Suggestions for a light duty wire feed welder?

Aaron_W · May 7, 2018

I'd like to get a welder. I don't have a huge need but it is one of those things I think I'd find uses for if I had one.

I have little experience welding beyond high school shop class a million years ago. I've done a little welding since then with a small wire feed unit.

One immediate project is welding sheet metal to replace rusted panels on an old truck.

I've had my eye on some of the 110v welders under $600.

Realistically I think this little Lincoln 70 amp wire feed for $220 would do what I need.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln...-Flux-Cored-Wire-Spool-115V-K2501-1/100596737

Of course I wouldn't be on this board if I wasn't into overkill, so I've also been looking at something like this Lincoln 140 amp that has MIG capability. Way more than I need right now, but leaves room to grow without having to sell a kidney. Having the ability to weld stock larger than 1/8" would be nice, but wouldn't be used that much. They have a 125 amp without the MIG for about $100 less.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln...MIG-Wire-and-Flux-Wire-115V-K2514-1/100670934

I've also looked into used, and it wouldn't be hard to find a deal. Not sure how much there is to go wrong with a welder, and not being very familiar wouldn't know what to check.

There is a 125 like this one on the local CL for $250, says barely used. Not a bad price if really like new.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln...0L-Gun-Flux-Cored-Wire-115V-K2513-1/100670933

I know the Harbor Freight welders have their supporters. I've bought my share of tools from them, but an always wary about buying anything from them over $25.
A HF welder doesn't give me a warm feeling, but could be swayed. I was talked into their 4x6 bandsaw and have been pleased with it, so I know everything they sell isn't ****. I am a bit of a snob though so lean heavily to an established brand like Hobart or Lincoln Electric.

Not attached to any of the machines I've mentioned. I prefer good over cheap, but don't need to pay for frills or capabilities I probably won't take advantage of. Home use, I am not a professional in any sense of the word.

Thanks

dnschmidt · May 7, 2018

Hobart 140. For the money it's the best deal.

sberry · May 7, 2018

The little units need all the help they can get. The box store Linc 140 is a good unit as is the Hobart.

brownbagg · May 7, 2018

most of those 110 units are worthless, anything thicker than thin sheet metal is impossible, I know a thousand people going start hollering nut-huh. but i been that route, get a name brand and at least a 110/220 unit I would not think about anything under 180 and I recommend the hobart 235, they sell it at tractor supply. I did not buy there but its a good unit that last you for years.

i know people complain about not having money but no since buying trash and then another unit within a year

sberry · May 7, 2018

The Hobart 230 is very good and it may be on my short list if I was looking to buy a new full size machine. It is way better than the 180 class if you are paying people by the hour and there is a significant amount of consumables used.
This sometimes doesn't apply to many here though. The 180 will do about anything on a car or pickup and I will agree it has significantly more punch than a 140, 2x really and allows use of 030 wire which is a lot better for light structural fab.
The 180-210 was invented with this crowd in mind,,, they had someone here pinned up as a poster child when they designed it. The brand name units are quite competitive in price and super competitive for quality. They have had to add features, the MVP and auto sets to be able to increase pricing. The older style single voltage and tap adjustments are still not far from the same amount of dollars they were 25 years ago.

Kenskip1 · May 7, 2018

Well I will toss my hat into this ring. I have the Lincoln 140 and am very pleased with it. I hooked up a bottle and my welds now have show room quality. (yea)So my vote is for the president welder. I used flux core for a short while and welds were adequate.**** the choice is up to you.Go to youtube and you can spend countless hours listening to verbal sedatives spewing there expertise.Ken

leog · May 7, 2018

I bought a Hobart 140 at TSC. No regrets it does what I need it to and I am happy with its capabilities and the availability of wire nozzles etc. As others have mentioned a 220 unit would be better but then none us know what YOU intend to use it for. Good luck in your quest and I am sure you will select what is best for your need.

Keep the durty side down

87FoRunner · May 7, 2018

Eastwood 135 is a stellar unit for under $200. I have one dedicated to sheet metal and it surprises me more and more each time I use it on thicker stuff.

