Thread: 110 MIG welder advice

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Ireland very true the fine tune is like whip cream on the pie .

I have a Firepower FP-130 MIG welder. It can be used with either flux core wire or as conventional MIG (solid wire & gas). I bought the Firepower because it had the highest duty cycle (40%) of all the 110 volt welders I looked at. It comes standard with a Tweeco style gun. I specifically wanted a 110 welder for the small size and portability. I have had mine for about 6 years now and have worked it very hard with no problems.

Yes, flux cored wire splatters more than conventional MIG, but not as bad as a stick welder. There were a bunch of nay-sayers here at work and in my local neighborhood that said I wouldn't like the results of a 110 welder and flux core wire.., so I built my coupe entirely with it. Now they don't bring up the subject any more.

If you can afford it and have room for it, buy a Miller 220. If not, go ahead and buy a good 110. It'll get you going and will last indefinitely in a home shop.

I have a Clarke 130 and that thing is one tuff puppy. You can see it working in alot of the pics in the addy below. We use it alot and have had no problems.

I have a Lincoln Weld Pac 100 and it a great little machine. Bought it of Ebay for $200, brand new. It's done everything I've asked of it. I'm sure I would have better results if I converted it to gas, but I'm very happy with what it can do. And since I work for a steel fabricator, I'm a project manager, if I ever need anything over 3/16" welded or anything beyond my very limeted skills welded. I have an entire shop full of guys who are very happy to help me out. I've been meaning to to get a 220 machine but when you have a coworker just a block away with a truck mounted welder, who's always ready to help, I never get around to it.

Here a couple pics of the first thing I built with the little welder. Just wish I had some pics of it before I put it togeather.

Originally Posted by 67elkybryan

I have a Lincoln Weld Pac 100 and it a great little machine. Bought it of Ebay for $200, brand new. It's done everything I've asked of it. I'm sure I would have better results if I converted it to gas, but I had some pics of it before I put it togeather.

Convert it to gas and you will never look back - just not having to clean up the weld splatter, including on your face shield will more then convince you.

Your Radio Flyer will probably "fly" now - nice project

Originally Posted by Irelands child

Convert it to gas and you will never look back - just not having to clean up the weld splatter, including on your face shield will more then convince you.

Your Radio Flyer will probably "fly" now - nice project

I plan on converting it. Not having to clean up splatter would be nice. The wagon moves along pretty well. I'll try to find some pics of the frame and welds before I assembled it. The little 110 does decent welds. But like with anything, it's all in how well you prep the steel before hand.
The wagons frame is made of 1x1x1/8 tube, I think, it may be 3/6. I can't remember. It was what ever we had laying out in the yard at work. Another benefit from working for a steel fabricator...an almost unlimeted supply of free material.

Originally Posted by 67elkybryan

Another benefit from working for a steel fabricator...an almost unlimeted supply of free material.

The only better job I can imagine for the perks would be "night watchman at a chrome plating factory."


Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

The only better job I can imagine for the perks would be "night watchman at a chrome plating factory."


Don

How times have changed! 20 years ago you would have said "caretaker at a rehab center for nymphomaniacs".

Pretty sad when chrome parts mean more to you than sex, huh??


Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

Pretty sad when chrome parts mean more to you than sex, huh??


Don

How true. But you can buy sex cheaper than chrome.

OK that was bad. I'm so sorry.