Looking to buy a gas fed mig thats 110 volt , for hobby use . Also , a plasma cutter for the same . Any advice would be appreciated , dont want to end up with some **** . I have also heard about 3 in 1 machines , any good ? I would welcome all opinions and advice .
Mig welder/plasma cutter advise please
- Thread starter STANIMAL
- Start date
I bought a used 180 amp machine. That is a 120/220v unit. You quickly run out of capacity with the 120v unit, mine does both 120v and 220v and I initially tried 120v but found it SORELY lacking. I am thinking about upgrading to a 210 class machine. Look at the Thermal Arc 211i.
BD1
Well-known member
Miller has a rebate in progress. Basic 110/220 Miller 211 will cover basic needs. This is one of the hottest selling machine in my area.
http://www.millerwelds.com/landing/build-with-blue/
Miller 211 below
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00245
Here's a couple welding sites to search on.
MILLER http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/forumdisplay.php?3-Welding-Discussions
Weldingweb.http://weldingweb.com/index.php
http://www.millerwelds.com/landing/build-with-blue/
Miller 211 below
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00245
Here's a couple welding sites to search on.
MILLER http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/forumdisplay.php?3-Welding-Discussions
Weldingweb.http://weldingweb.com/index.php
+1 to these recommendations. A year ago I was looking for a welder and a plasma cutter and after some research and recommendations I went with a Millermatic 211 (which is a 120/240 MVP welder) and a Hypertherm PowerMax 30.
Not a cheap setup but both units will outlive me. I was able to quickly jump in with my 120 home wiring but soon I added a 240v outlet in my garage and switched both devices to 240v. I will say that you can't plasma cut much with 120v, 240v REALLY helps.
These machines should do me for anything I'll need at home. If I have a reason to start welding/cutting 1/2" steel plate then I'll look at upgrading.
I'm one of those types who likes to spend the extra bucks up front to do it right the first time for big purchases so I won't need to do it again a second time. If you budget is more limited the Hobart 140 has excellent reviews as does the Hobart plasma cutter. I almost went with both but decided being so new to welding I wanted to the Autoset of the Millermatic, and I liked Hypertherm's story.
HMCFab9
Well-known member
Welder: Without any hesitation, get a Miller! They even have a 15% off deal going on.
Plasma Cutter: again, no question... Thermal Dynamics. I did a LOT of research before I bought my T.D plasma. Many said that was the best brand & it has a 5 year warranty & I believe it's made here.
Plasma Cutter: again, no question... Thermal Dynamics. I did a LOT of research before I bought my T.D plasma. Many said that was the best brand & it has a 5 year warranty & I believe it's made here.
AndyA
Well-known member
+1 on miller and thermal dynamics
I have the cutmaster 81 and several miller welders. Hypertherm seems to also be highly recommended for plasma cutters, but I have no experience with them.
The millermatic 211 is a good recommendation. These can be bought for about a grand (maybe less if you catch a special). The only thing I see bad about the MM211 is the low duty cycle. The MM212 has a better duty cycle, but it's more money and you loose the 110v capability. It depends on how you want to use it. If it's going to only be used in your shop and you already have 220V, then I'd probably go with the M212. If you don't have 220V or think you may want to carry the machine to buddy's houses, then go with the MM211.
I have the cutmaster 81 and several miller welders. Hypertherm seems to also be highly recommended for plasma cutters, but I have no experience with them.
The millermatic 211 is a good recommendation. These can be bought for about a grand (maybe less if you catch a special). The only thing I see bad about the MM211 is the low duty cycle. The MM212 has a better duty cycle, but it's more money and you loose the 110v capability. It depends on how you want to use it. If it's going to only be used in your shop and you already have 220V, then I'd probably go with the M212. If you don't have 220V or think you may want to carry the machine to buddy's houses, then go with the MM211.