Learning to weld, which welder?

[Landscraper83]

Hello garage journal. Been lurking for a while checking out all the awesome builds...great website. I have a question that I couldn't think of a more appropriate place to ask than this site.

This winter I will teach myself to weld. I have settled on mig. I would like to get people's opinions on what would be a good welder for me to purchase.

I own a small landscaping company, and will be using it for repair work, and also for fabbing small items. Brackets....framing etc on things I want to build. I can't imagine ever needing to do anything more than 1/4"

It won't see too much hours....maybe be used once a month for small projects.

I want something easy to learn, that will last for years without too many issues, and be a good value. I'm a bang for your buck kind of guy.

I have no problem with a gas system over flux core if that's preferable.

I will be restricted to 110v

Would like to keep it under $1000. Though I must stress again that I'm all about value. I dont want a cheap piece of **** that I'll want to replace in a year...but please keep in mind for the amount of use this thing will get I don't need anything even close to top of the line.

Any advice? Thanks guys

 

[Cope]

No 120 V Mig is going to be any good larger than 1/4", and in the wrong hands, it would be limited to 1/8". I did some of the field testing on the Hobart HH140, and they have done some nice upgrades to it since then. It would be my recommendation. If possible, spend a little more and get a dual voltage machine so that if and when you have 240 V available you aren't tying to sell and replace.

 

[Stooge]

my recommendation for a first welder for household voltage is always the hobart 140 . i had one, worked great, cheap enough to buy along with the bottle and everything to keep it well under a grand. plus its a good name so if you ever do decide to upgrade to something nicer or have access to 230v, its an easy resale. i would get the bottle for it but it doesnt hurt to have a spool of flux core handy, especially if you are using it for your landscaping business and have to take it outside so you dont have to worry about the gas being blown away.
http://store.cyberweld.com/hobhan135wit1.html#pdItemDataTabs

 

[HotFry]

I said the same thing. My first welder was a used Millermatic 140, a 120 VAC welder. I never messed with it on 1/4" stuff because to weld that you were supposed to change to flux core wire. It can weld aluminum also if you buy the gun for that.

I ended up buying a 220 welder which I'm very happy with. The miller was nice to learn on but I should have went 220 the first time.

 

[Lx460]

It's a bit more but I really like the Miller 211. It's dual voltage if you want to upgrade to 220V down the road. It's a very capable machine but compact. It comes with a regulator, but you would need a bottle.

I would recommend staying clear of the cheaper Harbor Freight type Chinese units. While they may work, parts for them after a couple years is hard because they change the design frequently. You could also look for a used brand name machine off Craigslist. For $1000 you could get a nice complete setup but most are likely to be 220V.

Why are you limited to 220V? Do you rent? If not, it's not that hard to add a circuit.

 

[Stooge]

i love my miller 211, but you figure after the bottle and hood, gloves, some clamps and magnets, it all adds up ontop of the $1100 to buy. for what he mentioned, the hobart should be more than capable and is easy enough to sell. after i bought my miller, i texted a buddy to get an opinion on what to sell it for and he bought from me right then.

 

[zkling]

It's a bit more but I really like the Miller 211. It's dual voltage if you want to upgrade to 220V down the road. It's a very capable machine but compact. It comes with a regulator, but you would need a bottle.

I would recommend staying clear of the cheaper Harbor Freight type Chinese units. While they may work, parts for them after a couple years is hard because they change the design frequently. You could also look for a used brand name machine off Craigslist. For $1000 you could get a nice complete setup but most are likely to be 220V.

Why are you limited to 220V? Do you rent? If not, it's not that hard to add a circuit.

On all accounts.

 

[Stroonzo]

If it helps you decide, consider I just bought my first welder after using my friend's Miller 140 all of the time. Rather than having to bother him (plus I just wanted my own welder), I bought the Hobart 140. Miller owns Hobart and the two units share many components (but the price of the Hobart is about $300 less).

You can search Miller vs Hobart 140 and get many results that all lead you to the same data.

For my use, it was a no brainer. Sometimes good enough is good enough.

Northern Tool is selling the Hobart for $499, Free Shipping, and is throwing in a $50 gift card with spending that much money.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200471413_200471413

 

[hackwelder]

It's a bit more but I really like the Miller 211. It's dual voltage if you want to upgrade to 220V down the road. It's a very capable machine but compact. It comes with a regulator, but you would need a bottle.

I would recommend staying clear of the cheaper Harbor Freight type Chinese units. While they may work, parts for them after a couple years is hard because they change the design frequently. You could also look for a used brand name machine off Craigslist. For $1000 you could get a nice complete setup but most are likely to be 220V.

Why are you limited to 220V? Do you rent? If not, it's not that hard to add a circuit.

I'd also recommend a MIG w/ a 230V option, once you start welding you will probably get ideas for all sorts of projects and a 120V machine would eventually be limiting, dual voltage sounds ideal...would have gone that route if it had been an option at the time but bought a 230V Miller 172 and it has been trouble free for over 10 years.
So far as 230V power goes I made up an extension cord (using the welder manuals specs for wire gauge and length) so I can use an existing 30A dryer outlet, this as worked fine at three places I've lived over the years....my welder pulls 20A max and has never popped a breaker.

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 on the Hobart 140 as beginning welder. Price at Northern Tool is very good for new welder with regulator. Best price I've seen used Hobart 140 on CL has been in the $300 to $400 range.

