Hey what type and brand of welders do you guys use. I have the money for a stick welder but would really like a mig. I have worked/built 1 roll cage before and am looking into putting one in my mini. just want some opnions on welders

 

Just say "no" to the stick. At minimum, get the 110volt Lincoln Mig from Home Depot. It will build your cage just fine and if you add a bottle of gas it will be even better. It will weld .095-.120 wall tubing, single pass, but anything thicker will be pushing it for strength. A 250v Mig will weld thicker material.
A TIG welder is more expensive, but a much better way to go, if money permits. Tig has more uses and makes a prettier weld.
Many people prefer the Miller brand over Lincoln. I've used both and have zero preference. Although, I wouldn't buy any Lincoln that had the NASCAR crap on the side of it.

 

I agree with <MINI>.
I've used a stick welder for years now and it's OK for basic down and dirty stuff but a mig with gas is where it's at for ease and all around decent welds. TIGs are great but do require more finesse and a bit more $$. I got a stick because it was what I could afford at the time and kind of got used to it, but now I would get the MIG with gas.

When I watch all the build shows on TV I always look to see how they are welding. I've seen cages built with both MIG and TIG but never stick. I think it's a lost art (and a bit messier). What was funny was an episode of American Chopper where they broke down on the highway and the fire truck that was helping them had a stick welder that could fix their problem. Paul Jr. took that thing and you could tell he was really lost with it. That was the only time I saw a stick on one of those shows.

 

Well my brother is sponsored by lincoln welders so i think i can get a good deal through him. Mig is what i have used in the past and it seems like the way to go for me. all the work i have done in the past was .120 wall mild steel . Heres that project

 

its very dangerous to drive around in a caged car without wearing a helmet.

 

True, but thats why i wear all five points in the truck even around town. I know its no the safest thing, but at least i dont bounce into the cage

 

Definitely go with a MIG, it will be worth it in the long run. Stick is kinda a pain in the but.