Welder for infrequent hobby use

[Mainiac Mat]

Hey gang,

I'd like to get a welder for infrequent hobby use. I'd like to be able to weld angle and tube steel frames with up to 1/4" wall thickness for projects such as a DIY bandsaw mill build and tractor implements.

I'd also really like to learn to do small detail TIG welding for hobby gunsmithing projects.

My welding experience is limited to half a dozen stick welding jobs on farm implements, trailers, and such.... my work was always ugly as sin, but none of my welds ever failed.

I used to have a 100 amp AC "Buzz Box" stick welder. But I gave it to my nieces hubby. So now I need to get something for myself.

Any recommendations?
Are multi-process welders any good?
I was looking at this Harbor Freight Titanium 140

 

[CluelessPro]

I've got zero experience with it, but I've seen the Arccaptain welders gaining quite a bit of traction in the budget "do-it-all" welder category lately. They can be snagged on Amazon for comparable pricing to Harbor Freight's offerings. They have all that also includes a plasma cutter also.

 

[KwikFab]

PrimeWeld MIG180

Easy choice.

 

[gizardlizard]

Agree with Kwikfab 100%. Can’t beat primeweld and customer service for the price.

 

[whateg01]

If you can find a way, and if you have 240 available, I would absolutely go with a 180+ amp machine. It's possible to do 1/4" with a smaller machine, but it's much easier to get good welds with a bigger machine.

 

[Jazz1]

I bought Arccaptain recently to replace my broken 25 year old mig, i hope it lasts as long. It works great….MIG160 120/240 V.

 

[1redTA]

PrimeWeld MIG180

Easy choice.

I Love mine, I believe it is still on sale at
WeldMonger

 

[KwikFab]

PrimeWeld MIG180

Easy choice.

To add a little more to my suggestion...

1. PrimeWeld gives you a 3 year, no questions asked warranty.

2. While it doesn't come with a TIG setup, it does come with a spoolgun that I've personally used quite a bit.

3. It's cheaper.

4. It supports both 240v as well as 120v and comes with the plug to use as such. I would hate to spend that much on a welder and never have the ability to run it at 240v.

With that said, my experience with PrimeWeld products goes back almost 5 years starting with their TIG 225X. Immediately after owning their TIG, I purchased the CUT60 plasma cutter and I've beaten the hell out of that thing from the start.

The only issue I ever had with that CUT60 was a year after my warranty period expired, and when I inquired on the FB group as to where to buy a new torch head, they hooked me up with a new one for free.

As for the 180, I purchased that a year or so after the above items and used it for everything from 18 gauge mild to 1/4", as well as using the spoolgun on a variety of things on aluminum.

I tried so hard to push the 180 (mainly to get things done) but it never once went into overload or any sort of shutdown - it just kept running.

Old pictures taking care of an old aluminum job for a neighbor (the 285 in the background was only set up for MIG).







Here I was punishing it with a bunch of 3/16".





And here I was welding up a large 7' firepit for someone at their shop on the same 180.








I won't even go into the 2.5 years of cutting I put on the CUT60 on two different CNC plasma tables - that thing would never quit.

So while it may seem a bit biased, it's only after all the **** I've put my machines through. I replaced the MIG180 with their MIG285 right after it released and it is an absolute workhorse. I also run their fab tables and couldn't be happier given the quality and the price point - I'll be spending between $5-6k for my next table as I'd like to get a Siegmund otherwise I can't see anything else being an upgrade from what I have.



My previous experience before this is strictly on larger transformer-based Miller machines, as well as Miller 255 Multimatics, and my personal favorite, a Miller 350P. So, I'm no stranger to nice machines, but I'm only a hobbyist and don't need anything high-end.

Go to their site, check out their selection, and use Welcome25.

If you instead call and Gene picks up, tell him Freddy says what's up.

 

[Mainiac Mat]

Thanks for the replies.

Are there any drawbacks to multi-process welders?

 

[KwikFab]

Thanks for the replies.

Are there any drawbacks to multi-process welders?

You'll run into slight limitations which is natural when it comes to budget-friendly setups.

For example, a lesser expensive MP welder that offers TIG will only offer a scratch-style or lift-arc type.

