Looking for my first MIG

[chickenhauler]

I've finally been able to produce a decent looking weld with the old Lincoln AC stick welder, and would like to pick up my first MIG. I'm open to suggestions to what brand/size I should be shopping for. As a start, I've been heavily considering the Lincoln 180, but at around $800, it's a lot of cash if it's not going to work for me.

Most likely, use will be light - motorcycle frames, sheet metal. But I do have heavy equipment to maintain. I have no problem using the stick on it if need be though. The cheaper I go here, the better new compressor I can get.

 

[back2class]

I've finally been able to produce a decent looking weld with the old Lincoln AC stick welder, and would like to pick up my first MIG. I'm open to suggestions to what brand/size I should be shopping for. As a start, I've been heavily considering the Lincoln 180, but at around $800, it's a lot of cash if it's not going to work for me.

Most likely, use will be light - motorcycle frames, sheet metal. But I do have heavy equipment to maintain. I have no problem using the stick on it if need be though. The cheaper I go here, the better new compressor I can get.

Seems like the perfect spot for a 140 mig. Nothing wrong with the bigger units, but when you already have the stick for heavy stuff..the 140 will fill that gap and then some, be less expensive, and be so much better for portability. I see NO advantage, and seems like a much better machine for you getting a high quality 110 even price aside.

 

[KraftwerkMk1Jetta]

I love my 110 Lincoln MIG with C25 gas, although their are times when I wish I had more amps to do heavier stuff. I have a Miller stick welder for real heavy stuff though. You can do some really nice stuff with the little MIGs. Don't waste your time wiht just flux core wire, get a bottle of gas, its so much cleaner and neater.

 

[dagoat_1]

Cant speap for the 140 but I bought the 180 on super sale for 599CAN a few yrs back and no regrets. It has been able to do everything I've needed so far. Purchased the spool gun on sale as well last yr for 199 and even repaired an old prop with it. Like you I also have a Lincoln stick for the heavy stuff and I'm all set.
If you can find the 180 on sale, the price difference is worth it IMO.

 

[ZRX61]

Hobart HH187

 

[bradweingartner]

If you have ready access to 220v service, definitely spring for the 180class MIGs available from any of the name brands. Lincoln, Miller, Hobart. Top three in no particular order.

My first real MIG was a Lincoln SP-175+ ~8 years ago? It's been flawless, and has allowed me to do a lot of jobs from light sheet metal to fairly heavy work that a 120v welder wouldn't have been sufficient on. There has only been once or twice doing work for others outside of my garage that I had wished I had a 120v welder.

The new Lincoln 180s look promising, and I love the entry level Spool Gun option they have now. I've thought several times of trading up just for that alone.

 

[rockwithjason]

i have a 110 lincoln mig and it's just not big enough. don't bother with anything less than a 180 and the bigger the better.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Since you have the old stick welder, I'd be tempted to say buy a good 120V mig with gas. But I rethink that thought and still say spend the few extra bucks and buy a good 220V Hobart or Miller. If you buy a good MIG, I bet you'll shelf the older arc welder.

A decent welder is not a place to cheap out, as it will provide years of service. If need be, put off buying the compressor for a few extra months in order to get a good MIG, or pick up a few hours of OT at work to offset the cost.

 

[TozziWelding]

Do not buy a cheap chinese piece of junk, go with a brand name like Miller, Lincoln, ESAB, Hobart, etc..... If you have 220 look in to that, you can turn a big machine down, but you can only turn a little one up so much.

 

[dodge610]

Do not buy a cheap chinese piece of junk, go with a brand name like Miller, Lincoln, ESAB, Hobart, etc..... If you have 220 look in to that, you can turn a big machine down, but you can only turn a little one up so much.

ESAB is the new Name for what used to be Airco isnt it back in the day I used to sell Airco,Hobart,Miller for the 3 weld supplies i worked for.

 

[djjsr]

Hobart HH187

Ditto.

It's the best value I could find for a 220v machine. Decent quality at a reasonable price.

