Need Advice On Welders

[2000DV4.8]

So I'm looking for a welder, and I know virtually nothing at the moment. I will mainly be welding exhausts (the reason we're getting one is so we can fix the exhaust on my dad's Civic ), and occasionally sheet metal. I don't want to have to run a 220V outlet to the garage, so this will have to be a 110/120 volt welder. In my small time researching, It seems the maximum metal thickness for most 120V welders is about 3/16"-1/4". I doubt I'd ever need to weld anything thicker than that.

 

Talking to a some of people, most have suggested I look at Miller, Hobart, and Lincoln Electric. I have a budget of $400, less if possible. I'd like something that doesn't require gas, but is gas ready, if that is possible.

 

Basically, I'm looking for any advice I can get. Where would be a good place to find more info? What do you have experience with? What would you recommend? Am I dreaming with the price range? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[C & A s Dad]

Dan, we (CARQUEST) sell Hobart and have excellent service with them. I do not have my info with me right now but they make 2 smaller Mig modlels that are by far our most popular sellers. I am no expert on welders, I just know we sell a lot of them and people are always very happy with them.

[jhoff8487]

I don't think your goal of 400 is too bad. I'd look at Lincoln Electric and Hobart. I've used a Miller, and it's top of the line and by far the best welder I've ever used but now I'm using the equivalent Lincoln Electric and while I don't think it's quite as nice, for the $$$ difference, it's well worth it (Miller has got a lot of hype in the past few years with shows like OCC). I can do the same welds on the Lincoln as I can the Miller. If I personally was in the market, I'd be looking at Hobart but really, I can't say as to why.

[2000DV4.8]

Thanks guys. Yeah I've heard that Miller is a little nicer, but a lot more expensive also.

 

Anybody else?

[ATMINF]

I have heard good things about this sears welder, and its right at your $400 mark. Craftsman MIG Welder with Cart Sears item# 00920569000 Mfr. model# 20569 , it comes with a cart. I also looked at the reviews and most were very positive. Good luck!

[Needgasmoney]

I'm in the structural steel business and you can only imagine how much welding we do in a days time. The only welders we use are Miller wire-burners because of their reliability and ease of in-house repair, if we do have a problem.

[KCXLT]

I don't know much about welding, but a few years ago a got a Lincoln Weld Pak 100 from Harbour Freight. It was reconditioned, but the price was $300 and it looked like new. I added the gas kit, which I haven't used yet. One thing I had to do was bump the breaker up to 20amp/110volt. On high it would only weld for about 20 seconds before blowing the 15amp breaker.