What welder to buy?

[R6 Racer]

I think I want either a Lincoln Power Mig180C or the Lincoln Power Mig140c.
Reading up on them i have found that I like the "Lincoln" features more than most others, so my question is 110 or 220?
I have 220 to my garage already so either one is plug & play. It will be owner operated 98% of the time. Mostly for light fab, body panel repair, the odd aluminum bit & a few heavy jobs(I need to weld 1/4" plate for my bench top right now). Given the shop has 110 & 220 & what I'm planning on using it for, which way do I go? 110 or 220?

Steve

 

[katit]

Steve, I've been researching welder topic lately and seems like Hobart 187 is one very suggested everywhere.

 

[colt340]

If 220 is available. I would go with that. Lincoln is a good choice.

al

 

[pistolpete]

I actually just picked up the 180C myself, was debating 180T (from CT) for the cost savings, but figured for the fine tuning ability with the 180C it was the better option.

I was told when I was looking that I should be buying the biggest one I can. I figured with it welding 5/16" with solid wire and 1/2" with flux core it would more then likely be more then I ever really needed but Have heard from a few with the same welder already that it does a decent job with thinner materials as well. I havent actually fired it up yet as I am still in the process of finishing off the interior of the garage.

 

[hischj]

220v is the only way to go. Welding 1/4" steel you won't able to get the penetration you want with the 110v. Also look into hobart welders. We use this brand at my shop and have never had any problems. Plus they are easier on the wallet.

 

[hischj]

the hobart 187 is great but I dont think it will accept a spool gun.

 

[katit]

the hobart 187 is great but I dont think it will accept a spool gun.

It will but it's more economical to get 210. I wasn't thinking aluminum myself, so 187 is what I will be getting.

 

[Falcon67]

I have a Hobart Handler 140 - it's a great 110V welder. As hischj says, for 1/4 you for sure want a 220. Mine is rated to do .125 but it struggles with it and it helps a bunch if the material is heated. Mine is good for 95% of what I do and that's fine, but if I had a do-over, I'd have gone with the 187. I did get one hell of a deal on the new 140, so that had considerable influence on the pick LOL.

 

[slicktoptt]

Have you even considered the Miller 211? More features, higher output, dual voltage...slightly better welder in my opinion. I have one and really like it.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/comparisons/millermatic_211_autoset.html

 

[R6 Racer]

I left the Hobart out because of it's extra cost for aluminum & stainless. I also found (where I looked anyway) the Lincoln 180c to be less than the Hobart187.
Any suggestions as to the best place to buy one (I'm CHEEP so price matters). I'm in Canada but travel to Port Huron now & again. I also have a address in Mi. that I can use for delivery.

Steve

 

[R6 Racer]

OK so far sounds like the 220 is the way to go. Anyone else want to chime in?
Miller 211... nice machine Just 2 many $$$. & the big extra cost to do aluminum.

Steve

 

[Gary S]

When I bought my welder about 15 years ago, I chose the 120v and have never been sorry. I have had occasions where I needed to roll it outside and weld. Any 20amp 120v circuit works for that.
Also, I have done 1/4" steel with my 120v welder. It just takes a little know-how. You simply grind the edges of the steel to 45 degree angles and fill with multiple passes. You will get all the penetration you need with this method.
If portability matters to you at all, go with the 120v. If not, get the heavier duty 240v unit.

 

[slicktoptt]

OK so far sounds like the 220 is the way to go. Anyone else want to chime in?
Miller 211... nice machine Just 2 many $$$. & the big extra cost to do aluminum.

Steve

Miller 211 w cart and spool gun $1,280.77
http://cgi.ebay.com/MILLER-MILLERMA...dZViewItemQQptZBI_Welders?hash=item518e8f5b9f

Lincoln w cart and spool gun $1,030.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LINCOLN-POWER-M...dZViewItemQQptZBI_Welders?hash=item53de5b5b72

That's not a huge difference. Miller has Autoset feature which is nice. Also can plug in 120v just by changing out the plug...another nice feature if you ever may need to weld somewhere that does not have 220V.

Just sayin'

 

[FlameOut]

I have the Lincoln 140c and love it. I would like to have the 180c, and probably would have went for it, but really didn't know how much I'd need that extra 'welding power'.

I also like to portability of the 140c. I can take it almost anywhere and not have to worry about finding a power source, where with the 220v, it might be a little less practical.

If I knew the only place I'd be welding was in my garage, I for sure would have gone with the 180c.

 

[regguy1]

I have a Hobart Handler 140 - it's a great 110V welder. As hischj says, for 1/4 you for sure want a 220. Mine is rated to do .125 but it struggles with it and it helps a bunch if the material is heated. Mine is good for 95% of what I do and that's fine, but if I had a do-over, I'd have gone with the 187. I did get one hell of a deal on the new 140, so that had considerable influence on the pick LOL.

