couple welder questions..

[Trailer Ray]

So I've finally decided to just get off my ass and get a welder. I'm going with a Lincoln mig more than likely. My only question is, since it doesn't come with the argon tank, where can I get the kit to hook it up to gas? Do most migs come ready for gas or do I have to buy all the regulators and the tank, or should I just be able to get a tank and hook it right up? I'm posting from my phone and for some reason it wont let me put in the link to the welder.. any advice or links or anything is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Edit: it says requires tank and shielding gas, sold seperately. So I'm assuming it comes ready to hook up gas if I grab the tank, anyone have any in mind that would be good for a mig that welds up t 1/4"?

[customcreationsllc]

You can call and ask if has a regulator does it say gas ready?
As for the tank you just go to a gas supply shop there is a few around look in the yellow pages or ask around up there.

to weld 1/4" single pass you will need a 220V welder, you can just build it up with smaller passes.

Also you have a nice heavy duty circuit to plug into? most 110V machines need a 30A plug to get full power most houses are lucky to have 20A, any amount of extension cord will also kill your power.

If it was me I would look into the Hobart battery powered welder you can weld off an extension cord and still have max power it welds off the internal batteries and just uses the wall to recharge them. Then you can bring it on the trails if you need to.

Just my 2cents.
~Justin

[clean4drxj]

also becareful with what lincoln you choose, some of the smaller ones have plastic rollers for the wire feed.

[Zullock Holmes]

i got a 220v millermatic 211, its the shit. and i use a millermatic 252 at work. i love the product miller makes, i have NEVER had an issue with one of these machines.

i was gonna get the home depot 110v lincoln and i am so glad i didnt, the capability of a 220 is so much better, i can do axle brackets and other 1/4" stuff with one pass. makes life alot easier.

[OWEN]

A "gas-ready" machine will have a gas valve and hose to the gun connector in the machine. Every Miller MIG I have ever seen was sold gas ready...but not Lincoln. They can be upgraded but its going to cost ya... I think some come with regulators, some don't...depends on the make and model. I run a flow meter, they are a little more but you get to see exactly how much gas is flowing. As for gas 75/25 mix gas gives you a nice weld feel on carbon steel, CO2 is a little more choppy but penetrates better... Straight argon for aluminum or stainless. Good luck.

[WAD357]

I bought a Hobart 140A Welder Refurb online for $450 shipped gas ready Money well spent!. As said above dont use an extension cord plug straight into the wall or you wont get enough power for it to work to its full potential. Also Hobart is a brand of Miller and is a high quality. Personally Id grab a hobart 140 over my buddys lincoln 140 it seems to be a nicer product. If you have acess to 220V go that route as its another world with a 220v.

[Even]

If you have the patience to look around on craigslist there are some pretty awesome deals out there to be had. I picked up a brand new in box Lincoln 175 for $400 and couldn't be happier.

If you can swing it, definitely go with the 220V. Not only are they more capable, but they have much better resale value.

[Hydra]

I looked into buying a HD lincoln product or hobart when I was shopping, and after some.saved money and some further shopping I went with the miller 180, easily my best tool purchase to date. That being said, if you're looking into lincoln, get one of their professional models that welding shops sell, not the HomeDepot labelled ones

[Trailer Ray]

Thanks guys. One more question, What kind of tank do I get? An argon tank is the norm for mig welding right? Also is the shielding gas all argon or is it a mix or argon and something else? I'm new to this so sorry if its kinda a dumb question. I weld once in a while on my uncles mig but never got into all the tech about it, thanks.

[Even]

As for gas 75/25 mix gas gives you a nice weld feel on carbon steel, CO2 is a little more choppy but penetrates better... Straight argon for aluminum or stainless

75% Argon, 25% CO2.

[Trailer Ray]

75% Argon, 25% CO2.

Wow I didn't even see that. You guys are awesome thanks. Ill let you know what I go with as soon as I make my decision. As for 220, that's a no go, but you guys have been helpful as always. Btw my wife is buying it for me for Christmas so, win.