I just got home from my semester a broad and was talking about how excited i was to start working on my car and other projects again. Then the conversation led to how i want to buy a welder this summer. Then later today we were at home depot and i overheard her quietly asked one of the workers where the welders were, while i was looking at tools. Then she offered to buy me which ever one i want. My mom never does ---- like this. So my uncle's work carries lincoln welders and i can get anything for 5% over cost. My question is...is it worth is to get the "plus" model with variable amperage control or should i get the cheaper model that only has either 4 or 5 settings. Also is it worth getting the 220v machines or is 120v good enough? All i will be welding is exhaust, traction bars, and eventually a new manifold. And which gas blend would be good for welding stainless and mild steel but 90% of the time stainless.

 

i wish my mom bought my smiley tig for me.

 

well you want a TIG and yes but a 220 and youll need diffrent gases for diffren metals, as well as diffrent tungstions for each metal.

 

:1

 

I picked up the lincoln sp135 with a big fat tank of argon/co2. I don't weld stainless because it's too fancy for me, but that welder will weld up exhaust, manifolds, and anything else you want. I know a tad bit more about welders now than when I bought it, and I don't think I could have got a better one for the ---- I do.
I wouldn't buy a tig if it was free. It's hard to do, and it takes longer than mig. Plus, it's just fancy ---- that I don't need.

 

Im pretty set on a MIG. Its not a pretty as a tig but for the general stuff im doing i think it would be a better fit. I just dont know if its worth $100 to have the variable amperage control.

 

Well, if mommy is gonna buy it, then might as well get a Tig......

 

i wish my mom would buy me one. Instead she thinks I steal stuff


But congrats on getting a welder. Maybe buy a smiley tig? Priced like a mig, but it's a tig. Other than that I have absolutely no help to you for what you ask about the variable amperage. I say get a Lincoln 135 at the least.

 

I'd reccomend one of the Hobart machines...one that has the ability to use gas. It will still burn fluxcore, but as you improve, you will have gas options.

Tig is nice, but the cost is greater on average.

Of course, if she's buying and willing to pay the bill, g for the Dynasty 300DX from Miller.

 

Ive done alot of reading and i kinda decided on the Miller 135amp. It seems to be a really well built unit with constantly variable amperage and its made right here in WI!!! I found some sweet deals online but now i need to find a mask.