buy a MIG welder or farm out the work?

[bird_dog0347]

So I get my bonus in a little more than a week, at that point I'll want to buy full length subframe connectors and have them installed, as well as fix/replace a soft floor pan while I'm at it. I also have an exhaust leak from a shitty muffler shop weld that given the price I won't bitch about but I need to close it up, as well as add catalytic converters. I've always wanted to learn to weld, and I've never been afraid to spend the money on tools that I could use later in life. I think I already know the answer is just buy it but I know me and I want to make that choice once and might be able to swing that cost the first time which is always cheaper than doing it multiple times.

That said, here's the scenario. I do not have a 220V outlet/circuit but wouldn't mind having one in the garage as my breaker is in the garage and has extra space in the box. That would give me a good circuit for a larger air compressor moving forward as well.... but means I have to get an electrician to put in the circuit and box as I'd rather pay than get shocked. I'm debating getting either the Lincoln 140 or Lincoln 180 MIG welder from like Home Depot for my first one, the 140 uses 110V and the 180 uses 220V so that adds to the cost but I'd assume it's more effective when using the higher powered unit? The 180 unit is only $669 but doesn't come with bottle/gas...

I'd also like to be able to build things like a firewood rack, fix broken metal shit, etc. But I realize at close to $1k for the welder and materials plus electrical work I think I could easily farm that work out for SFC install as well as a possible full drivers floor pan on a fox if necessary?

I've never attempted to weld before but it's a skill I'd like to have and I've never run away from a challenge like this. I taught myself to paint bikes/cars, work on cars, computers, etc, so I'm sure I can do this. I'm really just wondering if the price of admission/tuition is worth it here?

[racrguy]

Well, are you going to be doing any more welding than the few projects you've got on your table now? If not, I would pass.

[bird_dog0347]

Well, are you going to be doing any more welding than the few projects you've got on your table now? If not, I would pass.

truthful answer, I have no idea... maybe?

right now I'm talking for sure exhaust leak fix, welding in Cats and SFC's, and possibly replacing a floor pan. As well as wanting to build a firewood rack.

[jw33]

A small 110v machine that is setup for gas will do just about everything you need. I would buy a lightly used Miller over a new Chinese machine. A friend of mine recently sold his big Miller for a much smaller Eastwood unit with a plasma cutter and is real happy with it. He was looking to make some space in his garage and the Miller just took up too much room. FYI, doing subframe connector in a garage really sucks. I would find someone with a drive on lift or pay to have it done. It can be done in the garage, but don't make that your first welding project. You'll fucking hate it.

[Tremor14]

i just got a new hobart 140 with gas set up and some accessories for ~$700 on amazon. i think the welder itself was $559. the bottle set up (40 cu.ft.) was 128 for the bottle, and 24 for the gas. historically a 40 cf bottle gives about 2 hours of continuous welding. the 80 cf bottle was only 160, but they were out, but when i need to step up, i can turn my 40 in and only pay the $30 difference.

i wouldn't spend $1000 if you are just learning to weld. go buy a cheap stick welder and blow through rods like it's going out of style, if you really want to learn to read a weld. MIG is cheating and it wont be a good weld if you cant read it.

[Tremor14]

i say it all the time but my stick/tig Miller Maxstar 150 is my go to for home projects (fire wood racks n stuff) i have a few 50# boxes of 6010 that i dont even worry about keeping in an oven or anything, they just sit in a cabinet (for the last 3 years or so, and i grab them as needed.

[dcs13]

Buy a name brand (I'm partial to Miller - have 3 now) You will LOVE welding. It's one of those tools you will always find a use for. And you can do stuff for your buds. I bought a Millermatic 140 last year for sheetmetal work. It would be a good choice for you. It's a 110 model. There was one on craigslist the other day. I bet you could get a deal on that.

[bonnie&clyde]

I have been told not to get a bottle because some of the places that fill it up won't fill a personal bottle u have to "rent" one from them, as far as welder I have seen the lincoln 180 for 400 on craigslist, since u don't have a 220 the 140 should be good enough for what u wanna do

[dcs13]

I bought the bottle when I got the welder at the LWS (airgas). It's stamped with their marks and they know me. Buy one if you can. The small bottles are around $140 or 180, can't remember.

[dcs13]

And if you buy a welder, let me know. I have a TON of good scrap you can have to practice on. You can have what you want.

[Tremor14]

I have been told not to get a bottle because some of the places that fill it up won't fill a personal bottle u have to "rent" one from them, as far as welder I have seen the lincoln 180 for 400 on craigslist, since u don't have a 220 the 140 should be good enough for what u wanna do

how far do you plan to travel with a bottle? i live in richardson and get filled up at garland welding supply. i cant imagine driving to amarillo to fill a bottle.

[Tremor14]

also to the OP if you have an electric dryer you have a 220 outlet

[Sleeper]

When you buy a welder, you will use it more than you think.

i say buy. The 140 will do everything you need. The benifit of bigger units is the ability to precisely use what you want for heat. The smaller machines usually just have 4 heat settings.

[mk5.0]

Buy the welder. And pick up the bottle at home depot, they do exchange like propane for your grill.

[CyaNide]

Miller. That is all.

CN