Welder advice

[blakjak220]

Hey all - first post and I hope I'm putting this in the right place....

I was needed suggestions on which type of welder (and maybe even specific brands, models etc). Mostly mild steel, nothing really thick (less than 1/4" I would assume). Mainly things that would come up around the house, car maintenance, maybe put together some small projects, etc. I have no welding gear right now and my question is what kind of setup should I be looking at? I'd like to keep it under $1000 and I don't have access to 220V power at the moment but that should be remedied soon.

Any advice is appreciated...

 

[b_bueno]

I would suggest a Lincoln wire feeder (1-3 lb spool capacity). Under a grand and sufficient for small tasks.
Using an inner sheild wire is fine. You may want to get into solid wire and shielding gas down the road but it will be an added expense.

 

[kkroger]

I would recommend a Hobart 210MVP, you can use it on 110 if you have to and 220 if you can... It is a pretty stout machine for under a grand, many parts in common with the miller 211... It can run Flux Core or Dual Shield
Regardless of what some will tell you with a welder MORE is ALWAYS better, I can not recall any time in my life saying DAMN! I wish I had less of a welder!

The Voltage is on Taps instead of continuous like the Miller 211, It doesn't have Autoset but it is a good stout machine.

 

[Herod]

You can't really get above 150-160 amps or so with 110 volt. You'd need 220 for higher amp draw.

For 110, best bet would be a Lincoln or Miller 140. Around 500 bucks. Miller is usually a little bit more. Machine comes wth a regulator. Then buy argon/co2 bottle. Used. About 100 bucks. Grinder (you'll need at least one) 80-100 bucks. Get your wheels for said grinder...wire....40 grit...sanding flapper.....cutting disk.

Then you'll have 200 left over to buy a very comfortable welding hood. If you're not comfortable, you won't be a very good welder. Miller and Jackson make the most comfortable flip lids I've used so far.

Remember that if you run and extension cord to your welder, make it a big fat one. You lose amps the longer the cord is.

Hope this helps.

 

[sberry]

The Hobart is good, I actually like taps. While its great they can run from 120 that is a pitiful power supply for it. The 200A class mig is really designed around 030 solid wire and C25 and run from 240V

 

[BD1]

Do you have a Farm and Fleet by you ? Hobart Handler 210MVP MIG Welder
Blain # 678611 | Mfr # 500553

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$894.99
Sale $794.99 through 11/26/2014

OR a MILLER 211, I like my 211 and the rest of my MILLER machines. http://www.weldersupply.com/P/275/MillermaticAutoSet11

Millermatic 211 Auto-Set 110/220 Volt Mig Welder Part#907422 FREE SHIPPING!

Product Number: 907422
$1,384.00
$1,079.00
MILLER has a current rebate on machine and hood too .
http://www.millerwelds.com/landing/build-with-blue/
http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/HelmetRebateFlyer_Form.pdf

 

[zkling]

One of the 200amp class 110/220volt compact mig machines. May want to check out the new lincoln 210MP, if you are not afraid of new products.

 

[blakjak220]

I like the looks of that Hobart 210MVP - especially since I should have 220v access in the next few months so I could run it on that once that's installed.

And I see that the Farm and Feet place suggested has it on sale for just under $800.... wasn't planning on buying just yet but...

Thanks for the suggestions everybody!

 

[BD1]

If you don't purchase Hobart on sale it normally is around $900.00. For a few dollars more you can go for the Miller 211 and use the rebates. Sadly the rebates will force you to spend more money. Check with local supplier on a package deal for CASH.

 

[NUTTSGT]

The ways the "need a welder" thread usually go . . .

1st choice, Miller, second is Hobart, third Lincoln and followed by a few others.

Buy a 220V machine if you can afford it over the 110 as most people want the bigger in the first go around rather than buying smaller and stepping up later. I've never seen anybody regret buying a 220V over the 110V welder.

If you can't afford a new welder, CL is great place to look for a good used one.

Buy an auto darkening helmet too.

 

[blakjak220]

If you don't purchase Hobart on sale it normally is around $900.00. For a few dollars more you can go for the Miller 211 and use the rebates. Sadly the rebates will force you to spend more money. Check with local supplier on a package deal for CASH.

Yeah, that's not too much more plus I can basically get some accessories for free with the rebate - found it for $1087 online with free shipping.
Question - what does that Miller have that's worth the extra bills? And does "auto-set" actually work like it says it does or is it more of a gimmick?

 

[sberry]

I havnt ran a 211 but have been down this road a ways. I like the taps. I have a Linc with the 5 speed and its near perfect. B,C,D,, 2.5, 3.5 and 5.5,,, thin medium and thick. Its a cant miss. All that auto stuff is doing is taking a few minutes from learning how to set the machine and variable is more fussy.

 

[sberry]

On 120V they are a body sheet metal unit that runs 023. Don't invest in a gob of stuff, when you get a real welder circuit you will want 030 wire in it.

 

[blakjak220]

Yeah, I'm leaning towards just waiting a few months until I have 220v then save up just a little more and go bigger

 

[BD1]

Yeah, that's not too much more plus I can basically get some accessories for free with the rebate - found it for $1087 online with free shipping.
Question - what does that Miller have that's worth the extra bills? And does "auto-set" actually work like it says it does or is it more of a gimmick?

