I'm also an electrician and weld a little on the side. The 110V wire feeder welders are good for up to 10 gauge metal but wouldn't do anything thicker than that. It's best to get a good 220V heavy duty welder, a little more expensive but well worth it IMO.

I would say the minimum amount you will probably have to spend is around 500-700 dollars to get started welding. This is accounting for buying a bottle of 75/25 as well.

You can probably find used deals, but I will wholly say, "don't skimp out on the machine, especially if you plan on using it more than just once in a while"

I bought a Harbor Freight 110 mig just to test it out, and I returned it the same day.

Also if you want to weld aluminum with MIG you need a couple of things.

1. You need to resleeve the gun

and

2. You MUST run a tank of 100% argon gas, with appropriate aluminum wire.

So you'd need two different set ups (2x different bottles) to weld either mild steel and aluminum, which can get pricey.


A small 110 won't get you very far outside of the realm of sheet metal and 1/8 inch sheet steel work. That's why I recommend the largest 110 available, which is a 140.

The difference between, for example, the Handler 120 and the 140 is night and day.

I weld just about every day. Well, at least 3 days a week. If you have any specific questions hit me up.

I'd wait for Koj before you make your final decision though.

I honestly think you don't need a 220 for anything you want, or have expressed a desire, to build.

And for the record, my 140 welds 10 gauge and greater no problem, with plenty of penetration. All the way up to 1/4" steel projects.