110v welder

[AldeanFan]

As a counter argument, I deliberately did not go 240V when I bought the Hobart 140. I wanted something that would limit me, while learning to weld, so that I cannot get in over my head. Welding up a bracket from 1/8” or some sheet metal, the 140 will do just fine. Low duty cycle, not a problem, I have all day and it takes me a while to set up anyway.

Yeah, I won’t be building anything huge or life threatening out of 1/4” or thicker. At my current level of ability, I think that’s probably a good thing.

If, at some point, I decide I need and will use a bigger welder, I’ll buy one.




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This!
I know people who drop a grand on a welder and think that makes them a pro welder.
Now they can build roll cages and backhalf cars in their single car attached garage.

One friend who thinks he’s a fabricator told me he watched some YouTube videos about welding and what the pros do doesn’t look anything like what he does!

If you’re going to buy a welder make sure you know how to use it properly before putting your and others lives in danger.



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[BigNuge]

Lol....came here for the comments[emoji38][emoji38]

Really, go with a 110 machine with gas capability. I ran the cheapest Lincoln MIG made for 23 years (just crapped out last year). Many many many jobs and rolls of flux core through that thing. Never wanted for more power, but did want for gas.

Because I have the $$ resources now that I did not then I replaced it with a Miller 211. Absolutely next level, I love it.

Latest project with the 211




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[redidbull]

I have a Hobart 130. I didn't realize I had it for 7 years until I looked it up on Amazon. I have had zero problems with it running both solid and flux core wire. I would not be nervous to buy the Hobart. Jim

 

[pi_guy]

This!
I know people who drop a grand on a welder and think that makes them a pro welder.
Now they can build roll cages and backhalf cars in their single car attached garage.

One friend who thinks he’s a fabricator told me he watched some YouTube videos about welding and what the pros do doesn’t look anything like what he does!

If you’re going to buy a welder make sure you know how to use it properly before putting your and others lives in danger.

That is why I recommend taking a class.
There is no standard for u-tube videos so anyone can post as we have many examples of idiots posting incorrect information. Somebody welding with sunglasses and in a tee shirt has no credibility.
I have welded many critical things and often it not just firing up the welder, sometimes you need to step back and look and pre-plan.
Many parts have been repaired at the track -I have had no failures after repairs, which is good for formula cars as they have a tendency to break after abuse since most are designed on the minimum side.

Learning some material science and chemistry is a good thing when learning to weld. When I started MSDS sheets where not that available now you should take advantage of any correct information and add that to your tool kit.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

You did see the OP wants to weld up a power wheels, a glorified go cart, right?

Serious work? I live in a suburban HOA neighborhood with an attached finished garage. I bought my welder to patch up some rust spots on my Honda, fix an exhaust and maybe weld a broken rake. What kind of “serious work” would I possibly be doing? There’s honestly nothing I can even come up with.



You must be single. I don’t think the wife would be too thrilled with an extension cord running through the formal dining room past the kitchen and in front of the 1/2 bath before I even got to the garage. I don’t think I’d be too happy either.

Wrong, im married, and 2 of my welders are miller engine drives, so i dont need a stinkin cord if i dont want to lol. I also have 240v in the shop, but i was suggesting that a cord from the dryer is how many people have done it before if theres no other option.

Buying an inadequate welder is like trying to knock down a brick wall with a 16oz hammer, yes it can be done, but its not ideal

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

I would go dual voltage at a minimum, at least you have an option to do bigger things in the future.

 

[Briancapecoral]

I’ve been looking at 120v also. Found this on Amazon. $100 and a 4 year warranty for $15.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Thank you all for the feedback. I have not abandoned my thread. It looks like I have lack of communication on my end, so I will try to give a better idea of what I'm thinking.

1st, addressing the elephant in the room, running a 240 is not feasible right now I currently only have access to 110v.

2nd, I should mention I intend to run a gas setup. I'm not going to completley disregard flux core, but I will be learning and doing most of my wielding with gas.

I've only picked up a few miscellaneous things so far as I'm in no rush to decide (the ladies birthdays this week so were heading out of town.)

My thoughts originally were this wielder would be for random home gamer, hobby stuff. The most difficult wield I see myself doing is maybe doing a patch on my truck frame or replacing a bracket to a crossmember, etc, which is no thicker than 1/8. I know some would argue the heat sink is too much to penetrate with a 110, maybe true, info on this seems to be mixed. I still dont even know how to wield, which is another reason why I chose 110.

Right now my options are between the hobart 140 for $499, and the lincoln 140 from lowes for $550 ( plus I can get 20% of at lowes.)

