Let's talk Mig Welders

[HolisticPerformance]

So I've been thinking for a while that I'd like use my tax return to buy a mig welder. I've looked all over, high end, low end, new, used. I'm fairly certain that a small (suitcase) 230v mig would do the trick. I'm not a full time fabricator, but would love to have a machine that will handle everything I need it to, from exhaust welding to moderate fabrication. I've pretty much decided that a 180 amp 230v welder from one of the big three is gonna be my best bet.

Here is my question: I've found a used Hobart Handler 175 (older welder, spankin' new condition) for a steal. HOWEVER, I'm worried that I won't be satisfied with its operation due to its non-infinite controls (i.e., it has 'indexed' power output selection, and the jumps between settings are rather large). Any welders out there had to face this issue? Am I worrying about nothing, or do I need to pass this one up in favor of a Milller or Lincoln?

 

[nissan_crawler]

I have an hh175. It works fine, but more taps would be nicer. go to toolking.com and look at a refurb hh187. More taps, warranty, great price.

Depending on the price of the hh175 in comparison to the hh187, I would have no issue buying it, either

 

[Senorpablo]

I don't find the voltage taps limiting on my HH135. Great welders.

 

[nissan_crawler]

4 on the 135 works fine, 4 on the 175 is more of a pain. 1/8" steel is between taps. I just go hotter, run faster. It's not a big deal, but more taps would sure help.

 

[Senorpablo]

4 on the 135 works fine, 4 on the 175 is more of a pain. 1/8" steel is between taps. I just go hotter, run faster. It's not a big deal, but more taps would sure help.

Makes sense.

 

[Paladin]

I've got a Lincoln Pro-Mig 140. I really like it. For a 110v machine, it's a good welder. Really smooth arc. The amp adjustment hasn't been a problem for me on mild steel up to 1/8".

 

[a390st]

I had a Lincoln PowerMig 255c. It was a good unit for a Mig welder. It had a digital control that allowed a lot of range and flexibility. I would recommend it for a good medium duty welder.

 

[rickairmedic]

Holistic I would say if you have found an HH175 for a " steal " . I personally would jump on it being you are new to welding buying a good used machine would be the best bet especially if you can get it at a good enough price that if you decide welding isnt for you then you can turn around and resell it and not loose money. The amperage differance between the 175 and 187 is minor compared to the differance between the 2 in price. I have a 185 amp machine and havent found anything yet I wanted to weld I couldnt .

Rick

 

[george4]

I am a hobby user. I have been using a HH 187 at home for about a year without any problems. The wire feeds well and the arc is smooth. There seems to be plenty of taps. At night school I can use larger Millers but for up to about 3/16 plate and .35 wire I have not noticed any difference so far with C25 gas. The HH comes with a Miller gun.

 

[shanker]

I am about to pull the triger on a Miller Matic 180 Autoset, Airgas has them on clearance

http://www.airgas.com/browse/product.aspx?Msg=RecID&recIds=153851

not only that, but my account at Airgas does not incur interest, so as long as I pay monthly, Its interest free..

No point in spending my savings if I dont have to right?

 

[HolisticPerformance]

Holistic I would say if you have found an HH175 for a " steal " . I personally would jump on it being you are new to welding buying a good used machine would be the best bet especially if you can get it at a good enough price that if you decide welding isnt for you then you can turn around and resell it and not loose money. The amperage differance between the 175 and 187 is minor compared to the differance between the 2 in price. I have a 185 amp machine and havent found anything yet I wanted to weld I couldnt .

Rick

Thanks Rick. I'm not new to welding, just purchasing a new small welder. That Miller deal looks tempting! They are right across the street from my dealership may run over and see if I can strike up a deal.

BTW, Rick, I think I may know you. PM sent.

 

[jonnysteals]

I just bought a HH 187 from tracotor supply for 539 for a brand new unit. Sooms like an awesome deal to me and shipping was five bucks. Waiitng for it to get delivered so i can teach myself how to weld. I figure since I can stick weld mig welding should be much easier.

 

[dxdexter]

I had a Lincoln PowerMig 255c. It was a good unit for a Mig welder. It had a digital control that allowed a lot of range and flexibility. I would recommend it for a good medium duty welder.