More premium machines will offer high-frequency as one of their processes, and even more expensive machines will offer it in AC as well.

Same with MIG alone. Higher-end (more expensive) machines will offer pulse as well whereas lesser expensive MIG only and MP machines won't offer pulse.

Based on what you need, a lesser expensive MP sounds about right for you and you'll have it for a long time.

 

[bedn0009]

I was in this position a few years ago. I went Flux core and never looked back. Then added a plasma cutter as well. Absolutely fantastic.

Hobart handler is made in Wisconsin. Flux core. No gas needed, bulletproof

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/hobart-handler-140-mig-wire-welder

 

[lolaetype]

Any recommendations?

Infrequent hobby use? That means many things to many people. To me it means I want to stick two pieces of metal together and have it look pretty good and stay stuck together and I'm not putting something like a roll cage or car chassis (things that can kill you when they fail) together.

After using a flux core welder from HF, I inherited a MIG welder. It is a Northern Tools store brand from maybe 10-12 years ago, yellow case, but not "Klutch" brand. Decent quality and it seems to be durable. Not knowing what you intend to do with welder and what your budget might be I'd suggest something like this (roughly equal to my Northern Tool welder):

https://www.northerntool.com/products/lincoln-electric-weld-pak-90i-120v-120-amp-inverter-mig-welder-flux-core-welder-model-k5256-1-114998

 

[liliysdad]

If time is of the essence, I’d likely go with a PrimeWeld unit. I hear and read nothing but praise.

If I wasn’t in a hurry and didn’t mind shopping, I’d scour Marketplace and local pawn shops for a solid used blue or red machine, maybe tan for the right deal. I picked my Miller MM175 up for $200 at the pawn shop a couple years back. Another $150 in parts and it’s been the perfect machine for me. I saw a MM140 yesterday at the same shop for under $400, and a Hobart Handler 135 for close to $300.

 

[1redTA]

you can scratch start tig with the PrimeWeld 180

 

[oldmachinenut]

If you do go with Primeweld, Weldmonger (Jody Collier from Welding Tips and Tricks) has some really good sales on now.

Weldmonger® Store - Your Trusted Online Welding Supply

The New and Improved Weldmonger® Store! Home of the Original USA made TIG Finger®. Brought to you by Jody from Welding Tips & Tricks.

weldmongerstore.com

 

[jbltwin1]

I have abused a Lincoln SP135+ for close to 20 years and have no complaints but I don't know what the newest ones are like. I have 75/25 but don't use it. I switched to flux and haven't looked back. It's really nice to be able to use it outside with the wind blowing and you can't do that with gas. I DID put one of those toothed drive wheals on it for use with .035 flux wire. It solved a slight skipping problem I had..

 

[Torque&Recoil]

I agree with every piece of advice which people have offered. I am only tossing out some alternatives for consideration:
1. You can get a new Hobart at TSC and they are made in US, by Miller. My Hobart MIG is basically a Miller, painted tan instead of blue.
2. You could get a used Lincoln or Miller. I am sure there are plenty out there. You might even get a free welding lesson - show me how this thing works and maybe I'll buy it...
3. I am not certain about resale value of used offshore machines (Primeweld or others). Lincoln or Miller are gold standard. You could buy used, weld with that for a while, sell it when you need a bigger/better machine and know what your real needs are.
4. Honestly, I have never attempted "scratch start" TIG, but I do a bit of high frequency start TIG, and scratch seems difficult. Yeah, I know they were all that way, once... but hey, it's 2025.

 

[Aaron_W]

Thanks for the replies.

Are there any drawbacks to multi-process welders?

Understand not all multi-process welders are equal, so you can get both a yes and a no to your question with neither being wrong. Some of the cheaper multi-process machines are basically MIG welders with a cheap TIG tacked on. Some include a very capable TIG welder.

Most multi-process are DC TIG only which means no TIG welding aluminum. AC TIG adds a lot to the price, often nearly double.


I have a Miller Multimatic 220 which does MIG, AC/DC TIG and stick. The MIG side is identical to their 211 MIG welder. The TIG side is kind of unique, better than the Maxstar 161 series which are Miller's "entry level" TIG welders, (if you can call $3000 entry level with a straight face) but it falls a little short of the Synchrowave machines. It is literally 2 machines in one, the MIG and TIG/stick are independent of each other except for the power supply which is shared.

