What kind of welder are you using? - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Alexis · 10-08-2004, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jugernot

I have been thinking about getting a welder and found a craftsmans. What do you think of this one.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...&bidsite=CRAFT

Go with a lincoln or hobart before a craftsmans. I say hobart over lincoln though.

**GSFMECH** · 10-08-2004, 02:28 AM

Miller 135, I love that thing. I hear that the cheaper ones use an aluminum wound transformer and the bonafide Millers use a copper wound one. I like the fact that all of the rollers and stuff in it made out of metal and not plastic like some of the cheaper ones. Maybe someone can shed more light on this that knows more about it than me.

ZOOMY · 10-08-2004, 02:44 AM

Lincoln SP 135 here. Perfect for sheetmetal work.

68LSS1 · 10-08-2004, 04:11 AM

I too got the Lincoln 135 w/regulator, Stargon, etc. I really like the unit I just wish i had went ahead and gone up to a 220 unit. If body work is all you'll ever do a 110 will be fine plus it's easily portable but if there is a remote possibility that you may want to do some suspension/frame stuff later on, save the extra money and get the 220 unit. Doesn't matter which brand (when talking about the 110/220 abilities).

BrianJordan · 10-08-2004, 04:38 AM

i use a chicago electric ez mig 110/1 fluxcor for body work and lincoln 225 amp. for hevy steal.

**JIMs70GMC** · 10-08-2004, 05:15 AM

Got a Lincoln 100HD, need to buy the gas conversion kit. But Hey it came with 12lbs of flux core.

**Palf70Step** · 10-08-2004, 07:59 AM

I also have a Lincon SP100T. I got it on line from these folks.
http://www.weldingmart.com/
It was factory reconditioned and same warrenty as a new one for half the price.
Works real good for the body work and stuff that I need.

glock35ipsc · 10-08-2004, 08:03 AM

I have a Hobart 135 MIG, a Miller 210 MIG, and a Miller EconoTIG.

I started using the Hobart 135 for sheetmetal work, but have switched to the TIG and love it!! The weld area stays much cooler and I can hammer and dolly the welds easier to keep flat panels flat.

One of the things that I found that makes welding sheetmatal easier with a TIG is to use 1/16" tungston, and for filler rod, use regular .035" MIG wire. Works great!!

I use the Miller 210 for bigger stuff, frames and such. I will be getting a spool gun this month for welding aluminum with it.

Don't use the Hobart 135 much anymore.

bucket · 10-08-2004, 10:03 AM

i use a clarke 135en. love it. i think clarke may make the craftsman welder.

mocwon · 10-08-2004, 12:13 PM

A twenty-year-old Snap on wire feed mig welder with gas.

69ChevyLB · 10-09-2004, 02:33 AM

Anyone heard of Powermate brand? Have a chance to pick one up with cart, gas bottle, etc. for good price.

SLS · 10-09-2004, 02:40 AM

Lincoln SP 135 Pro Mig.

Gas, or no gas....the choice is yours with this machine.

I love it.

ed455 · 10-09-2004, 09:07 AM

Clarke 150EN. It's a 220v model and I like it OK. The settings could be a little more variable. There's basically 6 heat ranges on it. I don't know what the amperage on each setting but it always seems I'm a little too hot or not quite hot enough and no setting in between. The lowest setting is a little too hot for sheet metal. I do alright with it and I'm too cheap to replace it. It beats the heck out of the little Chicago flux core I had before it. Once you've used gas, you will wonder how anyone could buy flux core. I was pretty good with the flux core, but MAN!, what a difference the gas makes!

longnlow72 · 10-09-2004, 02:43 PM

Quote:

the welder i use is called Fusor......sells for 44 bucks at API.