However, garage journal has me overthinking again. I recognize there is always the chance I may want more and regret spending 500 on something I dont want anymore, instead of spending more on something I can grow into. So I am also considering waiting until I get my bonus check next month and getting the hobart 210 mvp, which is dual voltage, fitting my demands now and the potential future.

I'm sitting on it and acquiring some other things in the meantime. I'm not trying to make a huge deal out of it, as I could always sell one of the 140s if I decided I wanted to upgrade. The extra 300 dollars isnt going hurt our lives, but it could get a pretty nice helmet and accessories instead. I than also start to wonder, if I am finding myself in a position where I need more than my 110 is capable of, am I better off getting a decent stick welder at that point instead.

In the end I'm still open to suggestions, I'd rather focus less on the 110 vs 240 debate. If you feel that you are in the 240 party, suggest a quality but reasonably priced 240 machine. There have been alot of comments stating I should buy a 240, but then no suggestions. I am not willing to spend 1k on a welder, so miller is out of the question here. I'm also not going to buy a cheap chinese 240v welder over a quality 110v. Tbh the hobart 210 for 799 is probably around my max price range, even though I'd still prefer to spend less.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Buy good used from someone upgrading. Then when you upgrade you won’t lose money, and if you never upgrade it will always be worth what you paid. You can get better quality for less that way.

Yes, I have been keeping my eye out for good used deal. I have a problem trusting people when buying used when it comes to things I dont know much about though. At the moment everything worth looking at they are asking near new retail price, and often times even more. The 210 mvp's on ebay are going for $300 more than retail near me.

 

[bob15]

I'd buy the Hobart 140 and start burning wire.

The Hobart is American made and a really good deal at 500 bucks (unlike Lincoln who moved most, if not all of their mig welder production to mexico). My first welder was a 110 volt Century (about 30 years ago), and I wish I still had it as it was really good for light duty work. The 110 machines are bad.

 

[BigNuge]

People are making the 110/220 issue note than it is. My previous post showing the bumper build (3/16 plate) was done in 110v mode on my Miller. Took 2 afternoons after work to get that whole bumper done.


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[FSrepair&fabrication]

I would go for the hobart 210 if i had to choose a sub $1000 machine. Itll do anything you plan to do with a mig and hobart is owned by miller, so parts availability and support is good. Ihave used a few hobart machines and i think theyre a good mid range welder. I think the lincolns you buy at lowes or hd are not so great. Lincoln makes higher end stuff, but they cost alot more than your budget.

 

[Spencer Was Here]

If you are less than 50 years old, I would encourage you to get the 210. You should have plenty of time grow into it and get yiiur 220-volt power source taken care of.

If you are over 50, I'd recommend getting the best 140 amp unit you are willing to pay for and later on you can supplement that with a stick welder.

 

[lurtz]

I have the Hobart 210 mvp and have had it for about 6 years with no issues. 90% of my use has been 120v but I have used the 240v as I do have 240 in my shed for my compressor. I could install another 240 plug but the 120 has been fine and not an issue with the light duty bubble gum welds I make anyway.

I was in the same boat as the OP. I knew I wanted a welder and had a few projects lined up prior to my purchase. I only “needed” the 120v power, but I did not want to spend 500 and find out later that I wanted/needed 240 at some point in the future and would need to drop even more cash.

The mvp is a good little machine for beginners with the ability to carry you through the rest of your time. You won’t regret the extra 200 bucks. You can start with flux core and move up to the gas set up when you are comfortable.

I took a night time welding class at the local vo-tech to brush up on my knowledge and practice a bunch of different welding techniques with a teacher who can correct and guide you in real time. It was like 200 bucks for the course. It was just a welding 101 basics but I had a bunch of fun using someone else’s supplies for a couple nights a week for two months. It was a valuable experience for me, and made me less leery about hooking up gas and not blowing myself up!!!!


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[pi_guy]

People are making the 110/220 issue note than it is. My previous post showing the bumper build (3/16 plate) was done in 110v mode on my Miller. Took 2 afternoons after work to get that whole bumper done.

In my 40 years of welding there has been a few times that 120v was not enough. And in the 70's there was not a 120v tig machine so the question was moot back then.

But this is GJ and we tend to promote excessive tool buying and much like asking a race driver if he has enough horsepower more is better.

I take the stand because more options you have the better chance you have of completing the task without failure.

And I hate tossing and turning at night wondering if I had enough penetration.

 

[bob15]

And I hate tossing and turning at night wondering if I had enough penetration.

I'm not even going to touch this one......

 

[sberry]

100 bucks ain't gonna get much of a welder. I suspect if a guy can sort them out about 300 or so for a feeder, import is the bottom limit for something that works.