Welder question and recommendations

[dennislbrooks]

Some of these guys/gals on here are certified welders then some like me just weld. Yes they are better than me and know more than me. If you have a sawzall and a 220v MIG you can do a lot. I have 3 welders and with exception of stick I use shielding gas. Around 2003 I bought a Miller SD180 TIG/Stick to tig aluminum sledges. Took a class on TIG . I do not TIG much anymore.

My first MIG was a 110v Campbell Hausfeld which I used a lot on thin steel but I was thrilled when I went to a 220V MIG around 2008. This is a Maxus PRO-180. A smooth welder with a more controllable arc. I bought it used for $120. Has only 2 knobs - 1-5 heat setting and 1-8 on wire speed. Uses .023 up to .035 wire. I mostly use it for thin metal - including body panels with .023 but run .030 and .035 for heavier stuff. 2 knobs and I still use it.

I also have a Titanium multi welder with all kinds of knobs and buttons on it - MIG, TIG, and Stick attachments. I had a 30% off is why I bought it. It is a smooth welder but takes me longer to get the heat and wire speed right. The TIG on it is a lift arc unlike the Miller SD180 which is a frequency arc - just different.

Most of the MIG welding I do is not over one minute in duration before a stop. I may spot many times - off /on for 5 minutes. I weld 20 gauge to 1/4". Anything heavier I use the stick. I have a cart and a 12 foot 220v extension cord which allows me to roll the Maxus with 023 and the Titanium with 035 all around my shop/lift.

If I had to choose only one to keep I would choose to keep the 2 knob Maxus. There are other brands out there also as simple as this Maxus. Whatever get a 220v. And I like CO2 for a shield - steel. Cheaper