using a 115v mig for buildups

[GA86yota]

anyone use a 115v mig welder for some of their builds ? i dont know if i should get a new 220v for my build or what.

[PAToyota]

Search - 220V vs. 110V discussed ad naseum...

[DRM]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=447914

I believe most all of this project has been done with a 110v mig. Get ready - the thread is a LONG one.

I like to put it this way... a good welder (the person) can do more with a 110v than an average welder can do with more machine. Problem is, if you have to ask, then you are probably not the kind of person who can do more with less machine (yet, anyway) ;)

If that is all you have - then work smarter and you can do alright with it. But you gotta work SMARTER with a smaller machine, MUCH smarter! Search other threads as suggested on how to work smarter :)

[Zrock]

It all comes down to your prep work... It may take a few min longer with teh 110 welder but most jobs cvan be done.. I use a 110 and love it i dont have to worry about having to look for hydro to power teh thing

[ironpig70]

used a 110 for alot of my work and it will weld to 1/4" with out problem. the downside to a 110 is i can weld 1/4" for like 2 straight minutes and then wait 8 minutes to do it again. now if you where doing alot of 1/4" then a 110 unit would take some time. what i did was prep 1 part that was this thick and weld it, while waiting on the machine i prepped 1 more part and then i welded it and the cycle continues. know your machine and how much down time your going to have and work accordingly.

[generalee7]

Ah duty cycle, yes that plays a bigger part in the difference between the 2 :D

[Vermin]

I built this entire thing with a Lincoln 135 - http://www.abusivemotorsports.com/story.php?section=2&id=72

I wheeled it - then sold it to a friend who's still wheeling it.. no problems. Now mind you.. when I do the next one it'll be on a 220v machine.. but - it sure can be done if your 100% confident in your welding -

[GA86yota]

ive been welding for a year and a half so im kinda good but real good with a mig

[heavytlc]

It would be like framing a house with a small hammer. It can be done, but takes more work. I would assume gas, not fluxcore. In most cases it will just take more time as everyone else has said.

[co]

I have a 110 machine and I love it. I live on a farm and the would not trade the ability to be able to use it in different buildings without looking for 220V. Most machines are rated for thicker stuff with the flux core wire. I have never even hooked up my regulators. You can get a 110 Mig and a 220 stick welder for less $ than a decent 220V Mig.

[PAToyota]

Also remember that with the shorter duty cycle you are going to be stopping and starting the weld more often - which can be a problem if you don't know what you're doing...

Then again, if you don't know what you're doing a 220V is probably going to get you into trouble as well...

[Al Kaholick]

i used a lincoln 135 for two axle swaps, both are holding very well. When I built my roll cage I used my new welder (175) but was running at settings that the 135 could run. Fact of the matter is that for 95% of the stuff you will do on a vehicle you dont need that much power.

[Ken Carter / BRUISER]

90% of my build was done with that size lincoln welder

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=353716

[CRFMXR]

I have a mm135 at home and have used it for my cage, bumpers and spring hanger so far plus a bunch of other projects. Id stay away from the cheaper ones though. Good prep work, technique, and a little patience go a long way with a 110v.