 

[chickenhauler]

2 Votes for the Hobart HH187 - one that I didn't even have on my radar. I pretty much wrote off anything that TSC carried as junk. I'll have to check it out again. Ironically, they have the best prices I've found on the IR compressors. Trying to decide between the 3 HP and the 5 HP single stage. 15 CFM at 90 psi would be more than enough for what I use, as the highest demand I have is a small bead blast cabinet, and I've been using it with a little craftsman for 3 years, I just take breaks every minute or so lol.

My brother has the Lincoln 180 and hates it. He wanted to make me a deal on it with a cart and tank so he could get a Miller. I definitely don't want a cheap one. I'd like something that will last. I have 220v plugs everywhere I would possibly use it, and long extension cords left over from aircraft starting cables.

 

[blue302stang]

I recently just purchased a Miller 211 and am really impressed with it. It ran about $1060 at my local airgas. It has a easy set feature that will automatically adjust wire speed and amperage which is really easy to use for a beginner. It also is able to use 110v or 220v.

 

[chris fresh]

i got lucky about 3 years ago when i bought my pro mig 175,got it for 500 out the door because it was missing the welding shield that comes with it.it's been a good all around welder,i do a lot of 1/8 to 5/16th stuff and it has worked great.all i've used is flux core in it,but i'm going to swap out my argon bottle for a mix bottle and i should be even happier with it.

only complaint i've had is using it on thinner stuff,even turned down i've had some burn thru issues,but i think once i go to a bottle set up,that will clear up.i have a blue point 110 machine that i learned on and it came with a bottle,so that's what i used.seems like the weld's were way cleaner running a bottle.

anyone wanna chime in on that theory?

 

[chickenhauler]

Ok, I'm looking at the Hobart 190 with the spool gun package @ $819. A little more than what I was hoping to spend, since I'll be over $1k with a tank, but I have had a lot a times that I wished I was able to repair aluminum parts.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/welding-metalworking/welders/mig-welding/mig-welders/hobart-handler-190-mig-welder-with-spool-gun-package-1021970

Maybe TSC will issue a 10% off coupon this fall?

 

[RangerDaleXp]

First Choice would be the Lincoln Power Mig 140c for 110v operation or the Power Mig 180c for 220v operation. The “C versions are continues voltage control and the “T” versions are tapped voltage control.

Second choice would be the Hobart Handler 140 for 110v operation and the Handler 210 for 220v operation.

Third choice if you are on a tight budget would be the Northern Tool 135. I have run one in the field because it is a 110v machine and never had a problem with it. It is a very good clone of the older Lincoln Weld Pak and Sp models and will use a lot of the same Lincoln consumables and parts. It carries the same 3 year warranty as well. Also my friend bought one a year ago and has also had good luck with his as well.

 

[outcast]

My brother has the Lincoln 180 and hates it. He wanted to make me a deal on it with a cart and tank. I have 220v plugs everywhere

these is your answer, right there. i have a lincoln 135 and it works great.

 

[ncfh]

I would think that if you are looking to do some decent size welds on equipment, you would be disappointed with any 110V machine once you realize the speed and positional benefits of MIG over stick.

Out of position welding is far easier for most people with MIG vs AC stick, can you pick up and rotate your loader or whatever to perform a repair?

If you have the patience, prowl your local (like 500mi radius, depending) auction scene for six months and get something great, like a Miller 251 with a spoolgun, at a great price. Patience and some cold hard $ when the opportunity strikes is all it takes.

 

[KraftwerkMk1Jetta]

Can't stand when people talk about stick like it's an archaic thing of the past. You won't "shelf" your old stick welder just because you get a new 220v MIG. Try MIG welding outside you're shop doors on something that won't fit in your garage, or any other situation where MIG gas will just blow away in the breeze. Each have their pros and cons and will out perform one another in a given situation.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Can't stand when people talk about stick like it's an archaic thing of the past. You won't "shelf" your old stick welder just because you get a new 220v MIG. Try MIG welding outside you're shop doors on something that won't fit in your garage, or any other situation where MIG gas will just blow away in the breeze. Each have their pros and cons and will out perform one another in a given situation.

I agree that stick welding not archaic and I am still thinking of getting a Lincoln AC/DC buzz box to work with heavy material. It still has its preferences with some people in some certain types of jobs.....

 

[ZRX61]

2 Votes for the Hobart HH187 - one that I didn't even have on my radar.

& the Miller/Hobart welding forums are about the best one going