Ign · May 7, 2018

brownbagg said:
most of those 110 units are worthless, anything thicker than thin sheet metal is impossible, I know a thousand people going start hollering nut-huh. but i been that route, get a name brand and at least a 110/220 unit I would not think about anything under 180 and I recommend the hobart 235, they sell it at tractor supply. I did not buy there but its a good unit that last you for years.

i know people complain about not having money but no since buying trash and then another unit within a year

I'm one of those thousand people then. The above is simply not true, you can easily weld 1/8" with a Hobart 140 (or pick your color - red, white or blue). 3/16" is not out of the question with shielding and is easily do-able with flux.

Flux core burns way hotter, if you want the most penetration go that route....but I wouldn't recommend flux on sheetmetal as the OP needs. Very hard for a beginner to not blow through and/or get nice, spatter-free welds on something like a body panel.

Bigger machines are awesome, but if you simply don't have access to 220V then saying to buy a 180A-class machine is simply unrealistic. OTOH the user needs to understand the limitations of a 120V machine.

In this case the OP is talking about body panels so the sky is not falling, no need to panic or worry about safety. If he were custom fabbing a receiver hitch I'd be a good bit more worried.

And OP, no, do not buy a HF wire feed. Wire feeds have moving parts that need to work very well. Red, white and blue (the latter two are both ITW, Illinois Tool Works) have it figured out for reliable wire feed drives. A finicky drive mechanism will make a beginner welder go REDRUM in minutes flat.

Ign · May 7, 2018

87FoRunner said:
Eastwood 135 is a stellar unit for under $200. I have one dedicated to sheet metal and it surprises me more and more each time I use it on thicker stuff.

My experience with an Eastwood 135 was exactly the opposite. OP, I recommend you do NOT look at an Eastwood. Your most affordable option for reliability and years of parts and tech support is a Hobart 140

crewchief888 · May 7, 2018

Ign said:
I'm one of those thousand people then. The above is simply not true, you can easily weld 1/8" with a Hobart 140 (or pick your color - red, white or blue). 3/16" is not out of the question with shielding and is easily do-able with flux.

Flux core burns way hotter, if you want the most penetration go that route....but I wouldn't recommend flux on sheetmetal as the OP needs. Very hard for a beginner to not blow through and/or get nice, spatter-free welds on something like a body panel.

Bigger machines are awesome, but if you simply don't have access to 220V then saying to buy a 180A-class machine is simply unrealistic. OTOH the user needs to understand the limitations of a 120V machine.

In this case the OP is talking about body panels so the sky is not falling, no need to panic or worry about safety. If he were custom fabbing a receiver hitch I'd be a good bit more worried.

And OP, no, do not buy a HF wire feed. Wire feeds have moving parts that need to work very well. Red, white and blue (the latter two are both ITW, Illinois Tool Works) have it figured out for reliable wire feed drives. A finicky drive mechanism will make a beginner welder go REDRUM in minutes flat.

^^^ what he said....

ive run my lincoln 140 on everything from sheetmetal to cages and bumpers.

:beer:

gamescastspencer · May 7, 2018

I have run over 5 pounds of wire through my 79.99 harbor freight flux core special with no issues. Did all the rust repair on my 76 Chevy with it. All of the lower bed parts around the wheel arches, lots of the bed floor and inner bed panels, inner fenders.

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Aaron_W · May 7, 2018

Ign said:
Bigger machines are awesome, but if you simply don't have access to 220V then saying to buy a 180A-class machine is simply unrealistic. OTOH the user needs to understand the limitations of a 120V machine.

In this case the OP is talking about body panels so the sky is not falling, no need to panic or worry about safety. If he were custom fabbing a receiver hitch I'd be a good bit more worried.

I may not have been clear, but I am open to paying for a higher end 220V machine if there is a good reason to do so. I don't currently have 220V available, but am planning on adding some outlets, and a 220v outlet is an option.

I'm ok with spending $700 and installing a 220 outlet instead buying a $250 unit that runs off 110 if it will do the light work I need it for better .

This is the kind of input I'm looking for. I assumed 70 amps from a 70 amp 110v unit would be the same as 70 amps from a 180 amp 220v unit. It sounds as though that isn't the case.

Obviously I'd like to spend as little as possible, but I don't want to throw my money away on a machine that will frustrate me. I also don't need to spend money on fancy bells and whistles I may never use.

Welding rookie here.

