Welders: If you had to choose one...? Options

[Danny_Ocean]

I have yet to learn to weld. I would like to purchase (and learn on) a welder that will be most useful to the average "car guy"...welding sheetmetal, repairing broken mounts, adding brackets to rollbars/frames, etc. Nothing exotic, just basic repairs for the average mechanic. My shop has 220v if that matters. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)

[JPB]

If my name had Ocean in it and had your daneros, I'd get a welder that migs, sticks, and tigs all with the turn of a knob. Why? Because there would be no job to small or to big and you would be able to weld most anything. You might want to do a chromoly role cage or weld a trailer for your teener. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[Danny_Ocean]

If my name had Ocean in it and had your daneros, I'd get a welder that migs, sticks, and tigs all with the turn of a knob. Why? Because there would be no job to small or to big and you would be able to weld most anything. You might want to do a chromoly role cage or weld a trailer for your teener. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Do you have a manuf./model #?

I went to the Miller website and used their "selector" feature. They recommended this (dual voltage): http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_dvi2/

Another idea I had: I can get two welders (I know, I said one, but...)...one cheapie (Harbor Freight) 115v unit for welding body panels, lightweight stuff and one good (Miller, Hobart, Lincoln) in 220v for the heavy-duty stuff. I was hoping there was one welder out there that does both. My storage room is limited.

I really don't think I'd get into welding trailers, or anything that big. As I mentioned before, most of the projects I have would involve brackets, frame repairs, sheetmetal repairs and the occasional home project (decorative items, iron fencing).