dcwright70

I am looking for recommendations on a MIG welder for home use. I am going tostart to restore my Olds and need to weld in floor pans and a rocker panel. Iwould also like to weld some thicker metal as needed during the project. Cananyone recommend a good home use size welder? I prefer to use a gas and yes Iknow how to weld using both TIG and MIG welders.

chadman

I recommend a Hobart Handler 190. I have a Hobart Handler 187 myself and the 190 is the succesor. This is a 220V welder and welds like a dream. I previously had a Lincoln 110V MIG and I wouldn't hit a dog in the rear with one of those. You may still be able to get a refurbished 187 for a good deal if you check online. If you need a 110V welder I have used the Handler 140 and it is a nice machine as well.

stan 65 cutlass

happy with my miller 180

My442

I have a Lincoln MIGPAK 100 with a gas conversion.

It's a 110v version, and works good for my home hobby uses.

RetroRanger

Miller and Hobart same production line.

Prolly not all components are the same but they share many

I have the 187 Hobart myself and like it

lil_no

Happy with my Miller 175. Has done everything I've need it to do vehicle wise. Also make sure it has the gas setup, cleaner than flux core.

allyolds68

Hobart Handler 140 works fine. Use gas and .024 wire for sheet metal

krooser

All of the above are fine... I've had a Lincoln MigPak 100, Lincoln 175 and a Miller 140... all good home use welders.

68conv455

I have a miller DVI. You can plug it into 110 or 220v.

pitfield1

Just remember, as I found out the hard way. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!


PIT 69 442 convert

drop top olds

Lincoln 180. was my choice. Must have 220-230 wired plug though.

droldsmorland

Lincoln, Miller, Hobart. Cant go wrong with any of the three. Stay clear of anything from China Freight except maybe bungi cords & tarps!
I have a Hobart MIG and a Miller TIG. Both very nice units. I tried before I purchased.
What I recommend to any first time buyer is find your local dealer(s) of the above makes. Go into their show rooms and talk to someone who knows their products. They will guide you to a welder to fit your needs. More importantly they will allow you some behind-the-curtain time on a demo welder to see which one you like the best. Most welding dealers carry at least two of the three brands. If you dont weld they usually conduct classes.

RonFX

Guys:
Looking to buy a Mig w/ gas, I found a listing for an Eastwood model that has all the pcs needed and meets the specs of the major brands for a good price thru an online warehouse. Has anyone used or heard of any problems w/ this model, I'm sure it is a relabel from somebody, any help would be great. Hope to start the sheetmetal work soon on my 66 Cutlass I picked up from 2blu442 recently.
thanks Ron

RetroRanger

Eastwood likely rebrands or is made for them from a major manufacturers. If the former consumables will be easy to get if the latter consumables could be thru Eastwood only.

I would just get a Lincoln Hobart miller machine and be done w it. As stated above the harbor freight china crap is just that, my buddy was so happy to get the harbor freight machine cheap....seems he constantly has wire jams and other issues, my Hobart just welds....

joe_padavano

The Eastwood unit is Chinesium. Get a brand name like Lincoln or Miller and you can get parts and supplies at a local welding supply house.

RonFX

Guys:
I found a Lincoln K2185-1 package for $360.00 thru Summit Racing, this seems to be the way to go. The unit comes w/ just about everything you would need to get started. You guys have been great w/ info and help for my 66 Cutlass major resto project we are doing, this site has been awesome and I hope to bend your ear more in the future.
thanks Ron