Picking a welder need help

Willg · Jul 13, 2011

So I learned how to weld but I would like to get a good welder to build bikes for myself. I am looking at the mig 140s by miller and Lincoln. Will this be a good choice for bikes? My house only runs at 120 so i cant get anything bigger than that. I know tig is better but it costs twice as much and mig should still be able to weld bikes right? Thanks

ratcycle · Jul 13, 2011

Go to home depot and pickup one of there lincoln welder 140 weldpack. I have one and I love it. It can handle mig and fcaw. Go lincoln.

Willg · Jul 13, 2011

Thanks, I noticed they had them at home depot

Rockit! · Jul 13, 2011

Yes that should definitely do it. I would advise going the gas shield route as opposed to flux core if possible.....the bead quality is much better. If you have to use flux core, bite the bullet and buy quality wire...you WON'T regret it! 8)

motopsyco · Jul 15, 2011

I definitely recommend a Miller or Lincoln if you have the scratch to spend. One thing that I believe you should do is get the mig unit even if you start out using flux core. Just remember you may have to switch wire feed rollers if switching between flux core & solid wire.
Peace Y'all

Wingman · Jul 17, 2011

Do your self a favor if your gona build bikes, take the next step, learn how to Tig weld .... Its easy.
Then buy a Tig welder to build bikes with.
NOT saying ya cant do it with a Mig machine. Trust me ya can .
BUT .... You will find that working with thin tubing the Tig is much more adjustable , Flexable with what ya can weld overall ( Aluminun , Titanium , Magnesuim Ect along with any steel alow out there. ) & in the long run you will learn more & have more value with your experiances & in the end If you master the Tig, I garuentee it will look MUCH, much beter thanthe Mig weld thing.

It only cost a little more to fly first class yano .
Wingman / Stephen .... Back to base fopr breakfast ..... OUT

Willg · Jul 17, 2011

Well I got the Lincoln Mig 140, havent fired it up yet but should I use .030 wire?

Rockit! · Jul 17, 2011

Check to see what it's set up for.....I'm not that familiar with Lincoln Migs. On Millers the tip and drive wheel may need to be changed depending on your wire thickness.

Willg · Jul 17, 2011

Nothing needs to be changed unless you switch over to gas from flux core, I just dont know if .030 flux core is a good wire thickness for bikes.

Rockit! · Jul 17, 2011

Oh yeah it should work fine

ratcycle · Jul 17, 2011

I use .030 and .035, For thin stuff I use .030, for thick stuff i use .035. But .030 would do the job.

scrumblero · Jul 17, 2011

grab an old wally world frame and burn some holes in it before you get going on your project... :roll:

Scooter3 · Jul 17, 2011

Ive setup two different Miller 130 Mig welders and I have had trouble with the small spool of wire that comes with the machine on both setups. Its hobart wire, which is probably the issue, that for some reason crosses over itself when its wrapped on the spool causing it to grab and not feed out of the gun smoothly. If you have this trouble, go get yourself a big spool (11 pounder) usually Radnor brand and that will solve the issue.