You Welders "in the know"

[bucs012]

Okay, I have not welded since 1982 in a shop class I took in school.

Now that I have a large garage, 200 amp service, (2) 220v-4 prong outlets and normal 110v outlets as well, I am looking at something to buy to weld with.

Most of my welding would be on small metal pieces to make lawn/garden equipment stronger, little welding on my hotrods and or parts.

What is out there that won't break the bank but will do most of what I will need? I see all kinds of them now at the Big Box Stores. Are they any good?

Thanks,

 

[bimmer1980]

personally, I would check out craigslist for a small wire feed welder. Ideally, you would get one with the gas sheilding, but the flux core gets the job done as well. THis would give you an idea of how much you are going to use it before you invest big bucks. Otherwise, I would go to a welding store and check your options. for some reason, I would be shy to purchase a welder from a big box store, but that's just me....

it's sorta like JD selling a low end model specifically for Homie desperate and Lowes.....

 

[murph64]

I see all kinds of them now at the Big Box Stores. Are they any good?

Thanks,

I've heard from multiple places that those are special HomeyD models...Check out a local welding shop, see if they have any demo or floor models or trade ins.


Andy

 

[sberry]

My pick is Hobart 187 or HH210 for the cost/bang for the buck. They have exceptional arc quality but most of the major brands are very good these days. This is a very competitive market both on price and on how good they work, a loser doesn't stand much of a chance in the market place. As for the box store models, don't lose any sleep over the differences. Most of it is a marketing issue. A Hobart is the same no matter where you buy it.

 

[BPJOOP93]

do the weld shop route. the circiut boards are different than the big box stores.
Lincoln, miller hobart all decent machines. go the 220 volt for sure.
check out weldingmart.com or contractorssupply.com. just for starters. hope this helps.

 

[bdog]

I have two welders. The first is a lincoln 225 amp "tombstone". You can get these at home depot or the like. I have had it since around 1993 and have burned probably a thousand pounds of welding rods and built countless things with it. It works great for pretty much everything except for really thin stuff. The other downside is that there is a lot of clean up after welding in removing the slag, flux, etc.

My other welder is a hobart 187 mig that I bought from tractor suplly for around $500. It has the gas bottle and works great on stuff up to about 1/4". The welds are clean and it save a lot of time if you are going to paint as there is not a lot of brushing or chipping to do. The downsides are the welding lead is short maybe 10 feet or so and I dont think you can lengthen it as the gas and wire feeds through it. This can be a pain moving the machine around a lot depending on what you are working on. Also the metal must be fairly clean to weld with it and also it does not work good outside or with a breeze as the wind blows away the shielding gas.

If I am welding a lot I can make the hobart mig welder shutdown from overheating. I have to wait a few minutes for it to cool then weld again. I have never overheated the lincoln stick welder.

 

[sberry]

There is no internal thermal protection on the Lincoln. But, they are pretty sturdy and its rare to see one burnt up.

the circuit boards are different than the big box stores.

Lots of rumors about this, the facts are few and far between.

 

[Scott]

I bought a refurb HH187 from toolking a year ago, works great, welds really nice. I have used more expensive machines (MM220 and MM251) and I would say the HH187 welds just as nice on light stuff.

 

[wineslob]

The Lincoln 220 "Buzz Box" is a fairly decent unit. If you want you can get the AC/DC model so you can use 70XX series rods (7018 is a great AP rod.)

 

[gsport]

i'm a new welder and this is what i picked.. it's a miller 211 with autoset, it's both 110 and 220 with just the change a plug end (included).. i'm totally pleased with it and it makes me look alot better than i know i am... i picked mine up at Airgas for $877.00 last month... good luck with which ever one you pick.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

I bought a Lincoln Pro Mig 135 at Lowes several years ago and it hasn't caused me a bit of trouble. One of the things I like about it is it's 110V, which means I can plug it in anywhere.

Now...if you really only want to use this in your shop...I'd say you'd be better off with the 220V model, as it should have greater amperage and more capacity to weld thicker steel. I personally wouldn't mess with flux core...I'd get one with gas. It'll do a better job.

