duowing

I've been wanting to learn to weld, so I want to pick up a Welder and I'm looking around on Craigslist to see if people are selling anything good. One thing I've found is a Hobart Mig-Man 220V says it doesn't come with the tank, is in good condition for $300. I don't know if this is a good deal or even if it's a good welder, I'm trying to find out, but I figured I'd ask you guys on what's something good to look for to be able to do stuff on our cars plus more, and at what prices?

evandubya

Hobart is a good welder, 220v volt wil give you more amps and better penetration. If everything works good $300 is an awesome price. An 80-150cf bottle of 75-25 ar-co2 will be $100-200, and $30-45 to refill. should be good for up to 1/4" material. Use .023-.035 wire, .045 is too big. smaller wire-higher amps= better penetration.

NismoPick

^^^ What he said. $300 is a good deal for a 220v. You can rent / borrow / trade in argon/CO2 tanks from welding supply companies. Praxair is a huge supplier. Learning to weld on your own will be quite a challenge, it's best to take a welding course. When I did auto collision repair, we were required to take a welding course before we could even touch the welders. Can't beat hands on training from the pros.

I bought my Lincoln 110v w/ cart & tank for $400 (used) about 7 years ago:

duowing

For most welding stuff what is really required for welding? For some reason my one friend is dead set on that you need a 220v or it's not worth it. He also doesn't really know anything about welding, so I'm not so sure that it's needed.

evandubya

I have basically the same MIG as Nismopick and they work great! You have to know its limitations. 1/8" and under is perfect, anything over that should be for looks only no strain on the parts. Having a friend that claims to weld teach you is hit or miss, like Nismopick said its best to take classes, they are an awesome investment. For our Z's most everything is sheet metal and MIG's, even little 110v units are great. I haven't needed my stick welder once for my Z.

SHADY280

hobart is made by miller, they are more of the home owner series, but handle what youll be able to throw at it. 300 is a steal for that one as long as it works. i find the 110v welders to be not quick enough to put full power down and i actually blow more holes and warp metal easier than with a 220v. go figure.