Recommend a decent starter MIG welder

[kingstrider]

So I'm thinking it would be handy to have a MIG welder for a couple of small projects as well as eventual use when restoring an old car or two. I don't need something super fancy but don't mind paying for a decent tool that I can enjoy over the years instead of fussing and cussing every time I use it. I want something that runs on 110 volt power and is reliable. I have been looking at some of the Lincoln outfits but am sort of leaning towards a Millermatic 140. Any other suggestions I should think about?

 

[DrBaker]

I did lots of research on MIG units. I read countless threads on dozens of websites.

For what it's worth, I received my Hobart 140 yesterday. I believe it is a great first welder.

 

[Askme42]

Another vote for Hobart 140

 

[ishiboo]

I am nowhere near a great welder, but I bleed blue. They're fairly consistently great products.

The Millermatic is a GREAT welder. Personally, for the price of the Millermatic 140 though, I would probably get the Hobart 210MVP. IMO you find yourself doing some structural stuff, you'll love the added capacity.

Hobart is the "economy" brand of Miller.

$794 at Fleet Farm right now, though they might not ship it. If you get a Fleet Farm card you get an additional 10% off.

 

[zkling]

Do you ever plan to have access to 220v?

 

[ishiboo]

Yeah, the Hobart is great. I had a Handler 130 or 135, I forget... the predecessor to the 140. Great welder but wished I had more amperage.

At the time, it was the exact same electronics/etc. as the Miller equivalent except perhaps the controls, the only difference was the wire feed assembly was thermoplastic instead of cast.

 

[hackwelder]

The Hobart 140 gets great reviews here and elsewhere...it might be worth considering the Miller 211 and Lincoln 180 machines too, they are dual voltage 120/230V, and what I'd buy if I didn't already have a 230V Miller 172. FWIW I've been running my 230V machine from 30 amp dryer outlets for years and that has worked fine, I made up an adapter/extension cord per the specs in the welders manual.

 

[CGT80]

I have had the Miller 135 for about 15 years. It is great, but lacks some power. Go for the dual voltage if you really need to be portable, as you can at least use it on 230v when you can find it.

 

[Cypherian]

Another vote for Hobart 140

This ^^

 

[theoldwizard1]

What ever you buy, make sure you have a full gas hook up. MIG welding with shield gas will produce MUCH better welds than cored wire.

If you have the money buy a unit that can do 120V or 240V even if you do not currently have access to 240V.

 

[larryq]

Any other suggestions I should think about?

This thread talks up the Eastwood 135. I already have a Lincoln HD140 or I would've gotten this. I am no pro welder, strictly homeowner, but it should do the job for sheetmetal and those starting out.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=267389

I've shopped with Eastwood before and while they seldom give things away their customer service is great. This welder is about as good a deal as they have.

Note the mention of the (still working) 'GA190010' code in the discussion and it's $199 before shipping-- hard to beat!

 

[aaronrkelly]

Ive also got the Hobart Handler 140 - great welder.

.....but I was THIS close to going with the Eastwood. They get great reviews and seem like a good bargain.

 

[Bruce Amacker]

Don't get the baby Lincoln that's available at Home Depot, it's a POS.

 

[bcradio]

Hobart 210 mvp gets my vote

 

[alpinewhite]

220v Lincoln is what I bought.