thinking of getting a welder

[SpeedCoach]

Howdy all

Been saving my pennies and with some birthday and christmas bounty I'm thinking of picking up a welder.

I'm planning on going with just a 120v unit. I dont have 220 at the house, and frankly - all the welding I've ever done has been on thinner material (with a buddy's 120 unit). I've yet to run into a job that needed the beefier welders. I'm not doing cages or suspension work etc. This is just general hobby work/putzing around (and some stuff on the kart.).

So I'd like to keep the debate to 120v units please.

I had been leaning towards the Lincoln Electric units you can find at Lowes and HD (which is what my friend has - and it's never failed us when called upon).

But I've also been checking out the Millermatic 140.....and to a lesser extent the 211 (which of course would give me the 220 flexibility if i needed or wanted it.....but it's a bit spendier than I'm wanting for a feature that I may not use).

Anyone want to talk me into/out of any of these units?

merry christmas to all of you.

 

[mikevango]

Lincoln 140 is a good machine

 

[Skin]

Those Handy Mig kits are a great way to start. Perfect for around the house type fixes.

 

[Heathens]

Stick with the big three, Lincoln, Miller or Hobart. I have a Hobart 140 and love it.

 

[sk farmer]

i just ordered a 211 if that tells you what i think. everyone has 220 at their house. if you have an electric water heater or dryer you have 220. my 211 befor adding in tank rental was 949 not much more than a good 140 and much more capabilites yet still has the 120 ability and is portable.

 

[SpeedCoach]

Stick with the big three, Lincoln, Miller or Hobart. I have a Hobart 140 and love it.

I'm definitely keeping my options within these 3. Lincoln and Miller simply have dealers/stores that are more conveniently located to me (havent seen a hobart locally)

 

[Red Green]

I would recommend getting one that is ready for the sheilding gas. Other than that I don't have much advice on the 120v units.

 

[Steevo]

The Lincoln 140 is a really good 120v unit.
I have welded some pretty heavy steel tubing and plate with mine, and the only issue I have had is when I get carried away and forget to let it rest periodically. Oh, and it will occasionally push the limits of a 20A breaker.
I use mine only with Argon/CO2 gas and solid wire.

 

[nismomans13]

Don't get a 120v unit, you're just going to end up wanting a 240v unit in the end. I have a 120v Lincoln that I bought some time ago. Its a great machine, but its basically only good for sheet metal.

 

[Gary S]

I've had my 120v Lincoln for about 15 years and it has always handled anything I needed to weld. I don't work on road construction equipment or train locomotives, so I don't need a 240v unit.
I've been happy with the welds from my Lincoln even on 1/4" and 5/16" steel.

 

[muibubbles]

ive been looking into the hobart 140... i think its a pretty good deal..
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200306073_200306073

475 free shipping
+ free welding cart
+ gift card (if you spend 500 you get a 50 gift card)

hopefully santa pulls through for me this year... =)

 

[32rules]

Note the lincolns at Lowes have only a few heat selections, while the little more expensive ones at your typical welding store have infinite heat controls. They also have different feed mechanisms.

 

[SpeedCoach]

Note the lincolns at Lowes have only a few heat selections, while the little more expensive ones at your typical welding store have infinite heat controls. They also have different feed mechanisms.

Really? did not know this. Thanks for the heads up. I'm guessing the differences will add up to a lower price point?

I've had my 120v Lincoln for about 15 years and it has always handled anything I needed to weld. I don't work on road construction equipment or train locomotives, so I don't need a 240v unit.
I've been happy with the welds from my Lincoln even on 1/4" and 5/16" steel.

I'm kind of the same mind with this one Gary. Do you usually go with Gas or Flux core? (especially for the thicker welds?).

 

[PaulR]

Millermatic 180 here. 220 unit, I ran an "extension cord" from the dryer to the garage for 3-4 years, , no problems, now I have the proper outlet.

 

[Goldhawg]

I have the 211 and highly recommend it. IF you can afford the add'l $$, then do it cuz you'll not have to upgrade later. I initially used the dryer 220 source w/an extension cord I made. Once you weld w/220v you won't go back except for some very thin stuff. But it does work well w/110v.

