Before someone says it, I did read the welder thread and also other threads but so many different people use different welders I cant figure out whats best for me:whine: . Once I feel that I've learned enough and I build my confedence I needed to use the welder to start doing the body work and install the replacement panels on my 72. From what you guy told me before I should get a mig gas welder appose to a flux core. I was trying to look for something in between $250-$550. I didnt want to buy somthing cheap and then have to fix my mistakes later on but then again I didnt want to buy somthing expecive that I realy didnt need. I would rather spend alittle more money and do it right the first time. Can you guys help:help:

stick with the major brands like lincoln or miller, if possible get a 220volt unit, get a unit with an infinate adjustable heat range the lower priced ones with a 4 or 6 position heat range are sometimes a pain to work with// i have a miller 175 and it's a great welder can do sheetmetal and also heavier stuff like brakets and frame repair

He's right. The Miller 175 is worth the extra for it.
I have a Hobart 135 which is 120V. and my neighbor has the 230V. version and they weld simular but the "problem" is the static heat ranges.
Doing sheet metal you REALLY need the variable heat controll. Thats my issue now,1 is not hot enough and 2 is just a little too hot. You can compensate with distance from the work but it's still a problem.
Lesson learned.:(

I have on older Miller Cricket (now known as the 135) and it has done a great job on thinner materials for me. But I want to update to the 175 or 210 for heavier work. Worth the extra money to buy name brand when it comes to something as expensive as a welder.

There are some "import" (think China) welders out there that sell for about what you are looking at spending. They are worth abotu 1/10 of their selling price. Stick with a name brand.

I have a 110v mig that uses flux core. It ...."works" if know what i mean. I was looking at the 175 & 180's new for around $550-600. One day i pulled up mig's on Craigslist and there was an almost new Millermatic 210 about 10 blocks away.....$800, so i jumped on it. The guy had over 20 calls in 8 hrs, but i was the first to show up with cash. Welding with gas is sooo much better, so if i were you i would go with a 175 or better, and....gas-on!

RD

lincoln 170 mig, 220 volt works incredible, is priced good. Never buy a flux core to do bodywork, to much heat and grinding. use 0.30 wire and gas. My buddy bought a miller of the same type and i dont like it ( my preference ) ask the welding company to try them out.

I went overboard and got the Miller 251. I have welded with the 210 and it would have satisfied all of the work I do..

I also have a miller 210 with a spool gun for aluminum, works like a dream but the 170 lincoln is smaller, lighter, cheaper. Downfall to the lincoln is the gun has a shorter gun length i think 6 feet which is ok but sometimes is to short.

He's right. The Miller 175 is worth the extra for it.
I have a Hobart 135 which is 120V. and my neighbor has the 230V. version and they weld simular but the "problem" is the static heat ranges.
Doing sheet metal you REALLY need the variable heat controll. Thats my issue now,1 is not hot enough and 2 is just a little too hot. You can compensate with distance from the work but it's still a problem.
Lesson learned.:(

I have the Hobart 135 also and like it so far. The heat adjustments have not been too much of an issue for me. I really wanted the 175 but put a cap on myself on total cost including the bottle. I also don't have 220 in the garage. I'm sure it wouldn't be difficult to add, but there is another expense. If I had more to spend I surely would have, but I am happy with the 135. Maybe in a few years I'll trade up.

i like the miller 135 its a 110 unit and its perfect for the first timer and at home projects. i have one myself i have done inner and outer rockers on my truck and patch the floor no problems. but take a look at the diff.. internals of the welders the miller has steel, and the lincon had plastic whats goin to last longer in the long run you know....

Yes, It's a good machine and I've done some great work with it but it would be nice to have the varriable controll for those "special" occasions.
Only advantage I can see having used both the 120 & 230V machines is with thicker material and not working the thing to death. So if thicker metal is where your using one,the 230 would be the one.
Besides, It's got a Miller gun on it anyway. Hehehe.

I am buying an Miller Syncrowave 200,to go along with an L-Tec 130 mig.I am still honing my skills,but they tell me it should be adequate for what I am doing.Anybody familiar with this model?

I welded and fabricated for 17 yrs for a living, small to huge stuff, funny thing is i don't own a welder.
But if it was me I'd be looking at the big 3 lincoln,miller and hobart.
The key is what are you going to be doing mostly, figure that out and get the size that works best.
110's are great for around the house stuff and could service you well, but 220 are going to be the most bang for the buck and get you into being able to weld thicker gauge material (as you get better you'll want to do more stuff) there are alot of used welders available through your local welding supply stores. shop around, most places have a area in their stores to be able to test their welders out.

Hope this helped.

Brian

I welded and fabricated for 17 yrs for a living, small to huge stuff, funny thing is i don't own a welder.
But if it was me I'd be looking at the big 3 lincoln,miller and hobart.
The key is what are you going to be doing mostly, figure that out and get the size that works best.
110's are great for around the house stuff and could service you well, but 220 are going to be the most bang for the buck and get you into being able to weld thicker gauge material (as you get better you'll want to do more stuff) there are alot of used welders available through your local welding supply stores. shop around, most places have a area in their stores to be able to test their welders out.

Hope this helped.

Brian

I want to mostly use it for welding in replacment panels and doing other body work on some of the vehicles I have. I've looked at a couple and I was leaning towards the millermatic 180. Would this be a good welder for me?

another vote for the Miller 175. i could use a 210, but dont want to spend the money, and i could live with the 135, but like others said the infinately variable control is a big help for the thin stuff. i have a buddy with the little hobart 135 and its worked out great so far. just dont buy a reman from harbor freight.