Need a welder. Opinions Wanted

[rufus39]

Guys,
I'm looking for an inexpensive welder that will only be used for simple small jobs. I'd think that at max, a 2 to 3 min. Duty cycle would be fine. I have been looking at this one, http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-mp200i.html.
Eastwood MP200i Multi Process Welder.
I'm open to other brands, but, for home, hobby, type work, are Multi Process Welders a viable option?

What are your thoughts ?

 

[Fender1325]

What materials and jobs will you be doing?

Eastwood gets mixed but usually pretty good reviews. I think for mixed process inverter based machines you'll have several options in that price range.

If you are mainly just needing a mig function, doing sheet metal steel up to 1/8" angle iron, the Hobart handler 140 is the best machine for 500 new.

Some might say look at Craigslist for used machines but you'll want something with a warranty in my opinion.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd prefer to have something like the Hobart mentioned above or similar Blue welder for some small stuff and 120V. If the work ever increases, you'll wish you would have bought a bigger machine in the beginning.


If you find the need to stick weld something, start going to auctions or looking on CL for an older Lincoln tombstone, pretty hard to beat for what you'll pick them up for.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

Need a little more info. Metals to be welded and thickness. Process you will be using most. If you are using one or twice a year will probably be just fine. If joining heavy plate a cheap buzz box lincoln off craigslist is a great choice.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Step dad has welder from harbor freight the hundred twenty dollar gas or gasless one. It works good. Put 8 inches of weld on 3/8 plate to weld two together and it did good. The wire it comes with ***** I suggest Lincoln wire its like twelve bucks at home depot.

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[Kaizen]

I have the 135 mug from Eastwood. Love it. Does thin metal up to eighth inch. For a first welder I would recommend it. Not the multi one. Not unless you are experienced with all of those three welding types.


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[dffay]

Check the Marquette made by Lincoln line that NAPA usually has out on the floor. Price check wherever you'd like but there are some great small machines; a 110 volt stick that weighs 14 pounds but can handle 1/8 7018/6013 dc only rod. And, a similar small scratch TIG. There's a budget MIG too.

 

[rufus39]

Wow, thanks to all the replies. I very much appreciate them. I'll be doing sheet metal, smaller mild steel, say up to 3/16 stuff mostly. I have an older stick welder, just need something to do automotive Hobby type repairs. I've used MIG & tig Welders in the past. I was just kinda liking the idea of having bot h in 1 unit, and not looking to sink lot of money into since it will see very minimal use. Or at least I think so!

 

[Ign]

Wow, thanks to all the replies. I very much appreciate them. I'll be doing sheet metal, smaller mild steel, say up to 3/16 stuff mostly. I have an older stick welder, just need something to do automotive Hobby type repairs. I've used MIG & tig Welders in the past. I was just kinda liking the idea of having bot h in 1 unit, and not looking to sink lot of money into since it will see very minimal use. Or at least I think so!

The Handler 140 then. Period. Parts always available, great tech support, good warranty.

Avoid Eastwood and their ilk. The low price is enticing but not worth it. Take care of the 140 and your grandkids can learn on it and still get parts for it. Seriously.

 

[CafeTools]

The harbor Frieght welder works very good, almost better than buying a used worn out expensive one.

 

[tonyciambrone]

I really like my Handler 140. not multiprocess but I think you will want an AC capable tig machine pretty quickly. Unless you are 100% confident you will never weld aluminum etc

 

[lakeroadster]

I've owned a Lincoln SP-100 since the 1990's... built a lot of stuff with it, from sheet metal to 12 gauge.

It's worked flawlessly.

I chose Lincoln because I worked in fab. shops during my career and know that Lincoln stands behind their products and their tech and research staff is second to none.

I believe the SP100 has been replaced by the Model# K2185-1

Good luck

 

[Fender1325]

I do automotive restoration with my Hobart handler 140. Love it

 

[MarkG]

If you get anything other than red or blue or Hobart, you'll probably regret it, and sooner rather than later. I had a Hobart 140 as well-----great machine for light-duty work.

