FP Welder question

[Henry]

Len, I was looking through the store here at the FP welders. How good for the hobbyist is the 120 with gas and how does it measure up to the 130 and so on. Being 110 does it matter much over 220 for sheetmetal welding. My neighbor with the MOPAR show cars is after a backup unit.
He saw a Century in Lowes but I told him I would check with you. Places like Lowes or HD can only stock or sell a couple models over what you can list and easily get from a supplier. You've proved that over the years with air compressors for us.
I have the MW Snap On 120 and really like it. I've hooked that thing to a 100 extension cord and welded away.
Lastly, I know many on this site do not like 110 welders. What say you good buddy. Anyone out there with the FP120 who can comment? Thanks all. Henry

[WILLY]

I first purchased a Powermate welder in the 80's, which was later bought out by Century. I am a certified welder. I was skeptical to purchase one and finally did. I used these welders in my muffler shops for the next 17 years. These were abused to no end. They were very reliable and I felt a great overall machine. they were 220 volt and 160 amp machines. I also teach welding at a local college. when you buy a welder you need to study up on what a duty cycle is. This will help dictate the type of welder that is best for your needs. We welded paper thin exhaust systems and sheet metal clear up to trailer hitches. One other point with a 220v machine you will probably only weld at 1/3 to maybe 1/2 of the capacity of the machine, instead of welding at the max with a 110v. A stereo works well and sounds good at 1/3 to 1/2 of the volume, however cranked up it will distort and have a much shorter life. Now I will get off my soapbox.

Willy

[Lost in NJ]

If the guy is doing serious restoration work than he ought to be looking for better.

Has he ever thought of getting a TIG welder?

If he has a clue as to how to do metal work a TIG can save a lot of grinding work over the mig. It is not too hard to put in panels that need a minimal amount of leveling and most of that is hammer and dolly work to relieve the shrinkage caused by the weld. It is possible to put in patches that need no bondo to level, just a few coats of a high build primer.

Once you figure out how to tig the MIG will get very little use.

Just a few thoughts.

[WILLY]

Well I agree to the extent that a TIG is a cleaner weld and even stronger " If done properly " and I repeat "IF". The only problem is a TIG is a process that needs to be graduated to. The MIG (wire feed) is a more popular process for the novice (no offense intended). The MIG is also easier to master and cheaper (equipment wise) tha the TIG. The TIG welder needs to master both hand and feet coordination, While the MIG requires only one hand. If a poll were taken I would guess that 80% or more of the people watching this website use MIG. After mastered then I would definately proceed on to a TIG.......

just another perspective !

Willy