Welder choice

[tokyo]

I am looking at getting a welder because eventually I WILL need one.

I need it to be gas, and house current.

I have seen the lincolns, and the millers, but it has been awhile since I have seen a hobart working.

So..which would you prefer, and where are the best places to get the stuff i need for the price.

thanks
tok

 

[PAToyota]

By house current, do you mean 110V or 220V - most houses usually have both available, if you're renting then 220V may be a problem.

If 220V is available, look at the 210 range models. They'll do pretty much anything you'll need for home use. The 110V models and you will run up against their capacities if you do any amount of welding.

Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, and other "brand" names are basically good. I'd stay away from the Harbor Freight type stuff just because replacement parts are hard to come by. Basically a disposable machine if anything goes wrong.

Various mail order places have been mentioned on here, but there are benefits to buying local and having a real person you can talk to for help. Of course, if your local shop cannot be bothered with individuals (as opposed to companies) then online could be the way to go.

 

[eschoendorff]

Everyone here knows this by now, but my Hobart 140 came with a gas kit and runs off 120 vac. I love that little thing. Using .030 flux core right now, and that works fairly well too.

 

[mike944]

Are you looking for Mig, Tig, or stick?

 

[tokyo]

Mig.

tok

 

[39 Ford]

Hi:
Buy a 220 unit Home depot and Lowes both sell Lincoln 175 units for $599.00 pluxs tax. Check them out

 

[mjribeiro]

I'm very happy with my Millermatic 175

 

[ZRX61]

I just dropped the dime on a Miller 210


... & a Miller 375 plasma cutter

 

[Senorpablo]

Hobart 140 is a very nice welder.

 

[Rory Bellows]

I have a Hobart 180 but the new Hobart 187 is supposed to be better than the 180 and Lincoln 175 T and Plus and MM 175. Check out The Hobart welders forum. Tons of useful information on every type of welder. http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/index.php?

 

[AntiBling]

I have a Hobart 180 but the new Hobart 187 is supposed to be better than the 180 and Lincoln 175 T and Plus and MM 175. Check out The Hobart welders forum. Tons of useful information on every type of welder. http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/index.php?

Ya the Hobart 187 is supposed to give better arc control then its MM 175 and HH 180 counterparts.

FYI, Miller and Hobart are both made by Miller, Hobart machines have it where some parts are plastic that would be metal on Miller. I own a Miller 175 and have absolutely no complaints, and I haven't heard complaints from Hobart owners either.

You didnt answer what voltage you want to run it on, 110 or 220. If you can run on 220, and assuming the most you'll want to work on is automotive work, I would say go with a 175-200 amp output machine.

 

[markl]

If you want some good opinions on welders from weldors check herehttp://www.millermotorsports.com/mboard/forumdisplay.php?f=3 or here:http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/ You,ll get alot of good welder advice from weldor's, both pro's and hobbiest's. I have a Miller Matic 175 which is a 220v unit and I love it. It has welded everything i needed to from sheet up to 5/16" no problems and Miller has great customer service. I started with a 110v craftsman mig and stepped up to the MM175. I wish I would'nt have jumped in so quick the first time. I would have bought the 175 instead. Unless your gonna be welding over 1/4" on a regular basis the 175 should serve you well, but definatley weigh your options and your needs

 

[ZRX61]

It showed up today

 

[eschoendorff]

Aw geez ZRX... you ****!

 

[Willy Victor]

Aw geez ZRX... you ****!

I want your tools before you die so you can show me how to use them.

Willy

 

[BowtieNut]

I'm quite happy with my Miller 175. I just got it a few months ago, used but basically new, for $400 complete with helmet, gloves, gas, cart.

My buddy used to have a smaller 110V Lincoln wire feed, and we were always pushing the limit on that thing. Now he's got a Weld-pak 155 and that seems pretty close to mine.

 

[ZRX61]

Aw geez ZRX... you ****!

The other blue box showed up this afternoon

 

[bmwpower]

What's the functional differences between the Miller 175 and the Miller 210? Just duty cycle and metal thickness?

 

[russlaferrera]

Take a look at WWW.rilandusa.com/#rilandsuper1...-in-one_machine. This welder $ 1,495 plus shipping. A bit pricey yes. The claim to fame is, it's a MIG, TIG, Stick, Plasma and does Alum. ...russ