intriguing!

After months of research, reading reviews, watching YouTube. I went with the millermatic 211, what a sweet machine. I know I will not regret this purchase. Can't wait to play with the new toy tomarrow.

I just ordered the Millermatic 211 with the spool gun, Running Gear Cylinder Rack/Cart, the protective cover, some tips and a 25 foot 230 volt extension cord. $1658 shipped, but with the additional items, I qualify for the 400.00 rebate from Miller, reducing it down to $1258.00.

Hey.. you only live once!

I had it shipped to my workplace not only to keep it under the radar of the better half, but to get it delivered more securely.

I can't wait neither!

Is 220V the highest you use in the US?
I've got one that uses 400Volt

Jezzz Chuck, I wouldn't worry about hiding the welder from my
"big old wife", I'd worry about hiding where I got the
$1,258 dollars from.
Ya made a good choice, can't go wrong with Miller equipment and
for restoring a vintage vehicle you got the right machine.
dg

Good choice on the welder. The jury is still out on the wife. My experience is, not only does she already know, but she has a big smile on her face.. carte blanche for anything she 'forgot' to tell you about HUNY!! LOL! Just kidding! Enjoy your new purchase.

Miller is top notch. I watched a documentary on Lincoln awhile back. I was very impressed with their business model. The way they treat their employees, the system of employee advancement they use, a very peculiar business model indeed, but it showed me that I am not the only one who runs their business that way.

As a customer, quality should be first. Miller is very good quality. Lincoln too. Since I don't see a difference between the two in quality, I go Lincoln on principal. So everyone wins with those two name brands.

Well, she always talks about when the truck is done. She has never given up hope that it will be finished and that we are going to "drive it to Georgia". I, unknowing to her, joke from time to time and with a serious tone state "I'm going to sell my truck" in which see quickly snaps back "Your not going to sell your truck!!" She never looks at the bank account and doesn't work, although she works hard around the house. I pay all the bills so she doesn't know. I'm sure she would understand that it's needed to finish the truck, but why push it. In a few years, I probably will not be able to afford to run out and buy tools/toys, so I am living it up while I can.

The Lincoln 140 I have takes a lot of effort to get a good weld. It has 4 fixed voltage settings instead of variable. I will probably keep it though and use it for flux wire.