Help me pick a welder!

[Max78]

I have come to ask for some recommendations for a welder. I'm building a new detached porch and its all going to be out of 3/16 steel tubing. After that I will be using it for all sorts of projects, mostly exhaust/intercooler work. Currently I have an really rough old Lincoln 135 that gets the small jobs done. . .

My budget is $1000 I don't really want to go over that.

I would love to get a mig/tig combo, but I don't think there are any close to my budget.

The one I'm currently looking at is the Hobart 190, It looks like a really nice welder and an aluminum spool gun is only $100 which would be nice for welding intercooler piping. I'm open to some recommendations though! I would also like to stick with a new welder, I have scowered craigslist and FB and there are no real good deals.

Edit:

As I say that I found the Eastwood Elite MP200i for $750.

Eastwood 200 Amp Elite MP200i Multi Process Welder MIG - TIG - Stick

A powerful all-around welder, the Eastwood Elite MP200i lets you MIG, TIG, flux, or stick weld steel or aluminum up to 3/8-in thick with just a single machine.

www.eastwood.com

Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[Zeke]

I bought the Hobart 190. It's a very smooth machine but it's also very basic. 240v only; tapped settings for voltage levels. Not an inverter and powerful enough to do 3/8ths steel, especially if you use flux core or dual shield. I don't have spool gun but if you are getting one for only $100 more you better run out the door before they figure that out.

 

[Killer95Stang]

Another vote for the Hobart 190. Great machine and has worked flawlessly. But.... I know I've heard good things about the Everlast MTS 211si, which is in your budget. Maybe watch a few reviews on it over on youtube.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Curious to where you are finding a Hobart aluminum spool gun for $100 ?

Look on Cyberweld.com for some of the best prices. At $1K, I would consider getting the most from your money and if you find something better for a few dollars more, it would be a good investment.

 

[bighouse01]

Hobarts made by Miller I believe

 

[Zeke]

I just found a great deal on a spool gun that will work with a 190. The 190 is priced at $819 Prime but the spool gun is off brand. $109 — you can find this easily. Not gonna have a Hobart warrantee, but honestly I didn't go that far.

Hobart is a subsidiary of Miller.

 

[Max78]

Curious to where you are finding a Hobart aluminum spool gun for $100 ?

Look on Cyberweld.com for some of the best prices. At $1K, I would consider getting the most from your money and if you find something better for a few dollars more, it would be a good investment.

I found the spool gun in my dreams I guess. . . . I thought I was viewing the welder and had optional spool gun towards the bottom, but cheapest I have found is $280ish. Must have been a crappy generic one or something.

I will check out cyberweld! Found a Hobart 210 MVP of $995!

 

[Ashgrove]

Aluminum intercooler piping - sounds like a job for an AC Tig unit. Steeper learning curve but much handier than a mig spool gun.
DC tig for the exhaust piping and light fabrication. The Lincoln should handle the on-site 3/16" work for your porch.
Primeweld 225X for $869 gets my vote.

 

[Max78]

I really like the primeweld, but I don't really want a tig unit just yet. I do a lot more mig stuff, and my boy is also getting into gokart building (he's 7) so I want something easy for him to learn on.


For the intercooler piping, I don't mind the look of wire feed aluminum welds, and think a spool gun is probably better for me right now.

 

[Kaizen]

I had a 110 eastwood welder for years and loved it. Was able to weld 1/8 with flux and 1/4 with a few passes.
When i upgraded i gave it away to a new welding student and its still going great. I wanted a 240 machine and spent a lot of time comparing. I was not impressed with the Hobart. The eastwood killed it with options and gaurentee. As i am not a pro and wanted the most bang for my buck i got an Everlast 251 or such thing. Mig/tig/stick. I have had it for 2 years and still have not even used some of the options. Only downside i have seen is the tig will not do aluminum. Havent tried but i was told that or read it in the manual. It is definitley more of a professional machine then the eastwood i had or the hobart. Biggest problem i have is putting too much heat into something and having the puddle fall in my shoe.

