Looking for a good mig machine to do some light work.

[Cerwin Vega Fan]

I'm looking for a mig machine to do some small things around the home and some exhaust work. Since most of the work will be minor I don't need a crackerbox or areally powerful mig machine. The only thing I really want is a machine with a 100% duty cycle, can anyone recommend any certain models he/she has had good experience with in the past?

Thanks

[bru333]

Any of the Lincoln or Miller machines that they carry at Lowe's or Home Depot. Both good reliable machines for what you want to do. Flux or gas? Flux core welds look messy compared to gas, harder to make a pretty bead because of the flux. You won't find one rated at 100% duty cycle. Even the Millers we have at work are only rated at 60% (they are about a $1800 machine) 20 to 30% is more than you will need anyway.

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

Agree with the previous poster. If you get one of the small wire units, get one with a mig gas kit. It will weld much better than flux core. Also, a fat 12 ga extension cord is needed if you need one at all, cause any voltage drop affects the welder.

[SteveH95Formula]

The top of the line gasless MIGs will have an option that will let you add shielding gas. Its an extra kit. I've got a gasless but you can add a gas kit to it. I might do that next time I run out of wire.

[soCalTA]

I don't there is a 100% duty cycle machine. I have a Miller 210 but judging from your post I would suggest a Miller 175. It runs and regular house electricity so you can be more mobile with it if you need to be. You could also look into a Hobart 135.

[Coop '02Z]

I have the Hobart 135, it's a really good machine esp. for the price. Hobart is owned by Miller anyway...so it has Miller guts.

[SteveH95Formula]

A follow up to my previous post. I have a Hausfeld-cmapbell 120 Volt. I have .035 wire and its pretty good for sheet metal or light 1/4" steel. It welded 1/8" brackets up pretty good.