I'm very happy with my Miller multi-process machine, but Miller prices have gone insane. When I bought mine 5 years ago, it hurt ($2900) but it was a one and done deal. I expect it to do all I need for the next 20 years, classic GJ buy once, cry once.

Current list price is $5500, if I had paid that much, I'd still be crying. Great machine but unless you have a money tree I couldn't in good conscience recommend it.



The Chinese welders have really improved over the last 10 years. Even the super cheap Amazon specials seem to be decent. Harbor Freight's Titanium and Vulcan welders have a lot of fans.

I see a lot of happy Primeweld owners across several forums. If I were buying a new welder one of theirs would be high on my list of options.

Looking at the specs for their MIG285 multi-process the TIG side isn't nearly as good as my Miller, being lift start and DC TIG only (no aluminum), but it does offer more power across the board (285A vs 220A). The machine is only $999, not $5500. That leaves a lot of money in your wallet to buy a good TIG welder if you need better.

The Primeweld 225 is an AC/DC TIG that on paper looks very similar to the TIG side of my Miller. It only costs $869, so if you wanted a better TIG than the 285 offers both machines together add up to about 1/2 of what I paid for my Miller 5 years ago.

 

[Codyboy]

I was in this position a few years ago. I went Flux core and never looked back. Then added a plasma cutter as well. Absolutely fantastic.

Hobart handler is made in Wisconsin. Flux core. No gas needed, bulletproof

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/hobart-handler-140-mig-wire-welder

I have the hobart 140. Wished I would have gotten the 240 volt but funds did t allow it a few years ago.
I have still not bought a bottle of gas for it even though it comes with the set up.
I just use flux core wire.
It's OK and I can at times get some decent welds.
Couple of passes on anything bigger than 3/16.

 

[liliysdad]

I hate using flux core and haven’t used it since I got my Miller. I can’t imagine a scenario where I would ever go back to a flux machine. Gas is just so much nicer.

I have considered a cheap 110 machine set up for flux just to use for nasty outside stuff….but I haven’t needed that in the last few years that I’ve been considering it. If I do, though….

 

[cvairwerks]

The only big problem with multiprocess machines, is when they break, you are completely down til it gets fixed. That's ok if you can set the work aside til the repair or replacement is done. I started with an Econotig and have since then added a Miller 211 and starting to think about a dedicated higher performance TiG for the shop.

 

[finn]

The only big problem with multiprocess machines, is when they break, you are completely down til it gets fixed. That's ok if you can set the work aside til the repair or replacement is done. I started with an Econotig and have since then added a Miller 211 and starting to think about a dedicated higher performance TiG for the shop.

The corollary to that is that two machines take twice the floor space, etc. that’s a real issue if you have a limited floor space.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I took an adult education welding class some years ago where we mainly learned MIG, with a little bit of TIG. The TIG welding was done with scratch start machines; while it's not ideal it's not that difficult to do, and I was able to lay down a decent weld after a little practice, so I wouldn't shy away from a scratch start machine if cost is an issue.

Also, as mentioned the lower cost multi process machines won't do TIG on aluminum. You can get spool guns for welding aluminum if that's something you'll need.

I'd also recommend checking around to see if a local high school or technical college offers an evening adult education class - the one I took was one night a week for 12 weeks. I think each session was three hours, we spent about a half hour in a classroom and the rest of the night in the welding shop. The cost was quite reasonable, and having a professional welder as an instructor (my guy's day job was as a welder in a nuclear power plant so he knew his stuff) made a lot of difference compared to just going out to the garage and fiddling around on your own.

 

[gmcgeo]

Flux mig works, however it will frustrate you while learning. I recommend getting 75/25 gas, and just learning from there.

The all-in-one units work great, i have used many different brands. Including Amazon cheap brands. They have limitattions of course.
I Found the stick welding portion on these cheap units to work amazing.

 

[racecougar]

The upside to learning with flux core, particularly if you have the patience to learn how to weld sheetmetal with flux core, is that when you make the switch over to 75/25, everything is suddenly a cake walk.