$44? is it any good? i want to get a welder but one for cheap

rigo · 10-09-2004, 03:14 PM

Miller 210 Mig here...with spool gun....can weld anything I would ever need......

rigo

shuttermutt · 10-09-2004, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longnlow72

$44? is it any good? i want to get a welder but one for cheap

Fusor is the trade name for a metal bonding adhesive. Many manufacturers use it on the assembly line and some repair shops have started to adopt it. Pretty wild stuff, really.

longnlow72 · 10-09-2004, 03:38 PM

gotcha

Aubigmac · 10-09-2004, 03:50 PM

I have the Lincoln 175 that they sell at Lowes. It was about $600 and it comes with a cart. Already had the bottle. Perfect size for me works well on heavy stuff as well as sheet metal. It wasn't much more than the 110 welders.

67ChevyC10Stepside · 10-09-2004, 04:50 PM

fusor is like liquid weld....i dont have the money for a welder so i use that. they say it is stronger than a weld...and company offers a lifetime guarantee on it....

gmc67swb · 10-09-2004, 08:51 PM

Miller TIG.(cracker box). 110vac. Very compact and very portable...plugs in anywhere..The bulkiest part is the gas bottle. TIG welding is like drawing with a pencil.

10-08-2004, 02:28 AM	#27
GSFMECH On the road Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NATCHITOCHES LOUISIANA Posts: 809	Miller 135, I love that thing. I hear that the cheaper ones use an aluminum wound transformer and the bonafide Millers use a copper wound one. I like the fact that all of the rollers and stuff in it made out of metal and not plastic like some of the cheaper ones. Maybe someone can shed more light on this that knows more about it than me. __________________ Mike Castro- 72 SWB. Ochre and White. 496/400 turbo, GV OD ,Dakota Digital dash , tilt, Vintage Air, PS, hydro boost, factory buckets, console, QA-1 Coil over suspension, 20/20"Billet Specialties Magnetos 72 SWB. Med blue. 454/400 turbo, tach, tilt, Stock AC, PS,PDB, factory buckets, console, ECE 4/6 drop w/ 2" blocks and C-notch, 20/20"Coys- Crashed and destroyed by drunk driver Sept 2019. New 72 build in the works. My new build thread "Castro" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=820934 My old build thread, the blue truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=271489 www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com

10-08-2004, 02:44 AM	#28
ZOOMY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: WIS Posts: 1,752	welder Lincoln SP 135 here. Perfect for sheetmetal work.

10-08-2004, 04:11 AM	#29
68LSS1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,191	I too got the Lincoln 135 w/regulator, Stargon, etc. I really like the unit I just wish i had went ahead and gone up to a 220 unit. If body work is all you'll ever do a 110 will be fine plus it's easily portable but if there is a remote possibility that you may want to do some suspension/frame stuff later on, save the extra money and get the 220 unit. Doesn't matter which brand (when talking about the 110/220 abilities). __________________ '68 Short Step LS1/T56, Hydratech, Fatman Fabrications Stage III, Baer, Hot Rods to Hell, US Body, S&W, etc

10-08-2004, 05:15 AM	#31
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Got a Lincoln 100HD, need to buy the gas conversion kit. But Hey it came with 12lbs of flux core. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

10-08-2004, 07:59 AM	#32
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,745	I also have a Lincon SP100T. I got it on line from these folks. http://www.weldingmart.com/ It was factory reconditioned and same warrenty as a new one for half the price. Works real good for the body work and stuff that I need. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

10-08-2004, 04:38 AM	#30
BrianJordan Iron Thunder Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 377	i use a chicago electric ez mig 110/1 fluxcor for body work and lincoln 225 amp. for hevy steal.

10-08-2004, 08:03 AM	#33
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	I have a Hobart 135 MIG, a Miller 210 MIG, and a Miller EconoTIG. I started using the Hobart 135 for sheetmetal work, but have switched to the TIG and love it!! The weld area stays much cooler and I can hammer and dolly the welds easier to keep flat panels flat. One of the things that I found that makes welding sheetmatal easier with a TIG is to use 1/16" tungston, and for filler rod, use regular .035" MIG wire. Works great!! I use the Miller 210 for bigger stuff, frames and such. I will be getting a spool gun this month for welding aluminum with it. Don't use the Hobart 135 much anymore. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

10-08-2004, 10:03 AM	#34
bucket Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 923	i use a clarke 135en. love it. i think clarke may make the craftsman welder.

