MIG welding is very easy to learn and a MIG welder is a must-have in auto restoration or any type of metal fab, which is probably why you’re considering purchasing a MIG. If you’re not sure what exactly you need, I’m going to help you select the right machine for your job. Today we’re going to take a look at the MIG 135, MIG 175 and MIG 250. If you’re looking for a multi-process machine that will not only allow you to MIG weld, but also give you the option of ARC and TIG welding, those units are also available at Eastwood. But today I’m going to stick to MIG welders.
Your first two concerns are most likely “what thickness of metal can it weld” and “what voltage do I need to run the machine”. You may also want to know the duty cycle and whether it has the ability to connect a spool gun to weld aluminum. You’ll also want to make sure it uses common consumables that you can get at a welding supply store, not just from the manufacturer; which is an advantage of these Eastwood machines. Also make sure the welder has a good warranty. If the manufacturer doesn’t have confidence in the unit, why should you? Eastwood offers a 3 year warranty on all these units, in fact you can even test them for 60 days with our money back guarantee. So you know we have confidence in these machines.
Let’s start with the thickness of steel each will weld. The MIG 135 will weld 24 gauge to 3/16, making it ideal for sheet metal work, which is perfect for patch panels and floor pans on a car. The MIG 175 will weld 24 gauge to ¼” making it great for auto restoration. If you’re buying one machine, and especially if you’re working on cars, this is a great one to have because it covers nearly all the work you’ll be doing from thin metal to working on frames. The MIG 250 will weld 20 gauge to ½ thick steel. It can still do thin metal, but where this machine really excels is in its ability to weld thick steel. So, to summarize, if you’re basing your decision on the thickness of metal it can weld, the MIG 135 is great for sheet metal. The MIG 175 is the unit you want for doing just about everything up to ¼. The MIG 250 is the unit you need if you want a more industrial machine that can weld thick steel.
Now let’s see what voltage you need to power them . The MIG 135 operates on standard 120 volts, the MIG 175 on 240 volts and the MIG 250 can operate on either 120 or 240 with the supplied adapter cord. On 120 volts, the MIG 250 will weld up to 1/8, which is nice because you can still use the machine if you’re in a location where only 120 volts is available. In fact, because the MIG 250 is an inverter style unit it can also be run by a generator, making it a mobile unit that’s great if you need to take it out on the road or to the track. So if you’re looking for a unit to haul with you and connect to a generator, the 250 is for you.
Now, you may also want the ability to weld aluminum. All three units have the option to connect a spool gun. The MIG 175 actually comes with a spool gun to weld aluminum up to ¼. The MIG 135 and 250 have the option to connect a spool gun which will allow you to weld aluminum up to 1/8 of an inch on the mig 135 and ¼ on the mig 250.
Now let’s discuss consumables. All three units use common comsumables, which means you can get them at eastwood or at most welding supply stores. The MIG 135 and 175 both use tweco style consumables and the MIG 250 uses binzel style consumables.
All three machines have flux core capabilities, which is nice if you’re welding outside or in a location where you don’t have a gas bottle. But for cleanest, nicest welds, you will want to use shielding gas when you can.
Let’s check out duty cycle, which is the length of time the machine can operate in a given amount of time. As an example, if it’s a 30 percent duty cycle like the mig 175, it can operate for three minutes and then needs to cool for seven. If 30% doesn’t seem like much, hold a pen and move it like you’re welding for three minutes. It will probably seem like a long time.
The duty cycle is 20% at 90 amps for the MIG 135 and 30% at 130 amps for the 175, which are both plenty to get the job done on your projects, especially auto restoration. Now, the big MIG 250 has an impressive 60% duty cycle at the full 250 amps, which is great for more industrial welding where you will be using the machine for long periods of time welding thick steel.
Another great feature on all three units is the infinite adjustment of voltage and wire speed that really allows you to dial in the unit perfectly for the best welds. Many machines just have a few settings that you click through, rather than a smooth dial that lets you select an exact spot between those settings. This feature is really useful for thin metal.
So, I hope this helped you select the best MIG welder for your jobs. If you’re just starting to weld or you’re looking for one unit that’s going to cover most things on a restoration, I recommend the MIG 175. If nearly all of your work will be thin steel and sheet metal, I suggest the MIG 135. If you want the ability to weld thick steel for long periods of time, or connect it to a generator, the MIG 250 is the unit for you.
And remember if you’re just learning how to MIG weld, Eastwood has a lot of videos on our YouTube Channel and at Eastwood.com that show how to setup your welder and begin welding, plus videos on troubleshooting as well as tips and tricks to improve your skills. For more information on Eastwood MIG Welders view them on our site here: https://www.eastwood.com/welders/mig-welders.html