 

[CraigStu]

I bought a Miller Diversion 180 TIG 15 yrs ago and couldn't be happier. It will run on either 120 or 240. I can go 6 mon w/o welding and then weld every day for a week on some project. I have welded up to 1/4" steel. When you get that thick it is taxing the machine but I don't do it that often so making multiple passes is no huge pain. I absolutely love tig compared to any other process. I can weld a seat frame w/o removing the seat from the car. Just lay a few water soaked towels near the weld to protect from the heat. There is no weld splatter or flying sparks. I do 90% of my welding 7ft from the front of my Corvette. I have to worry more about which way I grind than welding. I also have an old stick welder like this

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/welder-lincoln-ac-225a-3951006?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=shopping&BU=TSCO&campaignid=627558462&device=c&product_id=3951006&matchtype=e&bidmatchtype=be&network=o&keyword=default&msclkid=54ca0a4ffc7713daf6f162f665bd5d5c&utm_campaign=TTH*CAT*Sustain%20PMax%20Shopping&utm_term=2332888796697281&utm_content=TTH%20LOB

but haven't used it in 3-4 years.
Yeah, once/twice per year I spend $55 to fill my small argon tank.

 

[Aaron_W]

The only big problem with multiprocess machines, is when they break, you are completely down til it gets fixed. That's ok if you can set the work aside til the repair or replacement is done. I started with an Econotig and have since then added a Miller 211 and starting to think about a dedicated higher performance TiG for the shop.

Yeah, for a working shop I could certainly see that as an issue if you only had one welder. More of an inconvenience in a home shop. The big advantage as Finn points out is the space and for many home users space is a premium.

On the TIG side a dedicated TIG will almost always out perform a multi-process TIG in features, accessories and adjustability. You would have to be a much better TIG welder than me (not hard) to really make use of the improvement though. Multi-process TIG machines are fine for the average DIYr, and they are getting better.

Looking at that Primeweld 225 TIG machine again, it really compares very well on paper to the TIG side of my Miller, a little broader range for the AC balance and Pulsed TIG, a bit less for post gas flow, but otherwise very close. By extension that puts the Primeweld quite close to Millers Synchrowave 212 at 1/5 the price.

I wish I knew what happened to Miller, Lincoln and Esab pricing. In 2019 when I was shopping, something like the Primeweld was about half the cost of a similar name brand. Now they are 20-25% the price, and it is the increase in name brand prices, not the imports getting cheaper. All the name brands except for Hobart have about doubled in price while the imports are about the same as they were.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Everyone recommending MIG needs to LEARN HOW TO READ !

I'd also really like to learn to do small detail TIG welding for hobby gunsmithing projects.

There are many TIG welders on the market better than the Harbor Freight Titanium ! Yes, they cost more.

I always tell anyone thinking about buying a welder, get one that has dual voltage input. If you ever want to weld aluminum, you will need the additional power.

 

[Mainiac Mat]

Great replies... thanks to all for taking the time to type them up.

• I'm in no hurry to make this purchase. I've just got a cash gift card burning a hole in my pocket
• I have a garage and a barn ... so likely won't need to weld outside. But that could be handy.
• I have 240 v readily available in garage and barn
• I can probably live a happy life and without the ability to weld AL (I've made many things out of 80/20 and have machine shop tools to make custom connectors and gusset plates)
• I was hoping I could get out the door for ~$500. But would spend more to ensure I don't make a mistake that I regret.
• Having one welder with multiple capabilities would be a big plus (and may keep the Mrs. off my case)

 

[Imatk]

I bought this one after Project Farm recommended it.

I mostly have used it for sheet metal welding. But I also used it to weld a stud into place.

I'm a beginner welder and it worked great for me.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6HL28ZP?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mainiac Mat]

These Arccaptain MIG welders look like a lot of bang for the buck.

 

[cvairwerks]

Space is pretty much a non thing these days with the new inverter stuff. You can stack a Millermatic 211, a Maxstar 161 and a Spectrum 625 in almost the same space as an old Lincoln tombstone. Leads and guns will take a bit more space, as will a bottle or bottles, but that can be overcome. Get a smaller beer fridge and go separate machines...

