sure to have tons more questions

[highboost2000]

Hey guys I am trying to figure out what machine to get. I am going to be doing quite a bit of work with turbo downpipes because I have a grand national. I would like to eventualy learn how to weld my own downpipes because others that are for sale are quite pricey.
I can't figure out which Hobart I should get, household voltage would be easy but I could always set up a 230v outlet.
Any help would greatly appriciated.
Thanks and looking forward to having fun, I know the best thing to do is practice practice practice but I need to know what to start with.
One other thing is that someone mentioned that I should go with a Heavy Duty unit versus something I could just pick up a a place like Northern Tools for example, any ideas.

Thanks again.:D

[Critter]

I know where you are coming from, I'm trying to build headers for old motorcycles. All the research and help I've gotten have lead to the 187 mig, then when ya break the rollbars ya have enough power to fix them too.

[Rocky D]

I, personally would TIG weld headers...Not knowing what your skill level is, I couldn't recommend a machine.

[1990notch]

If you've spent any time on theturboforums.com, there's lots of people on there that have built turbo headers, crossovers, and downpipes with mig welders. Most of them are using mild steel, then having them ceramic coated. I would tend to go with tig for stainless, but I suppose you could mig them with tri-mix gas and a purge or solar flux inside. If you're going to mig them, a Hobart Handler 187 would be great, an HH 140 would probably even work great too.

If you're like most of us here though, once you start with a mig, it doesn't end there. Lots of neat things come with great excuses to get them. Until one day you can't even get in the garage anymore. It's still probably cheaper than a psychiatrist though.

[Critter]

I, personally would TIG weld headers...Not knowing what your skill level is, I couldn't recommend a machine.
Skill level? I can't get to the first bar yet! I been using a stick, 225 Lincoln, and only an AC! I been playing mostly with 6013, and 7014 rod, at least that's where I've had the most luck, no, din't say skill!;) I don't want to hyjack Highboots thread, better back on out.

[highboost2000]

Critter

not a problem here any questions that are asked will most likely help someone besides me and one never knows all the questions to ask so critter if you have any other questions or thought just let em rip.
As for my experience level, pretty novice. Was thinking about a 187 but then someone menitoned that it might be a good idea to get a heavy duty welder for possible future projects.
And yes most of the guys that are doing GN stuff are using the mild steel, some times maybe they are going to stainless.
Thats why I was wondering if a 215 was a good way to go, it just seemed like it was built well and would last.
Thanks for all the help guys.

highboost

[Critter]

I've been playing with 1 1/2 aluminized steel, it will polish up nice, priced out some 1.66 OD stainless, only 11.00 per foot! Think I'll order a truckload, yah, right! I think I might have better luck with a dab of skill mixed in with OA, used to do pretty good with that. I got itchy and went to the basement for some 1/4 inch stock, never welded that with this stick welder I have. MAN! That was fun! Complete penetration on a butt weld with 1/8th 7014 at 120 amp! I love the heavy stuff.

[highboost2000]

OK guys I have come down to two types

one is the Lincoln power 215 and the other is the esab migmaster 250. What do you guys think. I am kinda leading towards the migmaster.
Once again thanks for all of your help.

[Critter]

Will it adjust down to weld the light stuff?

[highboost2000]

Hey Critter

yes it will go down to 24gauge

[Critter]

Then it sounds like it will do the light pipes you will deal with, and anything heavy you might come up against, take it and run with it! Start burnin wire!