 

[j6508]

you can,t go wrong with a miller, I bought a 211 this fall and I love it. I also have a old miller 210 that I bought 10 years ago or so and now that I have the 211 I haven't ran it once. My neighbor has a miller 140 and it is a nice unit also, I had borrowed it from him for a small project that I was doing and needed a portable and it laid a nice Bead. 2 weeks latter airgas had 211 on sale and I bought mine. I have used the lincolns that you buy at home depot menards exc and they aren't bad units but a,b,c,d for heat Ive always wondered how that worked. a = almost enough b=bought their c= close to what you want and d=duh you should have went hear first dumb ***? If you can justify spending the extra cash I would get a miller 211 because that one time you need to burn deep and hot the 110 machines just aren't going to do it for you. And to try and help you justify the extra money you would spend when you buy a welder its a long term tool that you are going to use for years if not a lifetime. pluse being able to ad a spool gun is a nice option.

 

[eclou]

try your local and nearby Craigslists. I picked up a good Hobart Handler 175 with cart for $250

 

[Gary S]

I'm kind of the same mind with this one Gary. Do you usually go with Gas or Flux core? (especially for the thicker welds?).

The flux core is better for heavy metal and deeper penetration, while the gas is better for cleaner welds on sheet metal.
If you need to weld thicker metals, simply grind the pieces to a V and fill with multiple passes.

 

[davidj]

try to find a used one in good shape. a buddy of mine upgraded to a bigger more powerful welder and I offered him 200 bucks for his lincoln 140. he took it. he was the original owner and always took care of it. if im welding i use flux core wire. the lincoln innershield .035 and then clean up the slag with a harbor freight flap disk. you cant go wrong with lincoln, but watch out their smaller welders will not run off gas if you want to go that route. you can buy an upgrade kit for it, but then you would come out paying more then a nicer model.

 

[Robert Haas]

A big welder can be turned down

A little welder can not be turned up.

You ever weld something that counts like a trailer hitch and don't get the proper penetration, well you ain't ever gonna really trust it now are you?

The MillerMatics that go both 120/240 are incredible machines and Miller is offering great deal this time of year to move last years stock off the floor.

 

[Tom2]

I just bought the $90 90 amp HF flux core welder. No problems with it.. I've used other migs before and this one is just about as good for around the garage / DIY stuff. A little messy with the flux core, but fine for what I do.

 

[Interex]

Another vote for finding one used. I just scored a decent deal for a 220v Hobart 180 w/ cart and an 80 cf bottle of shielding gas for $400 on CL. I used to use a 90 amp flux-core and absolutely hated it. The welds looked like trash and it was hard to get a steady bead. It just wasn't enough power for me.

Hobart is made by Miller so you know you're getting a quality machine.

 

[R6 Racer]

Here's a thought...
Try a cheepie 120v I have seen them used for $50. Play with it for a while, Then if you find it to small (which I think is going to be likely) you can get a good 240v one without loosing to much $$$.
And you can afford to keep the cheepie so if you have to do some "off sight" welding you have a portable!

Steve

 

[Wanna Ride]

A couple thing s that others have touched on...
Definitely stay with the big three: Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln.
Definitely get a MIG unit, gas is easier, cleaner results and just generally better.
Try to steer away from the minimal, big box store options. I have a Lincoln 135 Plus, and it has a wide range of heat. Check online for something similar.
Me personally, I don't like to buy big-ticket, technical items used. Unless I personally know the seller and I'm confident I'm not buying a dud, or worse, stolen equipment.

Just my two-cents, I'm sure someone will chime in and saty the exact opposite. After all... it is the internet. And it's more commonplace to have a keyboard instead of a clue.

 

[32rules]

Really? did not know this. Thanks for the heads up. I'm guessing the differences will add up to a lower price point?




I'm kind of the same mind with this one Gary. Do you usually go with Gas or Flux core? (especially for the thicker welds?).

The models with a T are tap heat controls. The models with a C are infinite heat.

 

[jay50]

I use a century; great little machine.

 

[stonewellmark]

Get the 110v MILLER it has infinite heat range settings not just 4 like the HOBARTS and LINCOLNS. They are all good, just that the MILLER is more useful. Also, like said by others a 220v unit is what you will eventually be looking for. Best of luck.

 

[MOPARINMYCAR]

I would go for the better welder that will not need to be upgraded at a later date. But saying the just make sure that the welder you do end up with does not have a to higher amp setting when at its lowest setting as this will make for difficault times when trying to do car bodywork and thinner stuff.