Phil

 

[slicktoptt]

i'm a new welder and this is what i picked.. it's a miller 211 with autoset, it's both 110 and 220 with just the change a plug end (included).. i'm totally pleased with it and it makes me look alot better than i know i am... i picked mine up at Airgas for $877.00 last month... good luck with which ever one you pick.

I have this same welder and it is great. Couple of things that I like are the settings are "infinitely" adjustable vs tap settings on most other welders. Auto set feature gets you really, really close to the right settings every time. Dual voltage is another plus. I can take it any where and weld thinner stuff or I can weld the thick stuff in my garage. It's like having 2 welders in one.

Good luck with your choice and have fun melting.

 

[sberry]

Everyone fusses over price on these machines, they don't seem to mind paying thru the nose for end wrenches but welding machines bring out the bargain shoppers. These machines are very good values no matter what one pays especially if the range is within a few dollars, very little markup on them compared to a lot of other types of items, the consumer gets a real deal.

 

[sixball]

If all you are doing is small metal pieces, I wouldn't go overboard and buy a huge welder that you will never need to tap into all the power it provides. A small millermatic with gas would do your lawn equipment and small pieces for your rods. But...... if you see yourself getting into heavier pieces in the future, you may want something bigger.

I'd go to the local welding shop and explain what your needs are, and what your future needs may be. Alot of times they have used units that may fit your needs, plus, your gona have to set up a lease for gas, so you'll have to visit them eventually.

Sixball

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

+1 on the Miller 211. Paid $20 more for mine from the local Airgas bunch but it works well, can be used 120 or 240 and if you can't get a bottle, it will still run flux core wire and is fairly portable.

If you are welding outside and need an increased lead length, look at the AC/DC 225 tombstones from Lincoln noted above.

 

[nate379]

On what model? My Lincoln 175 does. It's VERY annoying too!

There is no internal thermal protection on the Lincoln. But, they are pretty sturdy and its rare to see one burnt up. Lots of rumors about this, the facts are few and far between.

 

[regguy1]

Okay, I have not welded since 1982 in a shop class I took in school.

Now that I have a large garage, 200 amp service, (2) 220v-4 prong outlets and normal 110v outlets as well, I am looking at something to buy to weld with.

Most of my welding would be on small metal pieces to make lawn/garden equipment stronger, little welding on my hotrods and or parts.

What is out there that won't break the bank but will do most of what I will need? I see all kinds of them now at the Big Box Stores. Are they any good?

Thanks,

Here's a great deal with free shipping on a Hobart 140, it seems to get great reviews everywhere I've checked. It's a factory recond. but supposed to be as new:

http://www.toolking.com/hobart-5005...ned-handler-140-mig-flux-cored-welder-a-stock

Here's a Lincoln on eBay...very reasonable price so far:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lincoln-Pro-Mig...tu=UCC&otn=20&ps=63&clkid=8193732448488133156

 

[regguy1]

I bought a refurb HH187 from toolking a year ago, works great, welds really nice. I have used more expensive machines (MM220 and MM251) and I would say the HH187 welds just as nice on light stuff.

Could you tell the difference between it and a new one...did it have any cosmetic defects? I'm considering this one...what do you think?

http://www.toolking.com/hobart-5005...ned-handler-140-mig-flux-cored-welder-a-stock

 

[sberry]

Most of them were warranty returns I believe, some may have been test units. As far as I know they are covered by the same warranty as new ones.

 

[sberry]

On what model? My Lincoln 175 does. It's VERY annoying too!

I was referring to the AC Linc buzz box.

 

[Keep]

For those wondering about the "big box" store differences in the Lincolns. There are a couple:

1. Tapped voltages vs infinite
2. Metal internal wire feeder vs plastic.

Grab that Miller 211 if you can. Nothing like getting a welder then two months after realizing its not big enough to do what you want!