 

[Cahark]

I love my AHP Alpha TIG. There is a large following with these welders. Plus the ability to use AC and DC is a huge plus.


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[rufus39]

I'll look into the handler 140. What all types of metal is is capable of welding ?
Or would I be better off with a tig?
Thanks again for your comments.

 

[driz]

Just remember that 140 Or any other 120 V machine is not going to reliably weld anything over 3/16”. They are great on nice clean car panel skins though. I have a Hobart 135 for many years now. It works great but my go to machine always is my Ac/DC 225 Lincoln Tombstone. Old school but great for versatility doing small varied jobs around the ranch.
Dirt cheap to buy rods for too.
Remember, if you are running true MIG to try to buy your own large bottle for shielding gas. 125 CF is about tops for personal tanks these days. The suppliers really **** you for small bottle fills. Airgas just nicked me for $100 to fill my own 90 CF bottle! That’s another reason I try to stick to my stick welder. Try to deal with a small mom n pop LWS and keep them in business because when Airgas makes them go away you will all be unhappy.


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[rufus39]

Good point, hadn't thought about buying my own bottle.

 

[Fender1325]

I think I have a 40 cubic foot bottle. Might've been $80 to buy and 40 to refill? I actually forget and I just did it! Anyhow, that bottle lasts me like 6-8 months so the cost isnt bad.

 

[rufus39]

Can the Handler 140 be used to weld stainless and aluminum?
In other words, by purchasing additional items?

 

[Fender1325]

Yes. You need a spool gun for aluminum I believe (I forget if it has that capability but I believe it does).

Stainless requires a different gas.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I love my AHP Alpha TIG. There is a large following with these welders. Plus the ability to use AC and DC is a huge plus.

For anyone looking to get into TIG on a budget, it's hard to beat the AHP, either for a hobbyist or someone looking to start side work or a small business. I have the 2015 model and haven't had a single issue with it. Only mods I've done were to replace the ground clamp, and replace the foot pedal spring to one with less tension. The TIG torch it comes with is decent for stock, and it can be upgraded to a CK torch, as I might do soon. Stick welds really well too.

 

[ez-duzit]

...been looking at this one http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-mp200i.html
...What are your thoughts ?

"This is a true “one machine does it all” welder!"

Uh huh...

I have a two machines do it all welder, a Miller Dynasty 200DX (tig) and a Millermatic 211 (mig) with spool gun. BTW Miller is offering some pretty good rebates through the end of the year.

 

[Fender1325]

"This is a true “one machine does it all” welder!"

Uh huh...

I have a two machines do it all welder, a Miller Dynasty 200DX (tig) and a Millermatic 211 (mig) with spool gun. BTW Miller is offering some pretty good rebates through the end of the year.

Those machines are some of THE best on the market. Hugely overkill for a beginner, let alone a huge price tag

 

[ez-duzit]

"Miller Dynasty 200DX (tig) and a Millermatic 211 (mig) with spool gun"

Those machines are some of THE best on the market. Hugely overkill for a beginner, let alone a huge price tag

I like the good stuff.

The 200DX I bought on eBay, refurbished and used, for $1800.
The 211 and spool gun I bought new with rebates.

 

[tonyciambrone]

"Miller Dynasty 200DX (tig) and a Millermatic 211 (mig) with spool gun"



I like the good stuff.

The 200DX I bought on eBay, refurbished and used, for $1800.
The 211 and spool gun I bought new with rebates.

Glad you like your machines. OP is looking at (1) sub $1000 machine. You are not contributing anything here..

 

[ez-duzit]

...You are not contributing anything here..

Up yours.

 

[rufus39]

Anyone have a Lincoln 180 ? I am wondering if this may be a better option, a little more money, but it may be a tad more aluminum friendly ?

 

[CafeTools]

You can get good welds with a cheap HF welder.

 

[Fender1325]

You can get good welds with a cheap HF welder.

Stop wasting the man's time.

That might be so, but the settings are limited, the wire feed gear drive is plastic. I had one and it broke in 3 days. I went out and bought the Hobart and that was maybe 3 years ago now.

OP is willing to spend money on a quality machine