[ggassert]

I was wondering what amperage is recommended/required to weld exhaust? I am a novice by every stretch of the term. I have been learning slowly from a friend, but will be purchasing a welder soon (nothing terribly expensive because it's just a hobby) and I want to make sure I purchase a welder with the proper amperage capabilities. Any recommendations?

Grif

[chevyman992002]

A 110v welder should be more than enough. I've been using a 135A, 110V Lincoln from Home Depot for a few years now and it has never let me down. As long as you're not doing any type of frame work, a 110v should work fine.

[ggassert]

is 135amp the most widely used? What is the minimum amperage you would suggest? Of course I intend on buying something with fully adjustable amperage.

[Vortech 4.3]

135amp, is just a designation of the machines ability. i think 140amp is the highest a 110/120v mig machine will go. if all you want to do is exhaust(yeah right) then it will be way more than enough. i recomend LINCOLN, but if buying used, any name brand will do.

[Chevrolet4x4s]

Once you start YOU WILL do more than exhaust
Shane

[ggassert]

ha, alright. well then which amperage would you suggest I stick to?


Grif

[Chevrolet4x4s]

for an affordable 110v mig/fluxcore welder 130-140 amp
Shane

[327NUT]

Before you do anything check out Millers new "Millermatic 140 with auto-set. its a 115v. and welds 24 ga.-3/16. on a single pass. Look on ebay for some good prices, like the other guys say once you get the hang of it you'll be welding everything you can get your hands on so don't cut yourself short. If you have 220v. then I would opt for the Miller 175 amp, all I would ever need.

[oldred]

Why do you want a 110? Is 220 power not available? Budget? If you can afford the extra cost and have the power available then don't even consider the 110 machine. That's not to say that a 110 is not useful, it is, and you can do a LOT but some things would be impractical even if possible. For instance it is commonly suggested that you can not do frame work with a 110 but you can, BUT it will be a lot of extra hassle because of the necessity of preheating the parts along with the short duty cycle requiring very short passes (weld beads) meaning you will be spending time waiting on the welder to cool. Also be careful about claims made by manufacturers such as that Miller claim that the Millermatic 140 will weld 24 ga to 3/16 in one pass, it certainly will but for how long on that 3/16"? I am not knocking Miller (it's hard to find something bad to say about Miller ) but ANY 110 machine will handle 3/16" in only short welds and although that Miller 140 will do a lot better than most it still would be a PITA to do much more than very small welding jobs on 3/16". Buy the most welder you can afford and you will not regret it, remember you can turn a big welder down but you can't turn a small one up.

[SuthnCustoms]

If you decide to go with a 220v,check around for the Lincoln 175 right now,most dealers are clearing them out because Lincoln now has a 180 model that replaces the 175,i seen one go for 425.00 on ebay recently with a 50.00 shipping price that i wish i would of bid on.
I paid that much for my Lincoln 135 Plus at home depot a few years ago

[ggassert]

Wow, looks like I found the hot topic around here. Thanks for all the advice. I have a fair amount to take into account now. I'm going to read up on it a little more before i decide, but it sounds like the general consensus is to go with the 220v. Thanks again.



Grif

[oldred]

Let me vote for Lincoln also, I have used and abused Lincolns for about 38 years now and my living depended on them, they never let me down.

[ggassert]

I found a used, cheap Flux-Core Lincoln. It only has an 88amp max output. Is this going to be too weak for hobby welding? I won't be doing framework or building massive structures.

**I have read the numerous debates on Flux vs. Mig on this website. I know some people hate Flux and some say it will get the job done. But Flux is more in the price range than Mig. If I maintain interest and need a more serious welder, I will buy a mig. But for now I am looking into Flux.**


Grif

[oldred]

IMO you should pass on that machine because it will work just well enough to make you mad at it. 88 AMPs is just barely enough to weld exhaust pipe and I would use more than that to do it right if it was available. You would be far better off to wait until you can get a more powerful welder, a MIG if possible but at least a better flux core outfit.

Once you have tried both types of machine you will understand why most people hate flux core.

[ggassert]

Thanks for the warning. I will wait until I can find something better. The hunt continues...