Mig Welder Question

[stg2500]

Does anyone have experience with ABR Mig Welders? I have an opportunity to purchase one but can't seem to find any information on them. According to the person that is selling it they were sold through Snap-On prior to the Snap-On brand welders. It is a 110 volt model. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[stg2500]

Is a 11o volt model large enough to handle the majority of MIG welding around the garage? Iam restoring and 1952 Dodge B-3-C pick-up and will be needing the welder for body panel repairs. I like the versatility of the 110 volt but don't want to look back on it and wish that I got the 220 volt model.

 

[roadranger]

Don't know about the migs, but I traded up a 110v for a 220v stick Miller.

Wait for the 220v !

 

[monkfarm]

110 volt mig

I have heard the 110 volt ones will probably work, but you definitely can use only the smallest wire. I believe Roadranger is right (wait for the 220 volt) . I heard something about the ones snap-on sold, but I don't think it was anything good. You can probably find a cheap lincoln, or miller somewhere that will suit your needs. I am pretty sure that you could only run the non-gas wire in the 110 volt models. I run Millers. My mig has a push-pull system that has 2 motors. One at the reel and one in a gun at the point of the weld. It pulls the wire through the cable. It's pretty plush (takes the 30lb rolls. ) Definitely try out any used welder before buying, all kinds of things can go wrong and do. You can usually fix most of it yourself. The 110 can't handle enough juice do anything thick, this I know for sure.

 

[jmadden]

for body panels a 110v is generally fine and most will run both flux-core wire and solid (gas shielded) wire, but once you start to move to heavier material the 100v is a little small.



I've used both 110v & 220v and when buying time comes it will be a small 220v unit... Miller, Hobart and Lincoln all make nice units... I'm currently using a Hobart Handler 175 (220v), but next time around it will be the Miller unit in about the same size since it offers better power adjustment, but it all depends on your needs... you can do an awful lot of things with a 110v mig and a 220v stick unit and you can get one of each for the price of some of the small (but nice) 220v migs.



If you like online shopping you can check out Miller & Hobart at http://www.cyberweld.com... I've found them to have good prices, decent service and fast delivery.



jm

 

[Big White Beast]

Depending on the model.......

I used a 110V w/gas bottle for 3 years and had no complaints. Depending on the application I could get some nice joints on up to 1/4" steel. The penetration isn't the best at that thickness but if the product is in an enviroment that doesn't vibrate too much it should be fine.



I did buy a 220V because a friend and I were building a trailer for his Jeep and wanted it sturdy enough for off road use. We used some heavier steel and wanted good penetration for the welds.



If the price is right go ahead and get the 110V.



Garrett

 

[nickleinonen]

my pops has a little 110v mig. it is pretty handy. he only uses the flux wire [usually only . 030"] he welded his trailer body up with it. [used a big 550v miller mig to do the frame fab at a friends metal working shop] it is nice to weld with. 1/8" goes good with it. it is great for exhaust work. the flux wire is nice, but does it ever spatter a lot

 

[rfcom]

the flux wire is nice, but does it ever spatter a lot

and don't breathe the smoke and fumes, especially if you're welding through some chrome.



Jim

 

[jmadden]

... and don't breathe the fumes if welding galvanized... helps to grind off the galvanized finish before welding.



jm

 

[rdrose]

i have a 220v/ 255 amp mig that was made by lincoln,i've used some 110v but they don't have the power needed. go for a 220v model and you will be on happy welder.

 

[Scot]

Over 10 years ago I bought one of the old Hobart Handler 85 amp "suitcase" MIG's. It will work 3/16 mild steel adequately running 0. 024 wire on straight argon. It will not do 1/4" without lots of preheating.



Many times I have wished for a bigger welder. Once yiou get one, you will find all sorts of work for it. If I were to buy another today, I would spend the difference (not much really) and buy a 175 amp Miller. I would also love to play with one of the units that you can hook onto a Bobcat 225 as it is a more industrial rated unit.

 

[jmadden]

For better weld penetration and lower gas cost use CO2. Other blends cost more and provide a cleaner looking weld (for body work I would go with one of the argon blends), however they don't provide the same amount of weld penetration.



jm