Author Topic: Mig Welder? (Read 2496 times)

72vwtype2 · « **on:** November 04, 2007, 10:15:31 AM »

I am browsing through this month's KMS Tools brochure and notice they have a big sale on SIP wirefeed welders.

Firstly, how reputable is SIP. They advertise that it is made in Europe, which leads me to believe it is half decent.

Secondly, as a vw hobbyist and always in need of some type of welding (from pan halve replacement to fender repairs). What would be the minimum requirement for a welder to meet most simple to semi-complex tasks.

Thanks.

BUSDADDY · « **Reply #1 on:** November 04, 2007, 12:21:58 PM »

I'm not convinced made in Europe is something to look for in a welder. My backup machine is a middle of the road Italian job (can't remember the name, it's orange and was pricey new) and it's the most frustrating POS I can imagine. OTOH some of the Chinese stuff I have (no welders so I can't say) works exceptionally well for the price.

For thin metal you don't need alot of amps but avoid the gasless ones. Find out how long they have been selling that line and what the parts support is like.

Princess auto has one on sale right now as well, haven't studied it though.

Chris · « **Reply #2 on:** November 04, 2007, 12:58:36 PM »

I picked up a campbell hausfeld from house of tools for $500, it has the gas hookup and I bought a tank, its 110v, its worked very will for me so far.

I think Princess Auto has a testing area so you can try before you buy.

Trevor P · « **Reply #3 on:** November 04, 2007, 01:43:32 PM »

Can't say that I have ever had any experience using the brand you are looking at. The one thing to keep in mind when looking for one is to see if replacement parts are readily available for it (tips/nozzles etc.)

silas · « **Reply #4 on:** November 04, 2007, 06:34:01 PM »

buy the best one you can!

features like infinite wire speed & heat settings are great for when you want to dial it in to your liking (guage of metal, user experience, using weld thru primer, etc). like trevor said, availability of replacement parts is important...but also, what type of parts are in there? plastic, aluminum, pot metal??

i bought a miller 135 quite awile ago and it has been an amazing and versatile machine. quality internal parts (little to no plastic), infinate wire speed & heat settings, 110V....it's a little more expensive but i highly recommend it.

i think kms also has a try before you buy station set up.

as the great philosopher matt once said....pay once, cry once.

blarneyman · « **Reply #5 on:** November 04, 2007, 06:38:53 PM »

x2 ^^

I've been using one for the past year on just about every thickness of steel and I'm totally impressed.

slammedbus · « **Reply #6 on:** November 04, 2007, 07:20:21 PM »

220v miller 175. Had it for 5 years now and used it LOTS and LOTS and LOTS. Works fantastic. I have welded up to 1/4\" plate. I only use 023 wire so that is about the max thick I would want to do with that.

silas · « **Reply #7 on:** November 04, 2007, 07:42:56 PM »

Quote

220v miller 175. Had it for 5 years now and used it LOTS and LOTS and LOTS. Works fantastic. I have welded up to 1/4\" plate. I only use 023 wire so that is about the max thick I would want to do with that.

i could be wrong but i think the 220v miller 175 can weld thicker metal than 1/4\".

i'm pretty sure the 135 that i have is good for metal up to 3/16\" thick.

surgerypending · « **Reply #8 on:** November 04, 2007, 08:28:15 PM »

I agree with Silas...buy the best welder you can afford to buy.
I have a Miller 175 and I love it....great machine. I use the 023 wire mostly but sometimes switch to the 030 and she turns into a beast!
Gerry

72vwtype2 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 04, 2007, 08:54:42 PM »

Thanks everyone for your input. The stats for the mig I am considering is below. This mig plus regulator and accessories is going for $249.

I agree with the your endorsement of the Miller migs. I have used them and they are very nice. But the cost and capabilities of this mig seem pretty good. Especially, since I am not going to tackle any major welding projects.

Keep the advice coming. Thanks!!!

SIP WELDMATE T150P Gas/Gasless

ITEM N

slugbug · « **Reply #10 on:** November 04, 2007, 10:39:40 PM »

SIP is made in England. I have a small 70 amp SIP arc welder.

slammedbus · « **Reply #11 on:** November 04, 2007, 11:05:35 PM »

Quote

i could be wrong but i think the 220v miller 175 can weld thicker metal than 1/4".

i'm pretty sure the 135 that i have is good for metal up to 3/16" thick.

With .030 wire I am sure you could but all I do is tin so I use 023. 1/4\" is about as much as I would want to push it with such a small wire.

Chad M · « **Reply #12 on:** November 05, 2007, 08:46:22 AM »

No complaints with my Hobart 135 w/ gas. It's got a lot of the same components as Silas' rig with a lower price.

silas · « **Reply #13 on:** November 05, 2007, 08:05:59 PM »

Quote

Quote
i could be wrong but i think the 220v miller 175 can weld thicker metal than 1/4\".

i'm pretty sure the 135 that i have is good for metal up to 3/16\" thick.
With .030 wire I am sure you could but all I do is tin so I use 023. 1/4\" is about as much as I would want to push it with such a small wire.

exactly what i was thinking.

Quote

No complaints with my Hobart 135 w/ gas. It's got a lot of the same components as Silas' rig with a lower price.

more plastic parts in the hobart.

when i went welder shopping i had a hobart, clarke & miller all lined up beside each other so i could check them all out. the miller costs more but that's because it's built better. no disrespect to you or you machine (i'm glad it's working out for you)....i'm just sharing my personal experiance.

doubledoor_61 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 05, 2007, 09:56:51 PM »

I weld for a living and have used a lot of different welders. Don't waste your time with cheap POS welders they are more hassle than they are worth. If a miller is to much look at hobart they are made by miller or try lincon
just my two cents