Kaizen · May 7, 2018

Ign said:
My experience with an Eastwood 135 was exactly the opposite. OP, I recommend you do NOT look at an Eastwood. Your most affordable option for reliability and years of parts and tech support is a Hobart 140

My 135 has done everything I asked from sheetmetal up to 1/8 inch on my rotisserie. Absolutely love it. Awesome gaurentee behind it. My first one got stolen and I really looked at Hobart and the like and couldn’t justify spending another 200 bucks. Great first welder imo. If you really get into it then upgrade. 69 chevelle quarter skin **** welded

Rotisserie

And this jib pole platform I used to build my garage

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donthelegend · May 7, 2018

I'd suggest paying the premium for a gas capable unit. For sheet metal work it will quickly put you time ahead to not have to deal with flux core. You can get thinner solid wire compared to flux core, plus you won't have to clean off the slag between stops and starts, which is a big deal for sheet metal welding.

For your described usage, get a 120V, 140amp machine in red, white, or blue and you'll be good to go. I built plenty of Jeep stuff with a 120V flux core welder that's held up great, but sheet metal work sucked with it and so did anything over 3/16"

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Mgdoug3 · May 7, 2018

I have a Hobart 125 with gas. It works good with sheet metal. I have a DC stick welder so I wasn't worried about welding thick metal. Anything under 1/8" I weld with the mig.

I bought the welder used and got a good deal. The next mig I get will be a 110/220 though. The ability to weld 3/8" metal in one pass and speeding up building projects interest me. The multiply plug Hobart is called the 210 MVP. The 230 is the iron man and it is much bigger.

gearhead1 · May 7, 2018

I had a Lincoln Weldpak 100 or 125 (in about 1996 or so, been so long I forget) and ran flux core for years. Bought the gas bottle kit when I noticed it went on clearance at Lowes. I traded the Lincoln to a buddy and he still uses it today. I upgraded to a Miller 180 and spool gun for aluminum. A friend just got a Hobart 190 on sale this past Christmas. It’d be hard to be the Hobart for the money. If you get too cheap of a machine, I’d be concerned about quality and having to need parts.

Ign · May 7, 2018

Aaron_W said:
I may not have been clear, but I am open to paying for a higher end 220V machine if there is a good reason to do so. I don't currently have 220V available, but am planning on adding some outlets, and a 220v outlet is an option.

I'm ok with spending $700 and installing a 220 outlet instead buying a $250 unit that runs off 110 if it will do the light work I need it for better .

This is the kind of input I'm looking for. I assumed 70 amps from a 70 amp 110v unit would be the same as 70 amps from a 180 amp 220v unit. It sounds as though that isn't the case.

Obviously I'd like to spend as little as possible, but I don't want to throw my money away on a machine that will frustrate me. I also don't need to spend money on fancy bells and whistles I may never use.

Welding rookie here.

Any machine under ~$450 retail won't afford good voltage control, period - especially at lower settings.

If you're willing to do it get a Hobart 210MVP or Miller 211 and then you're ready for bigger stuff later. Will they be better at lower voltages than, say, a H140? Eh, maybe. Also I've not used the new inverter stuff (Miller) but it might give you better control down low -- if nothing else the inverter is worth it for the weight savings.

It's only money honey.

Ign · May 7, 2018

gamescastspencer said:
I have run over 5 pounds of wire through my 79.99 harbor freight flux core special with no issues. Did all the rust repair on my 76 Chevy with it. All of the lower bed parts around the wheel arches, lots of the bed floor and inner bed panels, inner fenders.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Glad it worked but 5 lbs is like driving a car for one tank of gas and claiming it's reliable. 5 lbs is nothing.

fordkid88 · May 7, 2018

Ign said:
Glad it worked but 5 lbs is like driving a car for one tank of gas and claiming it's reliable. 5 lbs is nothing.

A spool. I started learning to weld with one of those little **** boxes, couple hundred pounds later and my welds barely seemed to improve and penatration even with a pre heat did nothing. You either burn through or glob and splatter. Luckily I've long since upgraded. Most of my welding is tig now and I keep the 90amp for a loaner

sberry · May 7, 2018

If you are willing to go for a 700$ machine do it. It allows for heavier work should the need arise without fooling around. You dont really need one with more features, bells and whistles but more power available is a good thing.

bczygan · May 7, 2018

Watch Craigslist.