I second the Lincoln Power MIG 255. I have been using one daily for the last two weeks and it makes my MillerMatic 175 pale by comparison. The MM175 is a good machine for lighter work and will handle the heavier stuff with preheating and multiple passes, but I'm spoiled now. I am amazed at how well it will handle solid steel sections from 1/8" to 1" running .045" solid wire. The unit is however about twice the cost of the MM175 and will run on 220V, Ph1.

If you don't plan on lots of continuous heavy work then the MM175 (now 180) certainly is a good machine. If you do long stints it will heat up pretty quick as the duty cycle is quite light. I really slows you down having to wait for the machine to cool down. I have run .023", .030" and .035" wire with no problems, welding everything from sheet metal to heavier plate.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I second the Lincoln Power MIG 255. I have been using one daily for the last two weeks and it makes my MillerMatic 175 pale by comparison. The MM175 is a good machine for lighter work and will handle the heavier stuff with preheating and multiple passes, but I'm spoiled now. I am amazed at how well it will handle solid steel sections from 1/8" to 1" running .045" solid wire. The unit is however about twice the cost of the MM175 and will run on 220V, Ph1.

If you don't plan on lots of continuous heavy work then the MM175 (now 180) certainly is a good machine. If you do long stints it will heat up pretty quick as the duty cycle is quite light. I really slows you down having to wait for the machine to cool down. I have run .023", .030" and .035" wire with no problems, welding everything from sheet metal to heavier plate.

Isn't the mm175, 220v? I think something is wrong with your mm175, my hh175 has welded for several hours on tap 3, and then 30 minutes or so on tap 4, and never hit duty cycle. In fact, I have never been able to hit duty cycle on mine. Does the fan work?

 

[dxdexter]

Isn't the mm175, 220v? I think something is wrong with your mm175, my hh175 has welded for several hours on tap 3, and then 30 minutes or so on tap 4, and never hit duty cycle. In fact, I have never been able to hit duty cycle on mine. Does the fan work?

Yes the MM175 is 220V, I was merely pointing out that the 255 was also, but may not have worded it correctly. Mine has automatically shut down many times, but some of the jobs I do require hours of constant welding at higher amperage. There is nothing wrong with my MM, its just not made for what I ask it to do. By definition I try to exceed the duty cycle quite frequently, to no avail. The machine always calls me on it.

 

[shovel]

Stephen - If it is a steal, jump on it! I have welded with a Handler 175 on mild steel and I liked it. That is, using it with gas. I didn't care for the flux-cored wire. Plug it in and play with it until you get the hang of it. You'll then find all kinds of projects and won't know how you survived without one. Good luck!

 

[back2class]

I have had a Hobart handler 140 and now a Linclon 140. I liked the Hobart better. It was a higher quality unit.
I have been hobby welding with a quality 220v ARC for years. I never use it anymore unless I am cutting or burning out broken bolts. The 110v mig with flux core is fine for any job I do and for any automotive duties including buiding trailers. I SEE NO NEED FOR 220V machine for the hobby user. Mine will weld 1/4" plate in a single pass and for the very rare time you may weld thincker you just "v" the joint a bit. The 110v machine is less expensive, but more importantly PORTABLE.

I see tons of internet postings saying "buy the 180 or 175" I think those folks have never used a quality 110 mig. There is nothing the averge user can not do with the 110v unit that that the low end 220v units can. Plus they are portable. My advice is the 110v is a better all round item and less expensive.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Oh please.

My dad has a 140, and it won't do close to what my 175 will. Welding 1/4" plate is pretty much maxed for the 175, I have never seen a 140 get proper penetration on 1/4" steel. MAYBE with max heat, heavy flux wire, and running damn slow, but I have better things to do than deal with that.

If you're running flux core, think a 140 amp welder does what a 175 amp welder does, and have never duty cycled a 140 amp welder, I have to question the experience.

Oh, and my 175 is in the same housing as your 140, so I'll argue your "portable" statement, too.

 

[bugdust]

I used to be a welder, now riding a desk. I have a Lincoln 255c and I love it. It may be more welder than the average hobbyist needs though. The hh175 should be fine for most things you will want to do.

 

[back2class]

Oh please.

