Best beginner mig welder (standard household plug) under $450?

[techenthusiast]

I understand I should go with lincoln, miller, or Hobart but what about a specific model? I'm hoping for something that I can amazon prime. If not amazon prime then where is a good place that I can pick it up online with free/low shipping?

My first project will be my exhaust (stainless)

Thanks

 

[Playwme]

Don't know what the prices are like over there but it's Fathers Day here in Australia today and my present was a Lincoln 180c. At least 3 mates have them already and they're pretty hard to beat.

 

[Youngguns]

I can't comment on the welding of stainless, I've never done so. In respect to MIG welders, I believe the way to go is either the Hobart 140, or the Miller 211 as long as welding stainless is simply a change in wire.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... I just picked up a Lincoln 140 mig, factory refurb for $500. at my local weldin' supply shop,....

 

[bob15]

I like Lincoln Migs....one of their 140 migs (110/120 vac) would work real good. One place to buy a welder is Zoro tools when they have their 20, 25 or 30% off (they are free shipping). If you're welding SS, you might look at getting stainless filler material and the proper gas mix. This isn't needed for welding SS, but it would make the job look better in time.

 

[erty67]

By standard household plug I'm assuming you mean 110v. I think at $450 you can count out Miller. That leaves you with Lincoln or Hobart. Your best bet is wait till the Hobart 140 is on sale. It would then be the best new welder under $450. If you're looking at used, all three brands are good if you find the right deal based on its used condition. I bought a Lincoln pro mig 100 for $100. For $100 it was a steal, but it's no Hobart 140.

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[Slackerzinc]

I have the Hobart 140 and it's a nice machine! I am pretty happy
with its performance.

 

[Fender1325]

Hobart 140 here. Fits your budget and needs perfectly. Dont expect to do 1/4" material though.

 

[trackwelder]

My local Craigslist always has a few used small welders sale below your budget.

 

[BD1]

Are you near a Farm and Fleet ? They have great prices on Hobarts like the 140 and the 210.
MILLER has a current rebate program. http://www.millerwelds.com/landing/...m_medium=specialofferspage&utm_content=online

A 220 volt machine will be a long time investment. Spend once cry once.

 

[Daves69]

Welding stainless steel requires Stainless wire and a special Tri Mix gas. The weld will still not be as clean as a TIG on stainless.

 

[motofool33]

Good luck welding stainless with a MIG welder. you would be much better off doing aluminized steel piping and after your done clean it up and have it coated for a nice finish. ceramic coat can come in a chrome look or a black or white look.

 

[motofool33]

also update your profile with location so we can help you source out where to get a nice unit.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Hobart Handler 140. Best 120V only MIG welder out there.

Oh, and there is such a thing as Stainless Steel flux core. Expensive, but it exists!

 

[Rogue1987]

Another vote for a Hobart Handler 140. It's what I started off welding on, top notch little machine.

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[techenthusiast]

Hobart 140 sounds good i just need to find one under 450

I live in Hawaii so there's not too many options locally which is why I'm looking for something with free shipping.

The amazon Hobart 140 is out of my price range sadly

 

[trackwelder]

Anything less than a Lincoln sp 135 or a miller Hobart 140 is a waste of your money, no matter what anybody else tells you. Even If you have to wait a few weeks or so and scrape a few extra bucks together.

 

[nine4gmc]

I have the Hobart 140 and it's a nice machine! I am pretty happy
with its performance.

Hobart 140 here. Fits your budget and needs perfectly. Dont expect to do 1/4" material though.

Hobart Handler 140. Best 120V only MIG welder out there.

Oh, and there is such a thing as Stainless Steel flux core. Expensive, but it exists!

Another vote for a Hobart Handler 140. It's what I started off welding on, top notch little machine.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Hobart 140 sounds good i just need to find one under 450

I live in Hawaii so there's not too many options locally which is why I'm looking for something with free shipping.

The amazon Hobart 140 is out of my price range sadly

Anything less than a Lincoln sp 135 or a miller Hobart 140 is a waste of your money, no matter what anybody else tells you. Even If you have to wait a few weeks or so and scrape a few extra bucks together.

All of this^. I have a Hobart 140 as well, great little machine that does exactly what it should do and does it well.

 

[techenthusiast]

Ok I'm set on the Hobart 140

Anybody have a good recommendation for a welding helmet? I'm looking at the digital elite but the price tag is steep, although I want a quality helmet but I'm only a beginner here and the digital elite seems like the best pro helmet on the market so maybe not for me?

 

[nine4gmc]

I use the HF auto darkening, never tried anything better so I can't comment on them but I got this one for $39 on sale and it has served me well for quite a few years now.

Link---> http://www.harborfreight.com/blue-flame-design-auto-darkening-welding-helmet-91214.html

 

[MrGiggles]

I spent a lot of hours using Lincoln 135 (110v) and 175 (220v) machines. Both of them worked well for their intended purpose.

My first auto darkening helmet from HF lasted 5 years with hundreds of hours of use and still worked, but the inside of the lens was getting hard to see through, and the adjustment knob broke off. The replacement has better headgear and more adjustments, worth every penny.

 

[erty67]

Hobart 140 sounds good i just need to find one under 450

I live in Hawaii so there's not too many options locally which is why I'm looking for something with free shipping.

The amazon Hobart 140 is out of my price range sadly

Keep an eye on Northern Tool and Tractor Supply for sales.

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[erty67]

Hobart Handler 140. Best 120V only MIG welder out there.

Oh, and there is such a thing as Stainless Steel flux core. Expensive, but it exists!

Not to get off topic, but ever try that stainless flux core?

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[Loscaldazar]

Not to get off topic, but ever try that stainless flux core?

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I have not, but my guess is it can't be that much different from mild steel flux core.