Good mig welder?

[automotive stud]

I'm interested in buying a mig welder for home shop use. I took a welding class and I want to be able to do sheetmetal mostly and some occasional heavier stuff. I want something I can hook a gas bottle to. I'm thinking a 220 is probably better and my garage is well equipped for either a 110 or 220, i have a dedicated breaker on each just for the welder I plan on getting.

I was at pepboys and I saw a campbell hausfeld WG2060 for under $200 and it actually looked decent for one in that price range, not that I wouldn't spend a little more. It did have a gas hookup which is important like I said. Just a thought cause I saw it today.

What do you guys recommend?

 

[RAYJAY]

i would say a miller or Hobart . I have the 180 Hobart handler and love it

 

[enginerd]

I'm picking up a new Millmermatic 212 in the next couple weeks. For the quality and potential this machine has, its perfect for home shop use. I can't wait...I have projects lining up for it that I don't want to do with my tig.

 

[eschoendorff]

i would say a miller or Hobart . I have the 180 Hobart handler and love it

There's your answer... either the HH 180 or better yet the HH 187.

 

[Senorpablo]

Hobart is good stuff.

 

[the fab shack]

Hobart is Miller.. its Millers 'cheaper line' by price, not quality. I have a handler 187 myself, along with a huge *** miller 300 arc with external wire feed. you'll be fine with a handler 187 or a millermatic 185, the lincoln 175 is fine and dandy, i just think the hobart and millers weld better

 

[5wndwcpe]

Miller, Miller, Miller.

 

[brianpgriset]

Stick with the Big Three - Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart. If I were you I'd get a Hobart 187. Sounds exactly like what your looking for.

 

[Franz©]

HoFart & Miller are both ITW brands. IndoChinaThugWorks builds both machines with about equal quantitys of imported parts.
Open the door on a blue machine and look at the wire drive mechanism. It's mostly metal, and performs for the 10 years ITW will support the machine with parts.

Open the door on the white machine and look at the same mechanism. Mostly fiberglass reenforced thermoplastic. It works good enough to last the warranty period for most users.

The drive motor itself may or may not be made by the same manufacturer, aledged to be a US company, till you read their website.

Long and short of it, if you buy an ITW product I suggest going BLUE.

 

[jay50]

Miller, Miller, Miller.

Thanks, you just reminded me that it is Miller time......

 

[scotte]

if you have the extra $$ go for the 212 i have a mm 175 and want a 212 or 252

 

[markb1]

if you have the extra $$ go for the 212 i have a mm 175 and want a 212 or 252

I'm interested in a new mach,. I have a hobart 120 and would like to upgrade to a bigger welder.

What features are you gaining by going to a 212 or 252 from the 175?