I just got a new Hobart 140 after lots of input from GJ guys. It's a very nice unit and well made, the gun says Miller on it, does yours Falcon67 ? I went with a welding cabinet from Northern Tool, it has 4 drawers, even a large one for your helmet.

Welding Cabinet: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200395734_200395734

 

[devo]

Buy a red one or a blue one. And get the biggest one you can afford. Seriously.

 

[Bender78]

I've got a Lincoln 180C and It has worked out very well for me. Most of my work is on 1/8 and thinner steel. If you have 220 available in your shop by all means get the higher power machine. Why limit yourself?

 

[GregN]

I went with a 110V and regret it. I have never really had 220V available, so it was my only option. If I had 220V available I would go with that in a heartbeat. You can always get thinner wire for the thin stuff.

 

[atlinwi202]

I have a Hobart Handler 140 - it's a great 110V welder. As hischj says, for 1/4 you for sure want a 220. Mine is rated to do .125 but it struggles with it and it helps a bunch if the material is heated. Mine is good for 95% of what I do and that's fine, but if I had a do-over, I'd have gone with the 187. I did get one hell of a deal on the new 140, so that had considerable influence on the pick LOL.

I know you said you liked the Lincoln features, but Hobart makes it really easy to make really good looking welds. Just a little input from me.

 

[pawscal]

Keep a eye on craigslist i picked up this very gently used miller 210 for 925$. Its all spool gun ready.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a 220v Hobart 175, forerunner to the 187. I bought it at TSC, there's one in Port Huron.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/StoreLocatorSearchView?storeId=10551&catalogId=10001&strId=177

My opinion, if you are buying a welder and spending the cash, it's not that much more to upgrade
($160) and have more capability for the future. Buy once and be done, no regrets.

 

[P.Allan]

I own 5 different welders but the one I use the most is my Miller 135 MIG in 120 volt running .023" wire. I can take it to any house and plug it in any where even with a 100 foot cord and run it full blast. If I need to weld some thing rather thick I go with stick because of the wide selection of rod available.

 

[GregN]

I got my 110V so I can take it with me and plug it in anywhere. I just wish I had more heat. For an all around welder where you will be doing a fair ammount of thick material I would go 220.

 

[gsport]

another vote here for the miller 211... i've had mine for a couple of months and totally enjoy it... got it at Airgas for $877

 

[jon1996]

I held out and bought a used but in very good shape Miller Millermatic 251 off of craigs list, I drove 2hrs to get it but I have worked its *** off over the last 1.5yrs and it welds so smooth and nice, I gave $1000.00 for it, It came from the toyota factory and was went through and load tested by a miller sevice center, new regulator, new ground, and new Mig gun, plus a warranty could not pass it up, I would hold out

 

[WBrowniv]

Eastwood has been advertising there new line of mig welders. They have both a 110v and 220v models available. They are manufactured overseas however. The 220v version is $499 with spool gun and $599 for everything plus cart and helmet. They were also advertising free shipping for a limited time. Maybe something worth looking into.

Bill

 

[mjb]

Another vote for the 211. I have a Passport Plus and the ability to use 220v or 110v just by changing the plug is an excellent feature.

Good luck!

 

[ZRX61]

A blue one

 

[GN4WHLN]

I have a Powermig 180 and a spoolgun and it has been a great welder. It is from Lincoln's industrial line so it has a better feed and electronics than the hobby welders. Red or blue, you can't go wrong; I just prefer the red ones.

 

[KenS]

Here's an interesting test:

Call Lincoln headquarters and ask for help with a part for one of their welders.

Do the same with Miller and Hobart. (Miller and Hobart are separate companies but both owned by the same parent, ITW (Illinois Tool Works)-- that's why Hobart Handlers come with Miller guns.)

Then ask a local welding supplier who sells both Lincoln and Miller which company/ies they would rather deal with when it comes to getting parts-- like a circuit board-- or handling a warranty claim.

Then take a look at the company-sponsored welding forums:

Hobart Weld Talk Forum...

Miller Welding Forum...

[Maybe someone can help us find the Lincoln-sponsored forum].

And for an independent view, check out Welding Web Forums...

When I was looking to purchase my welders, I did just what I'm recommending and the answers to my questions became evident.


Note: Of all the forums, Hobart factory techs monitor and post regularly on the Hobart forums. They not only provide personal tech support, but have been known to have parts shipped to Hobart users-- sometimes at no charge-- and personally helped with warranty claims.

 

[KenS]

the hobart 187 is great but I dont think it will accept a spool gun.

