MIG Welders - 120v vs. 240v

Hi, I am in the market for a new MIG welder. I have a decent little 90amp flux core welder. Good enough for around the farm but I want something better with out all the splatter and mess. Looking for a gas compatible MIG. My question is do I really need 240v? I mainly just do sheet metal and maybe some small brackets and stuff. I am not building a chassis or frames and will probably never weld anything thicker than 3/16". I want to get a decent MIG, but also don't want to have to wire another 240v circuit in my garage since I am about capacity for the electric in there now.

So, do I really need 240v, or will a 120v with gas probably be much better than the flux core that I am using now?

Thanks!!!

 

I just bought this one and I plan to teach myself to use it when it arrives.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...4&i_cntr=1318878056849&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

It looks pretty basic though; you might want something better.

 

I got a 120 miller and i cant get it to work good on sheet metal with gas. My 220 on the other hand is great with the gas. If you have a 120 flux core now, i would definetly add the 220v with gas to your arsenal.

 

I highly recommend a 220-volt-capable MIG unit. No matter what you think you need now, you WILL want something that can weld thicker material eventually. The Miller #211 120v/220v dual voltage unit is awesome. Great welder for the $.

 

i have a 120v lincoln gas one and the gas really makes all the difference. its hard to argue with the dual 120/240 volt ones if the wallet is thick enough to bankroll it

 

X2 im with vodoo

 

X3 on what VoodooTwin said. ^^^^^^^

 

4X, you don't "weld" sheetmetal , you stitch it....short "tack" welds joined together.

 

I too have the Miller 211. It is great.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I figured 240 would be the general answer.

Ricks Garage -- It is still welding....the process of joining two metal pieces. Stitching is just a technique.

 

I built a few cars with a Daytona mig, 120v, excellent little machine.
I recently purchase two Campbell-Hausfield 120v for ease of movement and they suck out loud.
my 220v mig and the Lincoln stick welder have never let me down, just hard to move between garages.

 

I used this welder really,really nice welder for the price you wont regret buying it. you could run it on 120 and only need 240 to weld heavy stuff but would always have it if you need it.

 

Went out and bought a 211 today. GTS-Airco near my work had them on sale for $1049. I'll let you know how I like it once I get it set up and weld something.

 

I have had the Miller 211 for just over 2 years now. No regrets - great welder.

 

Agreed with VOODOOTWIN, i have the same welder at work, lets just say its the SHIZNIT!

 

Ok....I may have just jizzed in my pants a little. This Miller 211 is friggin awesome. Maybe I am just excited because it is such a big jump from the little flux core welder I have been using for years. I just did some practice welds then moved on the cowl mounts I have been making for my 1931 Chevy pickup. What a difference. No splatter. Barely anything to be ground downafter the welding. Why didnt I buy this years ago?

 

With welding equipment you get what you pay for, and Miller is best you can get!

 

Oh yeah....and the auto darkening helmet I just got works wonders too!

 

I have a lincoln 120v with gas i bought in 1995 and it still is going strong today. The only problem i ever had tuned out to be the wrong/bad gas. It's great for thin gage metal only though.then tig w/b the way to go.