Welders....help me pick a new one

[Dan B.]

Getting some ideas in line for when I can buy a new MIG welder to replace my stolen stuff. I had a Lincoln SP-100T w/ bottle and ran .023" wire through it. Used this mainly for exhaust work and body panels. I also had a Harbor Freight unit that I ran .030" and .035' flux core for heavier work up to about 1/4".

I'm not a welder by trade, just like to fab and play around in the garage but I want it to be able to do about anything I can think of for possible side jobs down the road.

I currently have a Hobart stick welder for the BIG jobs. So the MIG needs to handle everything from lightweight sheetmetal work up to possibly 3/8". I'm not set on any brand or price range....so would those of you with some educated input please help me out with ideas/models or ask questions to help narrow down my needs.

Thanks.

[speedracer]

110 mig welder... Lincoln would be my only choice.

[stevec5ws6]

I have a Lincoln damn good product.

[Dan B.]

Capable of using a bottle or not?

[Tony71502]

I got one of those Chicago welders from harbor freight, the wheels that feed the wire were made of plastic and broke the first day I had it. Returned it and bought a Lincoln from Home Depot. No problems yet.

[stevec5ws6]

Capable of using a bottle or not?

Yes definitely I wouldn't own a mug without that capability. Lot less popping and sparks with gas my amature welds seem cleaner too

[stevec5ws6]

I got one of those Chicago welders from harbor freight, the wheels that feed the wire were made of plastic and broke the first day I had it. Returned it and bought a Lincoln from Home Depot. No problems yet.

Yup always look at the wire guides first tell of cheap shit.

[speedracer]

I have a 15 year old Lincoln, still welds good. I use .030 flux core, my next Lincoln will be gas and flux core both (same time).

[sutyak]

I use a Lincoln Pro-MIG 135, which is now discontinued but I believe this is the replacement:
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...ncolnElectric)

I use mine for thin work with .025" wire and 100% CO2 and up to 1/4" work with .035 flux core. Basically what you used your stuff for above.

[Dan B.]

I use a Lincoln Pro-MIG 135, which is now discontinued but I believe this is the replacement:
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...incolnElectric)

I use mine for thin work with .025" wire and 100% CO2 and up to 1/4" work with .035 flux core. Basically what you used your stuff for above.

Can this also take a spool gun?

[sutyak]

Can this also take a spool gun?

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[yeahloh95]

i have a hobart 210v mig and it works great picked it up at tractor supply for a great price

[07v6vistablue]

Go with the Lincoln, I have had mine for about 20 years and still works like a champ. Can use either flux core or bottle. I always use the bottle. Can do a bit of light aluminum if you use 100% argon too.

[yellowstang03]

Go with the Lincoln I have used mine for many years without missing a beat now. The only problem I ever had was trying to push it to far and exceeded the duty cycle but that's only from welding for a long period at high voltages. As far as stick welders I have a miller trailblazer 302 it's only a gas job not a diesel but it still runs like a champ!