My local guy on my post # 6 has it for $1079 and FREE SHIP.
Rebate requires to buy the machine a goodies at same time. It doesn't take much, cover , consumable kits , wire , and you need more money. Get local package price.
As for the auto set, I like it. I'm not too fussy and don't like playing with dials. I prefer the infinite settings over the fixed taps. Some like fixed, a personal think. The 211 likes .030 wire the best and runs fine on 120/230.

 

[Toggle Switch]

Spend a little more and get the Miller 211. It's the best little MIG out right now. Dual voltage, auto set, true voltage adjustments instead of A,B,C,etc taps. After going to it from a Lincoln 170 my welds got way better. The arc is much more stable and controllable.

Auto set works great. I use it most of the time now. Go check out www.weldingweb.com. You will find everyone loves the 211.

 

[Lx460]

I agree with the Miller 211. Been running one on a service truck with a 8000 watt generator. Small enough to fit in the utility body but still portable. Can run 110V or 220v. Also can be used with full size wire spools instead of only the smaller ones. For the shop I have an older Millermatic 250 with a 30A spool gun for aluminum. If portability isn't an issue, you can find a used Miller 210, 250 , 251 etc. on CL for cheap. I paid $700 for my 250 with bottle, regulator, etc. several years ago. It was low hours and super clean. Just have to test it first and maybe take someone with you that knows what to look for.

The Lincoln weld pak 140 isn't bad either for a starter...about $500 plus bottle.

 

[blakjak220]

I've kept an eye on CL for a while but seems like the only things that pop up are the big machines that are $3k+. CL isn't very active around here. I'll keep looking in the meantime but thanks for the additional vote for the Miller...

 

[kazlx]

Yeah, I'm leaning towards just waiting a few months until I have 220v then save up just a little more and go bigger

That would be the way to go. FWIW, Zoro will probably have a coupon at some point. Either that or buy one of the multi-voltage machines, that way you can weld with 110V now and use it on 220V later. Same suggestions from me as pretty much everyone else in this thread. You won't regret a 220V machine...they are so much smoother.

 

[Lx460]

I've kept an eye on CL for a while but seems like the only things that pop up are the big machines that are $3k+. CL isn't very active around here. I'll keep looking in the meantime but thanks for the additional vote for the Miller...

Where are you located?

 

[blakjak220]

I'll keep an eye on Zoro... I've snagged some good deals on there in the past.

I'm in Southern Arkansas.... I lived in Little Rock up until a few years ago and the CL up there was way more active... Down here the "tools" section is pretty sparse. Every now and then there is a Lincoln stick welder but other than that it's mostly the big machines.

 

[56vette461]

The international welding show just ended in Atlanta. Every welder of every size and model was on display for the show and were used as demo models. After the show the display models from the show and those from the field are sold out to small independent dealers and approved repair station operators. These slightly used units are all sold at great discounts. Check the internet for approved repair operators in your area. if they don't have units they may have a good contact for your needs. We have one here in Northern California that does great work for the hobby and professional user market. IMHO, the Miller 211 is a great all around unit. I have one and can recommend it for mid level use.

 

[HD FLHX]

There is a reason the 211 gets brought up so many times in every thread like this...it a very capable mid level welder priced at a point most can afford. I bought mine about a year ago from Indiana Oxygen. They have competitive prices with free shipping and best of all they ship FAST... usually the same day.

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/?gclid=CjwKEAiAy8ujBRCY6c-hveijhFASJAAcyGicKo7xu8xuCAiqBr_1M5pVvfaeXQKdFHe8M7ekB_iq5hoCf8zw_wcB

 

[blakjak220]

I'll add them to my list and check them out when I'm ready to buy

 

[Lx460]

Sure enough, I checked out CL local to you and there isn't much at all. I looked from Little Rock to Shreveport. A 211 for $1700...lol. If you come down to Florida there are always machines for sale. Wonder why the offerings in your area are so sparse?

 

[sberry]

You won't regret a 220V machine...they are so much smoother.

They will draw 2x the power from a circuit that is 2x the voltage and usually has a better wire. The technology is the same.
Pic 4 is a variable V machine, stopped and tuned a volt to try to get the spatter down. 3 is a Hob 210, could turn it up far enough to get it to flow without ripples. 2 is a 10Ga plate, vertical, could fill it in a pass.

 

[blakjak220]

Sure enough, I checked out CL local to you and there isn't much at all. I looked from Little Rock to Shreveport. A 211 for $1700...lol. If you come down to Florida there are always machines for sale. Wonder why the offerings in your area are so sparse?

Yeah, believe it, it's bad around here. I bought and sold stuff all day long when I lived in Little Rock, but come south of there and it's dried up. I think a lot of people use Facebook classifieds around here which I don't really care for. I'll keep an eye out either way though.

They will draw 2x the power from a circuit that is 2x the voltage and usually has a better wire. The technology is the same.
Pic 4 is a variable V machine, stopped and tuned a volt to try to get the spatter down. 3 is a Hob 210, could turn it up far enough to get it to flow without ripples. 2 is a 10Ga plate, vertical, could fill it in a pass.

Thanks for the pictures!

 

[sberry]

While the 211 gets raves the 240V units from Lincoln or HD are very good, same machine with different stickers on it and as I recall all tapped units? Anyway, cheap, super duper arc. They don't give advanced features with those but it doesn't matter.