 

[drmarkr]

Aluminum intercooler piping - sounds like a job for an AC Tig unit. Steeper learning curve but much handier than a mig spool gun.
DC tig for the exhaust piping and light fabrication. The Lincoln should handle the on-site 3/16" work for your porch.
Primeweld 225X for $869 gets my vote.

I just bought a 225x that replaced my Miller 180 Syncrowave. It is a smoking value and performs outstanding. Add on a 3 yr warranty, AND stateside customer support!

 

[gmcgeo]

Hobart 190, however i have the 210mvp and love it

 

[RPH]

Just bought one. Good reviews and USA support.

 

[finn]

I’m almost ready to pull the trigger on the Primeweld, but it seems quite a bit larger than some of the other imports in the budget price range. The Primeweld seems to have higher quality peripherals, ie torch, cables, clamps, and pedal than others in its price range, and some, like the Yes welder have a lot of hype, but a lot of sketchy reviews, ie not putting out advertised specs.

Anybody have input on other welders like that? I’m severely space limited here at our Az winter hideout, and the Primeweld size may be an issue.

I already have an old Miller 175 mig, a HTP 120v mig, and an HTP inverting, but they’re 2100 miles away, and I’m looking for a machine that I can use to improve my skills on over the winter. No particular projects, just needs to have ac and dc tig capabilities and HF start.

If money was no object, I would get another HTP Invertig , but it seems overkill for what’s essentially a practice or training machine.

 

[steel 35]

210 with spool

 

[NUTTSGT]

I found the spool gun in my dreams I guess. . . . I thought I was viewing the welder and had optional spool gun towards the bottom, but cheapest I have found is $280ish. Must have been a crappy generic one or something.

I will check out cyberweld! Found a Hobart 210 MVP of $995!

I've bought my spool gun from them , my 27i plasma cutter along with some supplies. Good prices, fast shipping and decent customer service.

 

[theoldwizard1]

MIG is easy to learn, but you need a spool gun ($$$) if you want to weld aluminum. One problem with MIG is you can make a nice looking welds with poor penetration if you don't have enough power.

 

[RPH]

I’m almost ready to pull the trigger on the Primeweld, but it seems quite a bit larger than some of the other imports in the budget price range. The Primeweld seems to have higher quality peripherals, ie torch, cables, clamps, and pedal than others in its price range, and some, like the Yes welder have a lot of hype, but a lot of sketchy reviews, ie not putting out advertised specs.

Anybody have input on other welders like that? I’m severely space limited here at our Az winter hideout, and the Primeweld size may be an issue.

I already have an old Miller 175 mig, a HTP 120v mig, and an HTP inverting, but they’re 2100 miles away, and I’m looking for a machine that I can use to improve my skills on over the winter. No particular projects, just needs to have ac and dc tig capabilities and HF start.

If money was no object, I would get another HTP Invertig , but it seems overkill for what’s essentially a practice or training machine.

Son has the HF Vulcan unit. Primeweld is like a 1/4” wider and a little longer but it did fit his cart.

 

[racecougar]

I own a Lincoln 135 and a Hobart 190. The Hobart 190 is a significant step up from the Lincoln 135 in capability and smoothness. I won't hesitate to recommend it for your price point.

 

[PoorUB]

How much aluminum are you going to weld?
I had a spool gun for my wire feed and sold it. I figure with the money I made from the sale it will pay all of my aluminum welding I need.

 

[brownbagg]

Hobarts made by Miller I believe

no, hobart and miller has the same parent company, they are made in two different factorys, but there is a lot of miller ideas, in hobart machine

i have nothing bad to say about hobart, i own both

 

[IRQVET]

I’m a Hobart guy and I have the 210MPV. Its a really awesome machine and one of those converter welders that will probably out live me. There are alot of newer inverter machines which are alot lighter. But mine lives on a welding kart so the weight/transportability wasn’t a factor for me.

