Rangebe...version 2.0

[wizkid00104]

IMO any MIG is easy to use. Once you get comfortable on one it doesn't take much to get used to another.

I personally have a Lincoln 170 and 175 Plus, they are 220v, but use the smaller 120v style gun which I love.

-PlumCrazy

I have heard good things about Miller, Lincoln, and Hobart. Hobart seemed the most reasonably priced.

The only MIG I have used was an older Lincoln 220V. My buddies dad always had the settings adjusted for me when I used it. I know it had 5 adjustable parameters and that seemed too complicated for a beginner. Anyway, I also realized that is too big for anything I'd need to do, so for now a 120 will suffice.

Thanks for the input guys, I'll take any more advice if you have it.

 

[brinker88]

Would you consider it fairly easy to use?

Very easy. There are only 2 controls.

 

[wizkid00104]

Very easy. There are only 2 controls.

That's what I like to hear

KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)

 

[-Nathan-]

Hey boys, sorry was busy all yesterday.

Brinker I will disagree with you...I loved my Hobart 135, but it was not powerful enough. I know you say you can weld 1/4 with a single pass, but I assure you that you are NOT getting the penetration that you want. When I welded 1/4 with my 135, I would pre-heat the metal to try and get better penetration. I put probably 50 spools of wire through that thing, I know what it can and cannot do. That is why I stepped up to the 190. You cant get enough heat out of a welder that runs on 110V.

In my opinion, go straight to the 190. It has nothing to do with building hardcore stuff, as it is cost. Had I known what I do now, I would have went straight to the 190 and skipped the 135. However if what you can afford for now is a 140, do it. Dont even bother with the 125. As far as Im concerned, Hobart makes a great welder and have awesome technical/customer support.

 

[Andres629]

A little big for your needs, but I use a Miller 212. I absolutely love Millers, and they have a feature on some of their machines called "Auto-Set" which is very nice for beginners! The 212 I have has the auto-set. I tried it out a couple times, neat feature and would be great for a new welder! I know some of their smaller machines have this feature as well, maybe something to keep your eye out for!

 

[brinker88]

I have my eye set on a new Miller 211 here sometime in the near future

 

[wizkid00104]

Thanks for all the help! The Millers look very nice, but may be a bit out of the price range.

On another note, what advantage do you gain with a spool gun?

 

[brinker88]

Thanks for all the help! The Millers look very nice, but may be a bit out of the price range.

On another note, what advantage do you gain with a spool gun?

Spool guns are great for aluminum work. They pull the wire instead of push it.

 

[-Nathan-]

aka REQUIRED for aluminum work. Aluminum is too soft to try and run through the liner of a whip. Hence why the spool gun is used.

 

[wizkid00104]

You guys really know your stuff! Thanks for the help!


Sent from my iPhone

 

[-Nathan-]

New cam bearings in, new freeze plugs in. Got block, main caps, crank, cam all nice and clean. Checked tolerances with plasti-gage, all is within spec. Installed cam, crank, and timing set. Spins really smooth.

 

[wizkid00104]

Beautiful!


Sent from my iPhone

 

[-Nathan-]

Shortblock. waiting on my Ford Racing oil pan to show up from summit.

 

[TheTopher]

looks like you've gained an extra 4 cylinders since the last time I checked this thread.

Badass!

 

[-Nathan-]

New oil pump and Ford Racing oil pan and pickup. Rebuilt the heads, and gave them a mild port job as well as lower intake.