10-08-2004, 12:13 PM	#35
mocwon Keep On Truckin' Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Buda, Texas Posts: 1,354	A twenty-year-old Snap on wire feed mig welder with gas. __________________ Just Passin' Thru Some projects are like herding cats; others are like putting out fires; this one was like herding cats on fire.....

10-09-2004, 02:33 AM	#36
69ChevyLB Active Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Canton, OH Posts: 249	welder Anyone heard of Powermate brand? Have a chance to pick one up with cart, gas bottle, etc. for good price. __________________ 69 C10 LWB Project 47 Cushman Scooter Project It is better to have loved and lost than to live with a psycho all your life.

10-09-2004, 02:40 AM	#37
SLS Finish the'71..or bust! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Nashville, TN. Posts: 441	Lincoln SP 135 Pro Mig. Gas, or no gas....the choice is yours with this machine. I love it.

10-09-2004, 09:07 AM	#38
ed455 Captain Ed Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Port Charlotte, FL Posts: 1,241	Clarke 150EN. It's a 220v model and I like it OK. The settings could be a little more variable. There's basically 6 heat ranges on it. I don't know what the amperage on each setting but it always seems I'm a little too hot or not quite hot enough and no setting in between. The lowest setting is a little too hot for sheet metal. I do alright with it and I'm too cheap to replace it. It beats the heck out of the little Chicago flux core I had before it. Once you've used gas, you will wonder how anyone could buy flux core. I was pretty good with the flux core, but MAN!, what a difference the gas makes!

10-09-2004, 03:14 PM	#40
rigo Flake Daddy Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Plainview TEXAS Posts: 456	Miller 210 Mig here...with spool gun....can weld anything I would ever need...... rigo __________________ 1968 SWB Fleet Daily Driver 350/TH400 shaved driprail,emblems,tailgate,air ride suspension 1964 Pontiac Catalina 2dr. hardtop shaved everything, air ride suspension 1998 Range Rover 1960 El Camino....in the works.....

10-09-2004, 03:38 PM	#42
longnlow72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: SW Washington Posts: 947	gotcha __________________ 72 Chevy lwb, cowl hood, shaved antenna, shaved bedrails, blazer tank, sidemarker fill, 1pc windows, flowmaster 40's, alpine deck, infinity 6x9's, infinity 4"ers, 2 jl audio 10w0's, grant wheel, keyless entry and alarm, more waiting to be done...

10-09-2004, 03:50 PM	#43
Aubigmac Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 13	I have the Lincoln 175 that they sell at Lowes. It was about $600 and it comes with a cart. Already had the bottle. Perfect size for me works well on heavy stuff as well as sheet metal. It wasn't much more than the 110 welders.



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10-09-2004, 04:50 PM	#44
67ChevyC10Stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Butler PA Posts: 3,034	fusor is like liquid weld....i dont have the money for a welder so i use that. they say it is stronger than a weld...and company offers a lifetime guarantee on it.... __________________ 67 c-10, 400 SB, TH350, 4.10 gears, Blazer tank,camaro tach, sidemarker fuel fill (soon) WTB: stepside parts, 67 front end parts, 67 small window cab. posi for 3.73 or 4.10 for 12 bolt and 10 bolt.

10-09-2004, 08:51 PM	#45
gmc67swb Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mesquite, Tx Posts: 396	Miller TIG.(cracker box). 110vac. Very compact and very portable...plugs in anywhere..The bulkiest part is the gas bottle. TIG welding is like drawing with a pencil. __________________ GM 330HP/350, Magnuson 122HH, Tremec TKO 5spd

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