Illinois Tool Works is the parent company that owns both Miller and Hobart. As brownbags stated, they were made in different factories but alof of parts and pieces in the Hobart’s are stamped Miller parts. When Illinois Tool Works aquired Hobart, Lincoln sued and took them to court claiming an American welding monopoly. The courts deemed the sale could go through, but Hobart and Miller had to be “marketed" differently. So Hobart was aimed at farm/ home hobbyist use (with decresed duty cycles); and Miller was to be marketed to commercial customers (hence the higher duty cycles). That is also why you see Hobart’s sold primarily at farm supply stores like Tractor Supply, Rual King, etc.

Can’t go wrong with either of them, just depends on the application and what your doing with them.

But if the 210 MPV is too big of a machine, I know the Hobart 140 has a cult like following. No experience with them personally, but I know alot of people who swear by them.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Illinois Tool Works is the parent company that owns both Miller and Hobart. As brownbags stated, they were made in different factories but alof of parts and pieces in the Hobart’s are stamped Miller parts. When Illinois Tool Works aquired Hobart, Lincoln sued and took them to court claiming an American welding monopoly. The courts deemed the sale could go through, but Hobart and Miller had to be “marketed" differently. So Hobart was aimed at farm/ home hobbyist use (with decresed duty cycles); and Miller was to be marketed to commercial customers (hence the higher duty cycles). That is also why you see Hobart’s sold primarily at farm supply stores like Tractor Supply, Rural King, etc.

Can’t go wrong with either of them, just depends on the application and what your doing with them.

Kind of what was explained explained during an online workshop with Hobart.

 

[Max78]

Bunch of great info. It sounds like a 190 or 210 are solid machines. A 30% duty cycle is fine, I'm doing small stuff and not much continuous welding.

For the aluminum I will be welding is 16ga stuff. Aluminum will be probably all intercooler piping for my Turbo Camaro project, but that's a long ways down the road.

I have experience with MIG welding steel, stainless, and aluminum, experience TIG welding those same materials.

The project car.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The problem with welding AL is it takes more heat than steel. 210 minimum.

 

[steel 35]

Was on sale with both guns for the last two weeks, I was tempted to buy one.

 

[gearhead1]

PrimeWeld makes MIG welders too. Their 180 package includes the spool gun for aluminum.

MIG180 180-Amp MIG Welder With Spool Gun

The MIG180 mig welder includes upgraded Tweco 100 Style torch and American style connection. Order online today from PrimeWeld to get free shipping.

primeweld.com

This would be good for 5/16” or so steel.

I don’t have a PrimeWeld MIG, I have their TIG225X AC/DC that Ashgrove, drmarkr, and RPH posted. I selected the PrimeWeld because they have a US support base speaking English, the warranty, and it comes with everything (Torch, pedal, regulator, etc). It has been a great machine, I’ve had zero issues with it. Based on that, I would not hesitate to buy another PrimeWeld product.

If you want to go up in price and a US company, I’d strongly consider Hobart. I had a Miller 180 and when I wanted more amps for aluminum, I bought a Hobart Ironman 240. It has been flawless.

You can’t go wrong with a PrimeWeld or a Hobart if you’re not ok with Miller and Lincoln prices.

 

[brownbagg]

the first question, help me pick out a welder. you just cant do it. its like what work boots are best, or the best beer

so here my opinion which doesnt mean anything

I got a licoln tombstone ac/dc had it since 1974, can't kill it
miller 140, oh how I hate that sucker, biggest POS i ever had
hobart ironman. I love that sucker
Miller 180 tig, not good at it, but no complains

i think one of those all in one machines 240v around 200-235 be the perfect machine

In structural work, I see these miller dc machine, size of a big shoebox, running off the snorkle lift generator, burning 7018. I want one of those

 

[Wiz02]

Bunch of great info. It sounds like a 190 or 210 are solid machines. A 30% duty cycle is fine, I'm doing small stuff and not much continuous welding.