OP . . . would be helpful to know your location, as prices vary and there might be more used welders on CL in particular area. Update GJ Profile with City / State.

 

[Stroonzo]

I built this fence and double leaf gate with a 120V Miller 140 Welder. Nothing but the cast-iron lower in-fill, circular rings, and finials was prefabircated. For my personal needs and hobby, it is why I landed on the Hobart 140 (120V machine).

From the O.P.'s description and intent, the Hobart 140 is a great value.

 

[Landscraper83]

The reason I'm limited to 110v is a little complicated...and boring to explain.

Let's just say...I'm not sure where this welder will be living for the next few years, and it may be moving around some. Anywhere it might end up I know will have 110, can't say the same for 220.

I do like the sounds of a dual voltage machine though, I wasn't aware that was an option.

I also like the sounds of that $500 Hobart above though. That's a good amount less than I was thinking of spending.....and it seems a lot of guys think it'll be "good enough" for my needs.

Thanks for all the replies....and keep em coming.

 

[Ign]

Value + durability + parts availability down the road = the Hobart 140 from TSC when it's on sale at $450 or less. They had a killer deal 2 winters ago at $450 plus a free Hobart auto dark hood.

For the stated budget of $1k max you can get a Hobart 210MVP and have 110 or 220 capability in the same size package as the 140. Regularly on sale at Blain's Farm & Fleet for $795 plus shipping (usually around $30 to ship).

Flux core is your best bet for occasional use, outdoors use, and burns hotter than gas shielding for better penetration where 1/4" is pushing the limits of a 110 machine.

 

[cagullett1]

I'm in the same boat, but have kept pushing back actually buying a welder as the Hot Deals thread keeps eating at my tool budget. I also enjoy woodworking so my wife trys to limit my "hobbies" in our 2 car garage. I've been decided on the Hobart 140 as it seems to be the most bang for your buck that is capable of running gas. Tractor Supply had it on sale during black friday but I couldn't justify as we are trying to figure out a cross country move at the time. Northern Tool puts them on sale frequently and has a $50 off $250 coupon on a regular basis. Unless Tractor Supply has a sale specifically on them, NT is your best bet.

 

[rsanter]

If you have the money to buy the miller 211 auto set....it will make you think you are a good welder. That thing is great

Bob

 

[cagullett1]

If you have the money to buy the miller 211 auto set....it will make you think you are a good welder. That thing is great

Bob

Is the Hobart 210MVP comparable to the 211?

 

[LX-Markham]

I know lots of people with both 110 and 220 machines. Say what you will about the 110's, but they are extremely handy when it comes to portability (not everywhere has 220).

I've had a Lincoln SP-135+ for many years and it has been a great little welder.
It's more than capable of the projects the OP posted.

 

[Moose364]

I will give a vote to the Hobart 140 I have one and love it on the thin stuff 14ga and up to 3/16 after that I prefer to stick weld myself, but with the Hobart you can also run it off of a 5000 watt generator too and with flux core wire you will have you a mobile welding machine. like someone said above they are made by miller, mine even had a miller label on my gun

 

[sberry]

The 200 class mig was invented with the landscaper in mind.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I will be restricted to 110v

That will be a problem !

What you really want is a dual voltage unit 120v/240v.

 

[Landscraper83]

Does anyone have any suggestions for dual voltage units?

 

[sc105b]

miller 211 or hobart 210....

 

[BD1]

Definitely go with the Miller 211 or Hobart 210 multi volt machines, 120/230.
Money well invested. Miller has a current rebate on machines and goodies.
Hoods too. http://www.millerwelds.com/products/special-offers.html

I don't know where you are at but Farm and fleet had the Hobart on sale I think it was $794.00. Many members bought 211's from ZORO tools on cyber Monday for around $900.00. Great machine and great price.

Check with local supplies on a package deal. CASH will help.

 

[Banjorear]

Does anyone have any suggestions for dual voltage units?

There was a company that sold dual voltage machine. Daytona MIG maybe? Not sure.

I bought a Millermatic 175 many years ago and love it.

 

[sberry]

This is a place its worth a stretch to steal the money to get it. I agree the 140 will do most things a guy needs to do but the 240V machine is 2x the unit and so much better on structural work with 030 wire. If a guy is a landscaper this investment should be minor in the grand scheme of things and will pay back real fast. You will catch up with projects and build some and will use this machine 10X what you had envisioned.
It isn't that the machine isn't good but a 120 circuit is poor for welding, if they are lo0ng they are worse. They should be dedicated also for the most part. T

The machine tends to find a home, should have a circuit. Its usually not a real problem but just because the plug will fit doesn't mean this should be ran on rickety outbuildings etc.
The small mig is designed for utility use and one of the advantages of size and technology is that it draws around half the current, maybe 60% of a buzzer. I have done this in shops where the wire was poor, just put a cord on the machine. Sometimes could really shorten a circuit back to outlet near a panel.

 

[sberry]

I never take a mig from the shop, like once in 20 yrs, never owned a 140 unit. I have used a couple, that wire (023) is awful small.

 

[sberry]

The Hobart is really good. I like the tapped settings.

 

[sberry]

This is all this little machine has. The girl is using 2x the power of a 120V unit, it makes it do some real work but is still small.