My dad has a 140, and it won't do close to what my 175 will. Welding 1/4" plate is pretty much maxed for the 175, I have never seen a 140 get proper penetration on 1/4" steel. MAYBE with max heat, heavy flux wire, and running damn slow, but I have better things to do than deal with that.

If you're running flux core, think a 140 amp welder does what a 175 amp welder does, and have never duty cycled a 140 amp welder, I have to question the experience.

Oh, and my 175 is in the same housing as your 140, so I'll argue your "portable" statement, too.

Lot more 110v plugs than 220 last I checked. Maybe you are in Europe? Yes, you can max out duty if you are doing alot and it will happen quicker than with the 220. But I doubt any hobby welder is doing that much welding where it is an issue and to me portability beats out longer dity cycle. Honestly, how often are any of us doing large amounts of true 1/4" stuff? I have a small farm and 3/16" is about as thick as I run into except rare moments or small jobs.

 

[HolisticPerformance]

Thank you guys so much for your input. I think I'm gonna go for it. I've even wondered if, down the road I decide to, I could put Miller Controls on the HH175, just a thought.
A 110 welder may get lots of jobs done, but waiting on a duty cycle is downright frustrating. I have heard from various people that the comparable Lincoln seems to resist the duty cycle better, but I wondered if it was just talk.

If I had the money, I'd buy us all one of these:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?store=snapon-store&item_ID=12618&group_ID=1736

 

[nissan_crawler]

Lot more 110v plugs than 220 last I checked. Maybe you are in Europe? Yes, you can max out duty if you are doing alot and it will happen quicker than with the 220. But I doubt any hobby welder is doing that much welding where it is an issue and to me portability beats out longer dity cycle. Honestly, how often are any of us doing large amounts of true 1/4" stuff? I have a small farm and 3/16" is about as thick as I run into except rare moments or small jobs.

Again with the portable thing. THEY USE THE SAME CASE. There is no difference in portability. A HH 125/135/140, 175/180/187, and 210 all have the exact same portability.

Most people that weld have 220 plugs, and if a farm doesn't, well, I'm shocked.

I have 4 220 plugs in my garage. As for duty cycle, I have routinely pissed off my dad's 140, and have never hit it on my 175, there's a huge difference.

140 duty cycle is 20% @ 90 amps, 187 is 30% @ 130 amps, huge difference.

 

[back2class]

It will be a fine machine. You will like it. But if it's worth anything, I have not found the duty cycle to be an issue at all on my quality 110s. My 2 cents is to not worry much about that when picking a machine foe a non production setting. It was a problem on an old Italian made mig I had that came off the matco truck. That was a real piece of ****! "Astro Mig" I think it was branded. You will be happy so long as you go name brand. Stay away from mid level like Clarke or Century or the real low level stuff as things break on migs and parts wear out so you want quality and easy support.

 

[nissan_crawler]

We ran a 275 amp Century for 15 years on the farm, ran quite a few 30 lb spools through it with no issues other than it was **** with a breeze, though. The hh 175 does fine.

 

[Senorpablo]

We ran a 275 amp Century for 15 years on the farm, ran quite a few 30 lb spools through it with no issues other than it was **** with a breeze, though. The hh 175 does fine.

I've used a 200+ Century and it was fine. The 110v Century's are just plain awful though!

 

[nissan_crawler]

That wouldn't surprise me. I'm not a big fan of any 110 welders, unless it's purely for sheet metal.

 

[HolisticPerformance]

So I held out on the Hobart, and I'm so glad I did. I found a used (brand new condition) Millermatic 175 for $500, and introduced the little welder to its new home today I'm glad I waited, I think the infinite controls will be well worth the wait, especially considering this was the same price as the Hobart 175 (on craigslist)!

 

[crashbumper]

I bought a Miller DVI about 3 years ago, and I love it. I was sketchy about buying a 110v welder since I wanted the ability to do thick (.250+) material if needed. Of course the house I was renting at the time didn't have 220v in the garage.

I relayed these concerns to a Praxair employee, who showed me the DVI. It has the best of both world for a MIG. It has a plug which can be swapped between 110 and 220.

It is a largish machine but I am confident I will never need to buy another MIG again.

115 VAC
90 A at 20% Duty Cycle

230 VAC
150 A at 40% Duty Cycle

http://millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_dvi2/