I ended up with a Lincoln 180c from our local shop, they had a deal on that got me the welder, bottle, cart and spool gun for about $1200 CAD. The Miller 211 was going to cost me $1300 for the machine only, I could not justify the extra expense for what I will use it for.

 

[sberry]

I actually like taps. So much easier to repeat settings. I have one 18 yrs old, bought from the welding store that has plastic. Never an issue, did replace it one time when someone ran into it with a forklift and knocked it off the cart.
I think my 255 has plastic also.

 

[crewchief888]

i picked up a lincoln promig140 @ lowes on clearance for around $350. all the other local lowes were $100+ higher for the same machine.
do some comparison shopping, never know what you'll find, but my advise is to stay far away from the big box store off brands. parts are nearly impossible to get.
i dont have 220v in my garage and without breaking up a lot of concrete no way i can run new service. i stuck with a 110v machine.
if i needs lots more heat i load it up and take it to th shop i work at and use our lincoln 255.

 

[Maxwell]

Ive been welding for 30+ years Dont buy the cheap stuff you wont be happy get a Miller 250 wire or something comprable in Lincoln you wont be sorry. stay awy from the gasless there junk................. Max

 

[mad57]

good ole tombstone buzz box great all around welder, 6011,7018 is very good for lots of repair work, and there cheap to buy off c.l. stick welding is pretty easy like riding a bike, its the same as when you learned it in shop and very effective.

 

[Zeke]

sberry, it's pretty well known that large scale retailers buy "spec" machines and other merchandise. There may not be much difference until you get your Home Depot Lincoln over to the welding shop for repairs.

I like my tombstone, but I'd like it better if it was an AC/DC model. While I have only AC for stick, I have used some very small rod for 16 ga. and up. You can find this rod at the welding supply. Also, an AC/DC machine will run a fundamental scratch start TIG torch.

I also have a Lincoln 135 tapped machine. The old 135+ was infinite in for current and presumably better for fine tuning. When I was in the market, there were no dual voltage MIG welders in this light weight class. I would definitely go that route today.

Here's a tip for you welders: when changing out your set up from MIG to flux core-wire feed, leave the gas cup on the torch. You'd be surprised how much less splatter there is when you concentrate the flux produced gas on your puddle using the cup. The cup does get dirty though, so you might use an older one.

I'll bet if you could flare it on a lathe, it would be the cat's ***.

 

[Zeke]

good ole tombstone buzz box great all around welder, 6011,7018 is very good for lots of repair work, and there cheap to buy off c.l. stick welding is pretty easy like riding a bike, its the same as when you learned it in shop and very effective.

Might not want to confuse the 2 rods. They are very different.

Want to feel like a hero welder with little experience, get some 7024 and run some passes. If you can hold the stick in there anywhere good at all, you'll get a nice looking bead. In fact, you can drag the rod on the work keeping a near perfect arc length. 7024 is DC only rod.

Now, go try some 6011 and weld with an AC buzz box. That's a challenge that a pro would avoid. But, then again, a pro would make it look easy.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I bought Jack Olsen's little Hobart 140 because it is the largest out there that runs on 110v AND because I'd seen the kind of work he's done with it. I think its great for smaller stuff. I still need to get a gas bottle for it as it is set up with flux core only right now. Not to hijack but if anyone wants to chime in with the cheapest source for a bottle, please advise!

 

[sberry]

The main reason things are the way they are was a fight between welding dealers and Lincoln for then entering the box store market. They didn't want to be warranty centers for stuff they didn't sell so they give them different model numbers. Can tell where it was purchased by the number.
Yes in theory the infinite gives a bit more control over tuning but it is really minor and nothing that a touch with the speed cant get to, really a pain for novice types and I have both, its a pain for me too on my 255. I am constantly fooling with it where as the tap machine I have 3 settings I use, thin, medium and thick, exact same every time, never a guess. Now days the small machines even have more taps, most are at least 7 speeds.
In the 3rd pic I stop in the middle to tune it about a volt difference to try to reduce splatter, would have been just as easy to hit the speed a touch. (Lincoln 255) The new Hobart IM 230 is a sweet machine too.

