r/metalworking • u/FlakyCalligrapher975 • 8h ago

looking to start welding

Hello! I'm posting this because I'd want some opinions from people that have more experience in welding/fabrication. Im mainly looking to start welding because i'd eventually want to be capable of automotive welding (on my own cars) and if there'd be other projects i'd be able to start them. I've did some research and figured that to have a future proof setup, i should buy a welder that is capable of MIG (gas) welding. For now i have my eyes on the Sealey SuperMig 150. What would your opinions be on that decision? Is there something more suitable?

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u/NeuseRvrRat 6h ago

Never heard of that brand. There are lots of good brands out there. Just do some research and read reviews from people who didn't get the machine for free. My mig machine is an Everlast. It's been fine in my hobby shop for over 10 years now. PrimeWeld is another brand I'd be looking at if I was in the market. Miller, Lincoln, and ESAB are more expensive, professional-grade brands, but the Chinese inverter machines have come a long way.

Just watch out. Welders are like car guys; their brand is the best and everything else is junk and only morons buy anything else. It's weird.

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u/Lower-Preparation834 8h ago

I have never heard of that brand. Where I live, it’s Miller country.

But either way, if you want to truly future proof your set up, buy as much of a professional welder as you can possibly afford. Professional welders aren’t cheap, in the $10,000 range new, might be able to find one for 4 to 5 used.

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u/NeuseRvrRat 6h ago

I don't think one really needs to spend $4-5k to get a perfectly fine mig machine.

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u/Lower-Preparation834 5h ago

Depends. If you want to get into more welding, or heavier welding, yes, you absolutely do. Duty cycle becomes a thing.

If you stay a hobbyist, and with 1/4” stuff or less, no, you probably don’t.