I picked up a Lincoln 3200HD for $175 fairly well used but very usable. Needed consumables, a tank and gauge. 135A 120V. Got me started until I can go 240V and bigger amps.

Lincoln-electric-weld-pak-3200-hd-mig-welder-partpic-1.jpg

https://www.lincolnelectric.com/assets/servicenavigator-public/lincoln3/im759.pdf

Bill

anndel · May 7, 2018

I have the 120v (110V) Hobart Handle 140 and I've welded 1/4" steel with flux core wire with no issues. I lap joint, **** joint and corner welded 1/4 steel but cleaned the rust and mill scale off with a wire brush or flap disk before welding to get good fusion.

Aaron_W · May 8, 2018

Thanks for the input. My dilemma was buying cheap >$250 or spending the money for a more capable machine. If there are quality issues on the low end machines even from reputable brands, it makes it easier to spend the money on a better machine. The difference between a 110v 140 amp and 180/190 amp 220v machine seems to be less than $200.

I have Home Depot (Lincoln) and Tractor Supply (Hobart) locally so I can look those over fairly well.

So blue is Miller? Looks like I've got a local welding supply who carries them, so guess I can actually look at all 3.

I'm probably 6 months out from a purchase anyway, just getting started on my research.

bczygan · May 8, 2018

Aaron_W said:
Thanks for the input. My dilemma was buying cheap >$250 or spending the money for a more capable machine. If there are quality issues on the low end machines even from reputable brands, it makes it easier to spend the money on a better machine. The difference between a 110v 140 amp and 180/190 amp 220v machine seems to be less than $200.

I have Home Depot (Lincoln) and Tractor Supply (Hobart) locally so I can look those over fairly well.

So blue is Miller? Looks like I've got a local welding supply who carries them, so guess I can actually look at all 3.

I'm probably 6 months out from a purchase anyway, just getting started on my research.

Then also look for one that will take a spool gun.

Bill

emeraldcoupe · May 8, 2018

I have a Lincoln weld pak 100 that I converted to gas. it's a great little machine, I've don tons of sheet metal work with it. can usually pick one off cl for cheap.

Aaron_W · May 12, 2018

Are there any particular issues to look at with a used welder?

Are they sensitive machines or fairly bullet proof?

There is no shortage of used ones on Craigslist, the usual insane prices (a couple are asking more than retail for used machines :wtf:

) but there do look to be some decent deals occasionally.

Tica · May 12, 2018

As an option, Hobart has several factory refurbished welders with a comfortable warranty. The 140 mig for example is $419, which is a bit of a price break. Assuming the reviews are not screened, they look positive. I was unable to check shipping costs so that could push it up past a new price.. The cheapest I saw it new new was $469 at Tractor Supply.

http://www.hobartweldshop.com/refurbished-welders-plasma-cutters/

Aaron_W · May 13, 2018

I had not considered refurbished, looks like there are a few places that offer that and include a warranty. Doesn't look like a huge savings, but close to the difference in price going for the next machine up.

These things are priced close enough together that I can see how easy it would be to play the "for just $100 more" game right into a $1500 machine. :shocking:

Is there any advantage to buying from a welding supply vs a big box other than possibly greater variety? I know with some products it can make a difference but with others not so much. Sometimes it can even be a poor choice, usually based on pricing.

I'm thinking I'd like the flexibility of 110/220v, even if I install a 220v outlet. It would be nice to have the ability to use it somewhere that I don't have 220v.

It looks like that would leave me with the Hobart 210, Lincoln Electric 180 dual voltage, and Miller 211, although that is getting up there $900-1200 at least for factory retail prices, probably a bit less in the real world.

It also makes the 140amp 110v machines kind of attractive being several hundred dollars cheaper, with most around $500-700.

Gives me something to ponder and a fall / winter / next spring project to I've got time to get into the weeds.

Coach James · May 13, 2018

I bought my Miller 135 from a welding supply house and am glad I did. Before I took it home, they set it up and checked everything. Any time I have questions, they have the expertise and take the time to help me.

At the big box, at least around here, you're totally on your own.