 

[sberry]

Here is a shot of one from Dan who test the new 230. http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/attachment.php?attachmentid=30655&d=1267333081 He posted in a thread on Hobart site, says it is very good unit and a couple guys over there just got new ones today.

 

[Zeke]

The main reason things are the way they are was a fight between welding dealers and Lincoln for then entering the box store market. They didn't want to be warranty centers for stuff they didn't sell so they give them different model numbers. Can tell where it was purchased by the number.
Yes in theory the infinite gives a bit more control over tuning but it is really minor and nothing that a touch with the speed cant get to, really a pain for novice types and I have both, its a pain for me too on my 255. I am constantly fooling with it where as the tap machine I have 3 settings I use, thin, medium and thick, exact same every time, never a guess. Now days the small machines even have more taps, most are at least 7 speeds.
In the 3rd pic I stop in the middle to tune it about a volt difference to try to reduce splatter, would have been just as easy to hit the speed a touch. (Lincoln 255) The new Hobart IM 230 is a sweet machine too.

Nice work. You know what you are doing.

Dan, the bottles are all about the same price wherever you go. Just bite the bullet and buy the bottle from where you intend to get it filled each time. I think I paid about 80 bucks.

BTW, you will fill it often if you don't turn off the gas when not welding for a spell. Some of these little welders will empty a bottle over night.

 

[sberry]

Here is a crack welded with a buzzer and 6011.

 

[Zeke]

Here is a crack welded with a buzzer and 6011.

I think you made my point. While I couldn't do any better, my welding instructor would have raised his eyebrows.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Nice work. You know what you are doing.

Dan, the bottles are all about the same price wherever you go. Just bite the bullet and buy the bottle from where you intend to get it filled each time. I think I paid about 80 bucks.

BTW, you will fill it often if you don't turn off the gas when not welding for a spell. Some of these little welders will empty a bottle over night.

Milt? Any chance this is THE Milt; Milt from the Pelican board? If so, very nice to talk to you. Thanks for the advice Milt. I need to search around the Pasadena area for a gas/bottle source.

 

[azotto]

The Hobart 187 is supposed to be an outstanding machine and well worth the $$. I have all Miller (130 and a 210) and not a minutes trouble with either. I would go with a 220V machine if you can swing it. The cost difference between the smaller 220 machines and a 110 machine is not that much and you will be able to do so much more with it.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I agree the 220v units are the better ones to buy UNLESS you intend to use it occasionally as a portable at a friend or neighbor's house for minor repairs.

 

[azotto]

I agree the 220v units are the better ones to buy UNLESS you intend to use it occasionally as a portable at a friend or neighbor's house for minor repairs.

Make them bring it to you or buy their own

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I agree the 220v units are the better ones to buy UNLESS you intend to use it occasionally as a portable at a friend or neighbor's house for minor repairs.

That's the reason I bought the Miller 211. You can run 240 or 120 by simply changing the plug (both of them supplied with the welder) and it's not too big to travel.

 

[ZRX61]

Another vote for the Hobart 187..... even though I have a Miller 210

 

[egdede]

Might not want to confuse the 2 rods. They are very different.

Want to feel like a hero welder with little experience, get some 7024 and run some passes. If you can hold the stick in there anywhere good at all, you'll get a nice looking bead. In fact, you can drag the rod on the work keeping a near perfect arc length. 7024 is DC only rod.

Now, go try some 6011 and weld with an AC buzz box. That's a challenge that a pro would avoid. But, then again, a pro would make it look easy.

I haven't welded in 20 years, and ROP shop class was 27 years ago. Check my memory: 7018 is a hydrogen flux rod; good for overhead on AC, pretty beads with a thick, easy to chip flux-residue. 7024; good basic rod. 6011; a weird looking white flux and it made ugly beads, my instructor only brought it too class as it was donated.

Any of that correct?

I still have my drop-helmet, sold my little Miller stick welder years ago. This makes me want to run a bead.