Sufficient Welder

[Shaolin Crane]

What is a sufficient MIG welder to weld a cage/subframes/torque arm etc into the car, ive been told various things by different people but they all seem to gravitate towards something around 180amp, what do you guys think, obviously i would get something more heavy duty if i could but these ****ers are expensive and i want to stay budget minded. All help is appreciated.

 

[Shakerhood]

A good Budget minded Welder is a Hobart Handler 140, its made by Miller and is a very good Welder!

 

[Shaolin Crane]

im not really asking about brand, more whats required to weld through some DOM tubing and other high strength metals for my car

 

[white 89 GT]

I just bought a lincoln pro mig 140 from ebay nib $434 for that same purpose works good.

 

[jrichker]

Check the input voltage and current for any welder you plan to purchase. Make sure that it is compatible with the wiring you have in the area where you plan to use the welder. Welders are high current draw devices and don't work well if you try and use them running on an extension cord.

 

[Shaolin Crane]

Check the input voltage and current for any welder you plan to purchase. Make sure that it is compatible with the wiring you have in the area where you plan to use the welder. Welders are high current draw devices and don't work well if you try and use them running on an extension cord.

thats not an issue, its gonna be ran at my shop where i run all my high draw machines, Mill/lathe/press/other welders etc just wanted to know what a decent output welder is.

 

[bynummustang]

Hell, just get a 200 amp and call it a day. You could do anything car related with that.

 

[Shaolin Crane]

Hell, just get a 200 amp and call it a day. You could do anything car related with that.

yeah but for $$$$

 

[Crimson4.6]

If you're going budget minded, I would suggest the Hobart Handler. Good welder for the money, and can weld in about anything car related. I think its rated at 140amps. If you were looking a bit more expensive, I have a Miller Bobcat NT250. Great welder, but it and the attachments (mig gun, and what not) are expensive. I bought it to use as a generator when the power goes out and I have more than gotten my money out of it.

 

[Shaolin Crane]

will 140 be strong enough to weld thick DOM tubing and MM subframes etc?

 

[Crimson4.6]

I've welded in mm subframes with a 140amp before. The key is to make sure you have a clean base for the weld, and you need to make sure to get good weld penetration. Weld penetration is what it is all about. Ive had the subframes on my car for 2 years now and no problem. At the time all I had was a miller 140amp, and said might as well try it.

 

[Shaolin Crane]

then i'll give it a shot, seems they're going pretty cheap on craigslist