I'm sure people are tired of answering this question for newbies like my self but I'll ask it anyway.

I have decided that I will be buying a MIG welder. For Hobby work.
A friend once said "If you you need it buy the Best you can afford":
With that in mind I plan to buy a 220V Unit.

I originally considered buying a cheapy from Harbor Freight but after doing
some research on the web I think that would be a bad idea.

I have my search narrowed down to 2 Units

The Millermatic 175 and the Lincoln SP-175 Plus (Both designed to compete with each other)

Miller had this chart on their site.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...matic_175.html

From looking at this Comparison chart on the Miller website it sounds like the Miller is the better Machine.

Now here are my concerns

MILLER

I have concerns about whether you can weld aluminium without using a
Spool Gun on the Miller (an added $500+ expense).

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/..._175/index.php

Top of the Miller page says

"All-in-one wire welding package welds 24 gauge - 1/4 in (0.8 - 6.4 mm) mild steel."

From the MillerMatic Buyers guide

"Can Any MIG Unit Weld Aluminum?
Aluminum requires a faster wire feed speed because it melts
so quickly. If you plan to frequently weld aluminum, use a
specially designed MIG welding power source like the
Millermatic® 350P capable of the pulsed MIG process, or a
special aluminum feeding gun like a Spoolmatic® 30A or
Spoolmate™ spool gun paired with a higher amperage
Millermatic. For the smaller amperage Millermatics like the
135 and 175, the optional SGA 100 adapter and Spoolmate™
3035 spool gun are available."

LINCOLN

Lincon on the other hand only says you need a aluminum conversion Kit
a $56.00 option.

MIG weld on mild steel as thin as 24 gauge with .025" SuperArc™ L-56 wire.
Flux-cored wire weld up to 5/16" mild steel plate with Innershield® NR®-211-MP
and up to 1/2" plate with .045" Innershield NR-212.
Add K663-2 to weld 22 gauge through 1/4" aluminum.

SUMMARY

I will be mostly welding mild steel angle but there might be time where I want
the option for welding aluminum. For those few times I cannot justify the
extra $500+ for a spool Gun.

Thanks for any help you can render,

Thanks

Tom

 

You cant go wrong with either unit. Glad you decided to stay away for the off brands. you will not regret it. The spool gun is very nice it you are going to be welding alot of aluminum since shortens the distance the wire is being pushed or pulled. Aluminum tends to break alot. I have a sp175plug with the al option an it does just find for around the shop. i would not want to weld production with it. I also didnt want to spend 1000 buck for a push pull gun for my miller since i really dont weld that much aluminum.

hope this helps

metweldeng

 

Hello and thank you for your reply.

I will be doing hobby welding for my Halloween projects.

I have read thru a few books and have ordered Videos from Northern Tools.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...02&R=200310402
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...04&R=200310404

From everything I have read it seems practice is the best teacher.

Could you tell me if there is a huge difference between the MIG & Flux welding.
Could I get away with Flux welding at 1st until I got my sources set for the gasses

As I said where I will be sporadically welding will I need the gas?

Thanks again,

Tom

 

" From everything I have read it seems practice is the best teacher. "

That to, books will show you what happens to metal when it is heated, and what to look for in the joint.
You need about 15 C-clamps to start.


" Could you tell me if there is a huge difference between the MIG & Flux welding. "

I think there is.
Gas is cleaner, you can see what your doing.

Some people prefer Flux in windy conditions. you need to use more gas if its windy.
It will be harder to learn with flux, you need to differentiate between the melted flex and the melted metal.
Your eyes will not like the smoke when it gets inside your helmet.

-------------------------
" Could I get away with Flux welding at 1st until I got my sources set for the gasses "

Yes.

-------------------------
"As I said where I will be sporadically welding will I need the gas? "

For steel you can use flux or gas.
you need gas with Alum.

once you try gas you may not want to go back to using flux.

 

Hello,
I just saw the last posts; I'm probably going to get the aluminum kit for my Lincoln. Is that & Aluminum wire all that is required to weld aluminum with(like with flux-core steel wire), or would I have to get a tank of gas to go along with the kit and the welder?
Thanks All.