Looking for a MIG welder

[xjman]

I'm looking for a MIG welder for random R/C stuff. I've read a few threads about them and everyone points to Miller or Lincoln.

Basically I'm looking for a cheap one. I've never welded before and I don't want to dump a ton of money if I don't have to. What would some of you welders recommend in my situation.

Also, what kinda mask should I look at? I have one my brother used to use, but it was for stick welding, I assume it works the same?


Thanks guys.

[Thorsteenster]

i bought a lincoln weld pak wire feed. i since bought the mig kit. i barely ever use it or now how to weld but its as easy as can be. if you can pull the trigger you can weld, maybe not decently mind you
not too long ago i bought an auto darkening helmet, think i spent 120 or so, a lincoln off ebay. its really worth it though, none of that flipping the flipping mask up and down all the time.

[smokinubyrc]

check out the local harbor freight for a cheap wire feed mig

[xjman]

After some bad expierences of my own, and what I've read here I'll tend to shy away from Harbor Freight unless its something simple like a tube bender.

What type of price range am I looking at? Realisticly I have about 300 to spend, am I really limited with that price? It doesn't have to be great, just reliable and easy to use.

[Thorsteenster]

i think when i bought my lincoln, 5 years ago or so, i payed 400 at lowes. i wouldnt recomend buying a cheapie, spend or wait until you can, the extra 100. the control over the machine is much better, ie, heat and wire speed. you may only want it for somthing basic right now but the versatility will be worth it when you want to do more with it, like 1:1 body work or 1/8" steel plate.
mine says its rated to weld up to 1/4" but i'm a little leary of that, especially with my skill level

[xjman]

I don't think my Lowes or Home Depot even carries welders. I'll have to check.

[xjman]

I guess it looks like I'm savin some cash.

What type of wire do I need for brake line, maybe some 1/2 square tube stock?

[Thorsteenster]

brake line for a tuber? i'd stick with brazing, i tried welding and it's just too easy to burn through the thin stuff. after a few i got ok at it but after trying brazing, thats the way to go IMO.
lowes here has carried limited welding stuff for awhile, home depot just started recently.

[Thorsteenster]

lincoln has, or had, a mig kit, got that one, and a SS kit and an alu kit for the little wire feed'ers.

[nursejjh]

try walmart they have one for under 300 and works great for sheet metal and small stuff. its works off reg 110. starting build a tuber with brake line and works great with a little of trial and error. dont weld much but penetrated well.good luck