I am going to buy a small 110v mig welder. So far I have sourced a Clarke 135 mig welder, for $318 but I have to pay shipping. I can get a Campbell Hausfeld 105 Mig welder with wire and mig kit for $260 plus tax(6%). I see Chicago electric mig welders in Harbor freight but I never heard of them. I am not doing any heavy duty welding. I can borrow a 220 welder for that. I am just trying to get the best bang for the buck. Thanks.

Shop around, there are some good deals out there if you take your time and look. Try and stay with at least a 135 amp welder and it will service you pretty well for bodywork and it will weld up to 3/8 well,any thicker and you sometimes have to make a few passes. My welder is a Century 135 amp 110vt and I bought it a Homebase when they were going out of business. The price out the door was $200.00 for the complete unit, cart, welder and gas set up except for the bottle! Some people call the off brands "throwaways" because at times it is almost as expensive to repair them as to buy another. I found out something interesting about the Century, mine was missing the owners manual so I had to order one from the maker,its made by Lincoln. I have been using it for over 2 1/2 years now with no problems.

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/2190866121.jpg

I don't know if it's a deal, but I bought a Hobart 135 off my buddy, I was there when he bought it.

it comes with the gas kit, no bottle, for I think $400.

I like it (first MIG). I built a gokart from scratch so far with it.
DG

There has been quite a bit posted about MIG welders in the past. Try doing a search and I think you will find lots of good thoughts about the way to go. I would stay with Lincoln, Miller or Horbart. A Hobart 135 would probably be the best bet price wise.

I have to agree on the Hobart. It does cost a bit more, but it is the best value in that price range. I spent quite a bit more on my Miller, but I don't have a single regret. But for what you're looking for, the Hobart will suffice, and it comes already set up for gas. All you need is the bottle.

Stop by the local welding shop. You can get great deals on entire packages. If you order something off the net or by mail and have problems what do you do? Stop by the local shop it may suprise you. Coworker went there and got alot of training after hours.

I'm very pleased with my Lincoln 135. It was around $450 including everything but the tank. I do suggest getting one locally if you can, for service & support. You'll need to establish a relationship with a local vendor for gas and wire anyway, might as well look around now.

All of the Chicago Electric stuff that I've seen has been cheap junk. (I didn't realize that Chicago was part of China...)

Reid

Anyone have experience with the Cambell Hausfeld mig welders?

They are made for them most likely by someone else. Check your local welding shop for an entire package. You will need the following.
1.welder min 135 amp with regulator
2.wire
3.contact tips
4.Co2 or Argon/CO2 mix
5.welding gloves, skull cap, vest
6.helmet spend the money and buy electronic
7.splatter spray or dip
8.multi tool for tip cutting and repair
You will find more help and info to put you into the correct package at a local shop then elsewhere.

I bit the bullet and bought a lincoln 135. It was $417 at lowes and came with regulator. They had the weld pak 100 for $325 but you had to buy the regulator mig kit for $89! So I was forced to go with the bigger welder. More than I wanted to spend but I think I will be happier in the long run.

Originally posted by yipman64:
More than I wanted to spend but I think I will be happier in the long run. Absolutely. good buy. For a decent welder, that's not much to spend at all.

Reid