I am in need of a MIG welder. I've got a Miller Dialarc HF TIG machine, but I can't imagine doing all the panel work this car needs with a TIG, too slow. The MillerMatic 211 has been recommended but that is a bit more than I care to spend. A friend reports good results with the Hobart 190 and that is more in the price ballpark I can stand, and comes with a good warranty. I'd appreciate any first hand experience with what Hobby-level machines work and what doesn't. What control features are important to have for doing panel and frame work on a car? I've got a 60A 230 V plug so I want to have the capability of a 200-ish Amp machine. Anything I can save buying the welder gets put back into parts for the car. I know that Harbor Freight has a new line of welders out but I really haven't heard enough about them to support buying one.
I love my Hobart... I wouldn't consider HF, they might have gotten better but in the past they were failure prone.... I'm sure I don't need to tell you Miller stuff is great...... I will tell you to check Craigslist, plenty of lightly used good quality stuff pops up & it sounds like you'd know how to tell the used stuff from the used up stuff....
Oh, I'm not a fan of flux core so I wouldn't consider a unit without a gas bottle....
I got Hobart 210 which is probably more than I need. It was on sale at the time so I couldn't pass on it. It's a nice welder and gets the job done and if I need more amps I can use the adapter that it comes with for 210v.
I have a pretty good Lincoln tig welder but I rarely use it. I have a Lincoln 110v welding I've had for over 20 years and go for that most of the time. The are priced pretty cheap, I got a gas kit for it when I bought it.
I have built many many things with my 170a 220v Harbor Freight welder. I would like a longer lead on it, nicer gun, etc....but the stupid thing keeps working. I paid $160 or so for it several years ago, I got my monies worth out of it a long time ago.
I've welded axle ends onto a 5,000lb rock crawler with it, no problems.
https://www.amazon.com/Hobart-Handler-210-MVP-Welder/dp/B004USV5UC
I have a lincoln 140 amp mig. Nothing on these cars it can't do. And it is pretty reasonably priced.
They have a 180 amp 220v machine if you want a bit more power.
Harbor Freight with a 25% coupon.
Cheap will cost you more in the long run everytime .
I have a 110v Miller 140 should last as long as I do , great from light / medium work .
I would look at Miller Lincoln Hobart etc
I got various opinions on another forum years ago. Glad I took their advice. Purchase a Lincoln Electra PRO 180 with the optional cart and tank.
Buy a gas setup for sure. I have a Lincoln 180 and it is okay, a Miller would be better and I personally have used a Hobart and was impressed with it as well. As Wild said you may be able to find a better quality lightly used welder for the same price as a lower quality new one.