Coach

Aaron_W · May 14, 2018

That is a good point. I think there are two welding supply shops in the area.

coljar · May 14, 2018

I really really like my Miller 211 for the stuff I do. I hardly fire up my big Linde anymore unless it's a really big job, which are becoming fewer and fewer.

L.Cheapo · May 14, 2018

coljar said:
I really really like my Miller 211 for the stuff I do.

Seconded. First welder I've ever owned and have been learning to weld with it. The machine makes it easy. Auto set works well. 120/240v capability is a huge asset, especially for a portable machine. It's small and light enough to carry and take just about anywhere. I've done some sheet metal, exhaust, and up to 3/16" plate so far, all on 120. Fan only runs when it needs to.

Very happy with mine.

Miller always has some kind of promotion going on. I think I got $200 off the machine and $200 off accessories when I bought mine a couple years ago. At that point, the price wasn't THAT much more than lesser machines.

WittHay · May 14, 2018

Isn't it always when it comes to buying anything from a lawn mower to a tv or fridge. You start out wanting the basic model and end up buying the deluxe super duty model with all the features.

The 110 models are good if you think you are only going to do lighter metal. The newer inverter welders are really light weight and handy with the 110/220 power.

If you are considering Lincoln check out the Power Mig 210MP. its a fairly expensive welder but real easy to use with a digital readout and settings that are simple to adjust.

bulldogr6 · May 14, 2018

I agree with the a majority of posters and say a 110v 140 amp machine will fit the bill nicely for dam near all home and light commercial work. Prices are reasonable and consumables are available. Another buying option is a used trade in/up or refurbished machine from the local welding supply shop. I know my local give great deals on them when available.

I feel the cost of the 110volt machine will leave you with more room in your budget to happily buy the shielding gas bottle and a good helmet & gloves so your can enjoy the value.

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GarageGuy89 · May 14, 2018

Okay...I'll play.

First off, everyone goes through this stage. My money says in six months you will end up convincing yourself into buying a tig machine.

Start off finding the cheapest flux core, then play the $100 more game until your at $1200. Then back up and say tig is better route because it can do every material, and you have the stick function for when you are doing quick dirty welds, or just feeling lazy.

My advice for a weekend warrior is to not throw away the import brands that get good reviews like AHP and Everlast. You get more features for half the price. I ended up with an AHP 200 tig machine after I was dead set on a Miller 211. Best bang for the buck, and haven't looked back. Yes a miller will not let you down and will be the nicest thing you probably buy, but for something you are going to touch a couple times a year I could not justify a professional level machine for what I was doing.

Look at tig and ask yourself if you can take on that skill. I can say it is day and night when it comes to the thinner stuff. You control everything at your foot and don't have to rely on the settings for blowing your stuff apart.

If your dead set on a wire feed system, look at home depot and lowes after black Friday/Christmas. Lots of people return opened boxes and you can see the 220v welders in the $400 range.

sberry · May 15, 2018

coljar said:
I really really like my Miller 211 for the stuff I do. I hardly fire up my big Linde anymore unless it's a really big job, which are becoming fewer and fewer.

The 200 class mig was invented for the guys on this forum. I have a 255, do 95% of the work with a 180.

Aaron_W · Jul 2, 2018

I have found the local community college offers welding classes, so I think I'm going to sign up for a basic class and see how it goes. I imagine doing some hands on will help me fine tune my needs.

I appreciate all the help from those who took the time to answer my questions and make suggestions.

Lelandwelds · Jul 2, 2018

Having too big a welder is like having too many tools or too much money. Buy a Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart. Try not to shop at Home Depot or Tractor supply.

Crappy welders are as frustrating to use as a worn out Phillips or a car that won't start when it is hot. The biggest problem isn't the inadequate amperage. It is the crappy mig gun and unavailable anywhere at any price parts.

Negen · Jul 2, 2018

Aaron_W said:
I have found the local community college offers welding classes, so I think I'm going to sign up for a basic class and see how it goes. I imagine doing some hands on will help me fine tune my needs.

I appreciate all the help from those who took the time to answer my questions and make suggestions.

Yeah I am in the same boat I been looking at the mullermatic series. Price range is probably a bit higher than the others here though. Which is why I am waiting till after I take the class to decide. Plus I need 220 to be added to my garage.

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Suggestions for a light duty wire feed welder?

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