MIG Welders?

[Ole JIM]

I have been looking at Mig welders? but in chatting w/ guys that have them-I want to Weld 3/8 Plate--& I have been told-a Small MIG will NOT Supply enough HEAT?-for Penatration? in Welding heavy Steel such as 3/8 plate?--DONO? thats WHY? I*M Asking? & If? Any One Knows?--as there must be an Inexpensive Machine that better than most Expensive Ones?--I have & use a Growl Box--any & all Imput Apppricated!--Ole JIM--

[cat320]

I'm no welder by any means but a small mig will not weld thick stock but I do belive that there are migs that will go up to 1/2" i belive but they are not small or cheap to buy best think to weld thick is a stick.

[John DiMartino]

Ive seen some small 230 volt models, 175 amp that are in the 750-1300 dollar range.I was thinking of getting one myself.

[wyldman]

You need a fairly good sized machine to do 3/8" single pass.A smaller unit may do it in multiple passes,but they still don't put out enough heat.Duty cycle sucks on these little things too.

Have you looked at a used unit,or maybe an auction ? You'd be better off buying an older used unit that will do what you need instead of something new but smaller.

[CPSS]

We have a Lincoln 170SP that is a fairly small unit, it's 230 volt, 30 amps and will just barely do 3/8". We also have a Lincoln PowerMig 200, it's 230 volt but requires 50 amp input. This unit has a production duty cycle and works fine on 3/8". Neither of these units are inexpensive. You won't find an inexpensive Mig that will weld 3/8" steel. Those cheap (under $500) Mig units are for thin steel, sheet metal, etc.

[Ole JIM]

Thanks Guys I was Affraid of that! I*LL take the advice & look into a used One at an Aution--& mean while have my Growl Box jumping Off the floor!--today theres so Much new Stuff out there its hard to keep Up & exsisting on a fixed Income! & not Knowing?--& in Doubt? Ya Gotta ASK? I have looked E*M over at such places as Home Depot--but--I had NO Idea? of What they would actually DO?--& Big bucks is NOT available! w/Gas & heating Fuel at $2.00 a gallon--Guess I*LL wait a while! but now I do feel Better!--THANKS! --Ole JIM--

[CPSS]

Heres the two MIG units

[Old Soldier]

I't's one of those "you get what you pay for" things. I currently have two Lincoln SA 200 "Pipeliner" arc welders, one Lincoln SP250 MIG in the shop, one Miller AEAD200LE (w/ 2cyl ONAN), plus a high freq unit, and a spool gun. Everything except one SA 200 and the SP250 is mounted on my welding rig.

There are times that I "must have" excellent penetration and strength in welds on critical applications. I then use the SA 200 Arc welder. Mig welding has it's limitations. Excellent for new metal fabrication projects, body repair, etc.

You wouldn't be happy with one of the low priced MIG's. They just don't do the job. O.K. for light sheet metal, but you would probably be like me and attempt to do some heavier welding. You'd be dissapointed with the results.

As one said, check for a used machine. A couple of sources is
http://www.dclassifieds.com or check the govliquidation.com web site. Also, some welding supply houses do have machines that have been returned to them that were leased machines.

Good Luck

[Dwan]

I have one of these and am happy with it. Not saying it is the best. just it works for me. For the welder, wire feed, tank regulator, 2 spools of wire and gloves and hood I spent a little over $2,200 new back in 1984. up around 300 amps the duty cycle drops off but 200 and below it is 100% and it wil push .045 wire just fine.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=45032&item=3878445694&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[Ole JIM]

Where I Dono? about MIGS? & All the INFO!--was Great--& being retired & on a Fixed Income--& seeing that this is the last Big Job I*ll attempt--& considering the Cost of Migs--I will Tac every thing into Place & Hire a Certifyed Welder w/ a portable unit to Come over & Weld it Up!--Right--& that will take all the Worry out any Problems?--that may have arrised? if I did IT!--as the Ole eyes Ain*t what they used To be! seeing this is Clean-Up Time!--finishing UP the Projects so I don*t leave a Mess for Mother to half to Clean UP?--as I still Feel pretty GOOD! w/ NO med Problems? but You never Know?--& here in MAINE the COLD really bothers ME-& never Did before?--& the Weather Man & His Predictions??--leave a lot to be Desire?--my Opinion!--my personal Out look?--of This Winter!-my 88 Dodge 4 X 4 w/ an 8 ft Fisher is Done!-works Good!--but having Shoveled my Yard evey storm excetpt ONE! where an Unknown? Plower did a Great JOB--even our Steeps!--Our Snow Blower went to the Shop for service--My Quote!--Do what-ever? it Needs?--as I want it A-1-- & they DId!--a new head gasket--purged the fuel system--new fuel line--carb Kit--& spark Plug--& new Barring!-- Should Eat Snow!-like it DID when NEW?--I have to Wait for Uncle SAM to drop some $$ in my Mail Box!--& were in that North-easter? thats Supposed to Drop?--12 to 18 inches?? & with a couple of more Days of Waiting for Uncle SAM!--I Dono? I assume?? Mother Nature! likes to watch ME Shovel?--a Little HUMMOR!-- Thanks Again GUYS!--Ole JIM--