A $359 Miller 100 Spoolgun and Installation Kit for the Hobart Handler 135/140/175/180/187 and some small Miller welders is available here: $359 Spoolgun and Installation Kit...

And here are some installation videos:

Spoolmate 100 on a Hobart Handler 140/180...

Spoolmate 100 on a Millermatic 135...

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are going to be welding aluminum, you will need add the expense of running pure Argon gas.

 

[zmotorsports]

Personally I bleed blue, have had all the others and just like the features and support of Miller. I have a MM251, Passport and a Dynasty. Really like the MM251, best MIG I have owned. I know it is probably a little overkill for what you need, but I would definately go with a 220V unit. My friend just bought a new 212 and I was showing him the basics the other night and that is a really nice machine.

I have also been helping a guy with his Jeep getting it ready for Easter and he has a Lincoln PowerMig and that is a nice machine as well. Mike.

 

[Kent Skinner]

Have you even considered the Miller 211? More features, higher output, dual voltage...slightly better welder in my opinion. I have one and really like it.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/comparisons/millermatic_211_autoset.html

I know that Blue vs Red can be a holy war, but I also recommend looking at this machine. I've used Miller stuff for years, and really like it.

I know a few guys with the 211, and it rocks. The DVI technology has been around for a long time, and seems to work great.

 

[GregN]

A $359 Miller 100 Spoolgun and Installation Kit for the Hobart Handler 135/140/175/180/187 and some small Miller welders is available here: $359 Spoolgun and Installation Kit...

And here are some installation videos:

Spoolmate 100 on a Hobart Handler 140/180...

Spoolmate 100 on a Millermatic 135...

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are going to be welding aluminum, you will need add the expense of running pure Argon gas.

Thank you very much for these links. I was kicking myself for getting a 140 because I can't add a spool gun. But now, I can. This addition will be added to THE LIST.

Thanks,

Greg

 

[Falthead]

Anyone ever heard of the Hobart Handler 170?
One just came up on my local craigslist -but i can find no info on it on the Hobart Web-Site?

 

[Keep]

I looked at the M211 before I bought my L180c. For the cost of the 211 up here ($1300+) I got a fl180c, cart, bottle, spool gun. Local welding supply had a special on the Lincolns. I have been very happy with the 180c.

Keep an eye on kijiji, had a Hobart 210 for $800 this week. They do seem to pop up in groups.

Edit - its still there
http://oshawa.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-s...ART-IRONMAN-210-MIG-WELDER-W0QQAdIdZ194003718

 

[Keep]

OH yeah, check out your local TSC store, the carry the Hobarts. I think the 187 goes for around $899

 

[TAftw]

I'd recommend the Millermatic 211 also. The older 210s and 250s are excellent. The 210s I've seen on CL for $600-$800. I personally have a Millermatic 35, it was their first mig, and it welds just as well as any of the new ones today. If you don't mind your machine not looking pretty or having a digital readout, those are good ones as well .

Definitely get 220V. I have a 120V Hobart buzz box and it's practically useless, at least for what I do. Whatever you get, make sure it's 220V. I am currently having my garage wired for 220 just because I bought a 220V machine.

 

[R6 Racer]

I guess its time I revived this thread.

I listened to all the comments here & decided that I would get a 220v welder. I also decided that all 3 brands have valid reasons for going their way. Lastly I listened to everyone who said look @ used & get a better welder for the same money as a new lesser model.
Well seeing that I'm cheep!! I figured I would watch all the for sale sites that I could searching for that elusive "good" deal. Saw a few, some good, some ****, read as much as I could, learned a lot, bid on a few (didn't win any, found I hate auctions) then after 2 months of looking this showed up 4 blocks from me!



Less than 2 months old, guy bought it new with all the goodies! decided he really wanted a tig. When I showed up to pick up my new Mig, the new Tig was right beside it.
This seemed like the perfect guy to buy something used from, everything in his garage was immaculate, neat, clean & organized. Nice guy, retired just started welding as a hobby.
Welder has 22 months of warranty still left on it!
I paid very close to 1/2 of what I would have had I bought everything new! (he showed me his receipt so I could transfer the warranty)

Now I need to know more about welding helmets, Need 1 to get started. Any advice concerning make, model, features, would be greatly appreciated.

Cant wait to get started learning!
First project: welder cart!

Steve

 

[78Bird]

R6, get an auto dark... If cash is tight, I have the Northern Tool solar one, and it works just fine. It's not snazzy but 100% functional. Let it sit in the sun a bit when you first get it to charge, and after that the weld arc will recharge it unless you leave it unused for a long time.

The big 3 also make excelent lines of auto dark helmets, so find one with the features and fit that works for you if you wanna lay out a little cash

to the previous poster.... WTF?