Howdy!

Want to get my dad a welder for Christmas. He has never welded before, but is a 8/10 on fix yourself type projects.

It will primarily be used for restoring cars. He restores old cars for fun, one car every 2 years.

Recommendations? I don't mind spending up to $1500, but would prefer to stay in the $500-$800 range.

What kind of welding? Brands? Models?

Thanks! Picture of the current project - a 1969 ss 396!

Nice Camaro. I have always wanted a first gen, never worked out for me. Had a couple 2nd gens though, a 71 and an 80. As far as your question goes a buddy bought a Lincoln MIG welder a couple years ago. He had no previous experience but taught himself and now is fairly competent.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lincoln-Electric-230-Volt-180-Amp-Mig-Flux-cored-Wire-Feed-Welder/1072947

I have a Hobart Handler 140 that I got years ago from TSC. Has been absolutely solid as a rock, recommend looking at something along those lines.

If you go 110v, make sure you have a 30a outlet. If you have access to a 240v outlet, go that route so you can weld thicker.

Welding body work requires the fine capability of a TIG setup. Some TIG rigs have the capability to be set up as a plasma cutter which is also very useful.

MIG is the easiest basic welding setup and makes the easiest cleanest larger welds for rookies.

You can TIG aluminum but of course that isn't often needed in vehicle work.

Like schmelba says, Hobart is a solid choice. It is a wire feed welder, which is a better choice for auto work as you can go low enough in amps for sheet metal without burning through, but still go high enough for frame work. Plus a wire welder is just easier to learn to weld with, as you don't have to learn to follow the electrode down as it burns. For what it's worth, I've had really good luck with one of the chicago electric brands from Harbor Freight, but it"s just an occasional use tool, although I have pushed it pretty hard too. Also, think Hobart has a longer duty cycle.

I use a Lincoln for several years now and I've done a lot of welding with it. Just make sure the one you get is 240v and can use gas.

Then make sure you have a couple good angle grinders - I like Metabo.

I bought the Hobart 210MVP a few years back. It's done everything I've ever asked it to do. I like the ability to do 110V and 220V. I can run it on a generator in the field or in the barn or on the back porch if I need to. Works with gas or flux core.

Hobart 140 Handler Checking in. Just do it

Another vote for Hobart. I have the older 180 and it is great. Definitely recommend a 220v machine if he has the available power.

For a newbie doing body work, I would go wire feed. If able to go all out, you want at least a 180 w/ variable setting, not tapped setting, want to be able to run shielding gas, and a spot timer is nice for thin sheet metal.

A Lincoln dual power 180 w/ set timer add on would be an ideal unit. Not sure what they are running these days but probably just above your $1500 budget. You can pick up used machines in good condition for sub $1000.

Another Hobart 140 here, I believe Hobart is Miller's "hobby" brand, FYI

Here's my advice....
Sign your dad up for the 'Welding for Gunsmiths' summer NRA course at Trinidad State. He will get to use several different machines under the direction of an excellent instructor, Robert Sanchez. Don't let the course title concern you. He will pick up some great skills and probably come away with a preference for a machine.

https://trinidadstate.edu/gunsmithing/pdf/2021/Basic%20Precision%20Welding.pdf

He Hobart 140 can run flux wire, gas and aluminum with the aluminum spool gun. Pretty versarile.

I have welded everything from about 16ga sheet through 3/8" plate with mine. One day i will get a bottle to do some stainless work.

Look at a multi-process wire feed DC inverter. Something like ESAB's Rebel. These are capable of stik, mig, and tig. Most new models are dual voltage 120/220V. If you want aluminum capability, you will need AC output. While some might bag on them, Harbor Freight offers a pro line that have an abundance of features. All of Miller/Lincoln 250A and below are made overseas w/ same components found in other brands.

Another aspect you should compare is duty cycle. The higher the duty cycle, the better. Low end wire feeds are notoriously low duty cycle.

Eastwood is also another brand I would consider.

Be mindfull of the duty cycle of said welders and what you are going to be welding. The 140's and 180's usually have a 20 % duty cycle at a certain setting......meaning if you weld continuously for 2 minutes you have to wait 8 minutes before welding again or the weld quality will be poor, I've got a Lincoln 140 for thin metal and a Lincoln 255 for 1/8 th or thicker. I've welded up to 1 inch plate with it but it's a bit much for thin metal. It's a bear on anything from 1/8 to 1/2 though but they are $4500 or so now. Also think about the shielding gas part of the equation. You can use CO2 or a mix of 75/25 Argon and CO2. IMHO the 75/25 mix makes for a better looking weld. Also look at the size bottle you want. Small bottles don't last long and nothing is more aggravating than running out of shielding gas mid project. Avoid flux core wire imho