 

[bob_s2]

I started out with a millermatic 135XP and loved it! it was a blast, and it did so much! Bought it used, sold it 3 years later for just a bit less than I paid for it. My second welder was a mm210. No reason to not go with 110v, great way to learn. However, it is CRITICAL that you run it on a true 20amp line, with NOTHING else plugged into the circuit. I ran it and liked it, then ran wire for a dedicated circuit and WOW the difference! Became a totally different machine. You can choke these little machines down very easily without realizing it. I'd say this: Go used, get a miller or hobart, and buy a small tank of c25 gas. It will last you a while. When it's out, trade to the next larger size tank. When that's gone, upgrade one more tank size. Now you're good, and have aquired all the other needed things along the way.
Have a great time welding! It's a blast!
--Bob

 

[briggsguy17]

I agree with the others here but I would limit myself to Lincoln or Miller. Hobart is more of a DIY line. Not saying they aren't good, I have used a 180 model many times, but given an option I would stay away from them. I have used the Lincolns and love their 120 line. Get the gas though if you want cleaner welds, flux is hotter but really dirty. Merry Christmas.

 

[SpeedCoach]

thanks for the input everybody.

I'm going to go to a local AirGas tomorrow and see what they have. Pretty much ruling out the Lowes/HD units and now leaning Miller.....debating 140 or 211. It's the internal debate of what I know i'll use (the 140) vs. what I may use (the 220 capability of the 211).

 

[sberry]

Hobart is more of a DIY line. Not saying they aren't good, I have used a 180 model many times, but given an option I would stay away from them.

They have deleted the 180 from the product line, revamped it to the 185 with a couple more taps and a better top end, its now a super machine, no losers in the Hobart line. I actually prefer taps vs the infinate, super easy to go back to the same settings, perfect every time.

Pretty much ruling out the Lowes/HD units and now leaning Miller.....debating 140 or 211. It's the internal debate of what I know i'll use (the 140) vs. what I may use (the 220 capability of the 211).

You will use the larger machine, its not a waste, its far superior. They plug in to a better circuit, twice the available input.
Just to add, there is nothing wrong with the box store models either, they work good. They are labeled differently which is good for their competitors, add some confusion but they work.

 

[Buckgnarly]

They have deleted the 180 from the product line, revamped it to the 185 with a couple more taps and a better top end, its now a super machine, no losers in the Hobart line. I actually prefer taps vs the infinate, super easy to go back to the same settings, perfect every time. You will use the larger machine, its not a waste, its far superior. They plug in to a better circuit, twice the available input.
Just to add, there is nothing wrong with the box store models either, they work good. They are labeled differently which is good for their competitors, add some confusion but they work.

Didn't Hobart replace the 185 with the 187? I have used my HH175 a LOT, actually kept it when I got my Miller 210 so I could run .23 and for smaller jobs.
Also have the 625 plasma and very happy with it.
Would not look past Hobart, with the exception of plastic gears/rollers they are damn near close enought to the Millers to not matter except in shop environments.

 

[SpeedCoach]

Damn you guys and your sensibility!!!

A Miller 211 is being loaded in a truck and sent to my door as I type this

In the end it was the flexibility of this unit that swayed me.....even though I dont have 220 to plug into at the moment (at least not in the garage) I took what you all had to say to heart and this unit will give me the best of both worlds.....

now off to think about the first project....a cart, or a table????

 

[VTHokie]

Congrats on the great purchase! I've had my Miller 211 since April of 2009. It's been a great machine that has allowed me to do so many projects and repairs. You're going to love it. I say go for the cart first and be sure to post some pics.

 

[rayzor32]

I just bought the $90 90 amp HF flux core welder. No problems with it.. I've used other migs before and this one is just about as good for around the garage / DIY stuff. A little messy with the flux core, but fine for what I do.

Me too its not a bad little welder for what i need to do, I wanted to get a lincoln buzzbox ac/dc used off craigslist but ppl either wanted too much money or there were only ac units.

 

[Falcon67]

Damn you guys and your sensibility!!!

A Miller 211 is being loaded in a truck and sent to my door as I type this

In the end it was the flexibility of this unit that swayed me.....even though I dont have 220 to plug into at the moment (at least not in the garage) I took what you all had to say to heart and this unit will give me the best of both worlds.....

now off to think about the first project....a cart, or a table????

You have chosen wisely.

I will add for the thread that I use a Hobart 140 and it is a very good machine. I should have bought a 187 and will upgrade when time and money allow, but the 140 does 90% of what I need already.

 

[ixlr8]

Damn you guys and your sensibility!!!

A Miller 211 is being loaded in a truck and sent to my door as I type this

Where did you end up getting it from?