For the aluminum I will be welding is 16ga stuff. Aluminum will be probably all intercooler piping for my Turbo Camaro project, but that's a long ways down the road.

I have experience with MIG welding steel, stainless, and aluminum, experience TIG welding those same materials.

The project car.

Just don't try welding the plastic doors

 

[Max78]

PrimeWeld makes MIG welders too. Their 180 package includes the spool gun for aluminum.

MIG180 180-Amp MIG Welder With Spool Gun

The MIG180 mig welder includes upgraded Tweco 100 Style torch and American style connection. Order online today from PrimeWeld to get free shipping.

primeweld.com

This would be good for 5/16” or so steel.

I don’t have a PrimeWeld MIG, I have their TIG225X AC/DC that Ashgrove, drmarkr, and RPH posted. I selected the PrimeWeld because they have a US support base speaking English, the warranty, and it comes with everything (Torch, pedal, regulator, etc). It has been a great machine, I’ve had zero issues with it. Based on that, I would not hesitate to buy another PrimeWeld product.

If you want to go up in price and a US company, I’d strongly consider Hobart. I had a Miller 180 and when I wanted more amps for aluminum, I bought a Hobart Ironman 240. It has been flawless.

You can’t go wrong with a PrimeWeld or a Hobart if you’re not ok with Miller and Lincoln prices.

It is very tempting to get a primeweld and save a bunch of $, they also have a 15ft torch length. . . , But I'm also really liking the Hobart stuff.

the first question, help me pick out a welder. you just cant do it. its like what work boots are best, or the best beer

so here my opinion which doesnt mean anything

I got a licoln tombstone ac/dc had it since 1974, can't kill it
miller 140, oh how I hate that sucker, biggest POS i ever had
hobart ironman. I love that sucker
Miller 180 tig, not good at it, but no complains

i think one of those all in one machines 240v around 200-235 be the perfect machine

In structural work, I see these miller dc machine, size of a big shoebox, running off the snorkle lift generator, burning 7018. I want one of those

I don't know about the comparisons, I only like 1 beer, and Keens are the only boot I use.
I have used Miller and Lincoln welders professionally for 5 years building cyclones and machine guarding for the mines. I prefer the Lincoln I used only because of the smaller more nimble gun (or torch if you call it that). We got some really nice Miller 360P welders that had the aluminum push/pull gun setup that was amazing. Even though I didn't like the gun on most Miller machines because they were bulky and not very flexible, but I got used to them over time and they all worked great. At home I have owned and used a Harbor freight 90amp, Campbell Hausfield 120amp, and now using a Lincoln SP135. I built the current turbo system with a harbor freight 90amp with flux core! I'm pretty open to

Just don't try welding the plastic doors

i have owned this thing for ever and never knew till this post that most everything on that car is plastic/fiberglass. WTF!!!

 

[Wiz02]

It is very tempting to get a primeweld and save a bunch of $, they also have a 15ft torch length. . . , But I'm also really liking the Hobart stuff.





I don't know about the comparisons, I only like 1 beer, and Keens are the only boot I use.
I have used Miller and Lincoln welders professionally for 5 years building cyclones and machine guarding for the mines. I prefer the Lincoln I used only because of the smaller more nimble gun (or torch if you call it that). We got some really nice Miller 360P welders that had the aluminum push/pull gun setup that was amazing. Even though I didn't like the gun on most Miller machines because they were bulky and not very flexible, but I got used to them over time and they all worked great. At home I have owned and used a Harbor freight 90amp, Campbell Hausfield 120amp, and now using a Lincoln SP135. I built the current turbo system with a harbor freight 90amp with flux core! I'm pretty open to





i have owned this thing for ever and never knew till this post that most everything on that car is plastic/fiberglass. WTF!!!

