What to look for in a MIG welder?

[Goolsbymd]

So im getting ready to purchase my first mig welding machine and im looking for dos and don't on what to look for.

[MrJohnWayne]

what are you going to be welding? thick stuff, thin stuff?

if you are welding thin any 120 welder will do, but IMO I would stick with linocn, hobart, or miller. You really do get what you par for. I also like machines that use gas over flux-core wire.

If you are going to be welding thicker metal 1/8 inch plus you really need a 220 volt welder.

as long as they have adjustable wire speend and voltage you should be good.

[Goolsbymd]

Thin stuff, never welded before than a few handfuls. Mostly want to get my skill up to par so one day when I open shop or work for a company im more skilled. Will be automotive

[TANK'S 250]

If you are only gonna do thin stuff,...I recommend buying a Tig machine,...

[Goolsbymd]

I see why your a coastie now, didn't score high on the asvab in reading?

[MrJohnWayne]

Snap.... Tank does have a point though.... TIG is really good for thin stuff. A whole lot easier to control the heat.

if you are only going to be doing thin stuff then a 120volt welder will be great. You can get some cracker jack welders from northern tool and the like, but like I said you do get what you pay for. You can pick up a good 120 miller that will accept argon for about 1100. Alot of times you can find good used ones on ebay or craigslist.

[Goolsbymd]

Im just messin with Tank cause i know he can take it and not get hurt.

1100? They got em at Home Depot for less than 700

[MrJohnWayne]

they could be cheaper, Been a while since I priced any...

[MrJohnWayne]

Lincoln Electric Weld-Pak 175HD, 208/230-volt Wire Feeder Welder, Comes With Everything Needed To Weld Mild Steel - K2338-1 at The Home Depot

This one seems like a good deal. 600 bucks, it would be a good starter welder.

[Goolsbymd]

Well its for just the machine not bottles, I dunno if ill get bottles instead of just flux cored wire, don't wanna move bottles around and etc for just starting