I had 2 4th gens, 1994 Z28 and 2002SS. Plastic doors = no door dings. I was the original owner of both and I am regretting selling the 185k mile '02. But the proceeds turned into an air compressor and to keep this post on track, the remaining funds will some day become a welder.

 

[sjvicker]

I dont have a specific model to recommend but our weld engineer at work has been recommending Everlast welders to those of us who are hobbyists at home. I've bought the 205SI Tig/Plasma combo and my buddy bought a Mig/Tig/Stick combo and so far they've been great machines for us.

I wouldn't buy one for production welding, and having the on/off switch in the back is kind of frustrating for my setup but otherwise its been good.

 

[welderguy]

I th

I have come to ask for some recommendations for a welder. I'm building a new detached porch and its all going to be out of 3/16 steel tubing. After that I will be using it for all sorts of projects, mostly exhaust/intercooler work. Currently I have an really rough old Lincoln 135 that gets the small jobs done. . .

My budget is $1000 I don't really want to go over that.

I would love to get a mig/tig combo, but I don't think there are any close to my budget.

The one I'm currently looking at is the Hobart 190, It looks like a really nice welder and an aluminum spool gun is only $100 which would be nice for welding intercooler piping. I'm open to some recommendations though! I would also like to stick with a new welder, I have scowered craigslist and FB and there are no real good deals.

Edit:

As I say that I found the Eastwood Elite MP200i for $750.

Eastwood 200 Amp Elite MP200i Multi Process Welder MIG - TIG - Stick

A powerful all-around welder, the Eastwood Elite MP200i lets you MIG, TIG, flux, or stick weld steel or aluminum up to 3/8-in thick with just a single machine.

www.eastwood.com

Does anyone have any experience with this?

I think its a vevor multi welder. Seem decent , tig might be cheappy torch but... check it out. They are decent too. Lincoln 180 is good.

 

[corn chip]

MIG is easy to learn, but you need a spool gun ($$$) if you want to weld aluminum. One problem with MIG is you can make a nice looking welds with poor penetration if you don't have enough power.

its true any monkey can pull the trigger and squirt some wire out but to know what your doing and get good just doesnt happen in a short time. what i started doing is cutting my welds to see what they looked like inside and i found a number of them had lack of fusion but not because the settings werent up high enough. i believe it was bad technique and not yet having enough experience.
under 1/8" theres hardy any worry of a bad weld. beyond 1/8" the weld may not be as sound as you would think if your skills are lacking. if people cut open some test pieces theyll probly be a bit suprised what they find. i know i was and thats what helped me see what i was doing wrong

 

[welderguy]

Preheat helps but a must on atleast 1/2 in and up. But your amp is wire speed and heat

 

[corn chip]

a trick to welding thicker material than the machine is rated for is just weld it in the uphill position

 

[welderguy]

Lincoln to me holds more value. Miller went from copper to aluminum winds then back to copper but arent nearly as good as lincoln .

 

[Mike65]

I have a Lincoln Weld Pak 155 220V welder I purchased 15 years ago when I was starting to do the sheet metal work on my 69 Mustang. I converted it from flux core to gas.

 

[Max78]

Well I did a thing. . .

I waited for black Friday, I hemmed and hawed, and kept my eye out for a good deal.

I almost,, and I mean almost got the primewled. My buddy has an Everlast that works good to, but. . .

I picked up a Hobart 190 for $750 at tractor supply because it was the only welder that really went on sale. Can't wait to use it!!! I want a unit that I can pass on to my kids, and really wanted to support a made in America brand as well.

 

[finn]

I pulled the trigger on the PrimeWeld tig225x this morning. BF price ended up being $765 delivered to Arizona.

HTP has good BF prices, but an Invertig 225 is still around $2000, over twice what the PrimeWeld is, but half what a Miller or Lincoln is.

Some of the cheaper tig machines are lift start only, ie no HF start.