I've got the EconoTig, the 211, a 625 and a couple of fuel gas rigs and combined, they take up less space than my 50 year old Craftsman tool box stack.

 

[andyvh1959]

My dad retired from Miller Electric, and I have the Millermatic M35 he bought before retiring, so I'm kinda biased. But aside from duty cycle I bet many of the brands mentioned do fine. I'd even consider a Saker battery operated stick welder for occasional need. But if you plan to weld hours on end then duty cycle is important.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Thanks for the replies.

Are there any drawbacks to multi-process welders?

IMHO the biggest drawback is switching it to another function. I've got an Everlast SuperUltra 206Si DC plasma/tig/stick, and switching it over is the worst part. it's just a time sink to do. I've got it and a MIG on my welding cart. I don't have room for 3x more machines.

but the tool is great. I did get to test their warranty service (TiG/Plasma HF start board died) and they helped me troubleshoot mine and sent me a new board when it was determined to be faulty.

 

[Aaron_W]

Space is pretty much a non thing these days with the new inverter stuff. You can stack a Millermatic 211, a Maxstar 161 and a Spectrum 625 in almost the same space as an old Lincoln tombstone. Leads and guns will take a bit more space, as will a bottle or bottles, but that can be overcome. Get a smaller beer fridge and go separate machines...

I've got the EconoTig, the 211, a 625 and a couple of fuel gas rigs and combined, they take up less space than my 50 year old Craftsman tool box stack.

I already threw the shop fridge out to fit a milling machine.

True, modern welders are far lighter and more compact than the old transformer machines. I recently saw a 1960s TIG welder that was about the size of a washing machine. Some of the smallest TIG machines these days could probably fit in an airline carry on bag.

IMHO the biggest drawback is switching it to another function. I've got an Everlast SuperUltra 206Si DC plasma/tig/stick, and switching it over is the worst part. it's just a time sink to do. I've got it and a MIG on my welding cart. I don't have room for 3x more machines.

but the tool is great. I did get to test their warranty service (TiG/Plasma HF start board died) and they helped me troubleshoot mine and sent me a new board when it was determined to be faulty.

Again depends on the machine. I have to set up to do either TIG or stick but it is a pretty easy transition, just swapping the wires around.
Going from MIG to TIG or stick (whichever I'm set up for, usually TIG) takes no time at all, not even flipping a switch. Just set down the MIG gun and pick up the TIG torch. The machine knows the difference and recalls the last setting for the appropriate welding application.

I have a separate Hobart plasma cutter that lives on its own.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'd also really like to learn to do small detail TIG welding for hobby gunsmithing projects.

Sounds like you will need a machine that needs a lot of control for starting and stopping the arc.

"scratch start" is definitely off the list !

Great replies... thanks to all for taking the time to type them up.

• I was hoping I could get out the door for ~$500. But would spend more to ensure I don't make a mistake that I regret.
• Having one welder with multiple capabilities would be a big plus (and may keep the Mrs. off my case)

Machines that have start/stop controls cost more !

Alphatig 225
Arccaptain AC DC TIG200P Multi Process Pulse TIG Aluminum Welder

Pulse is good ! Get a foot pedal !

 

[Shitbox]

I’m probably going to get flamed for this(pun intended) but if it were me I’d get an O/A setup. You can do thick or thin by tip and flow rate changes, cut, shrink, bend, free stuck things all with one rig. Yeah I know tig is fine but think of it as tig with a slower puddle and no peddle.
I say this as the owner of tig, mig, arc, and o/a welders. The o/a is definitely the most versatile.

 

[whateg01]

Nobody in this day and she is welding 1/4" steel tractor implements together with O/A!

 

[KwikFab]

So many suggestions for welders, but no one actually showing any work done with said welders

 

[SouthernIllinois]

I agree with every piece of advice which people have offered. I am only tossing out some alternatives for consideration:
1. You can get a new Hobart at TSC and they are made in US, by Miller. My Hobart MIG is basically a Miller, painted tan instead of blue.
2. You could get a used Lincoln or Miller. I am sure there are plenty out there. You might even get a free welding lesson - show me how this thing works and maybe I'll buy it...
3. I am not certain about resale value of used offshore machines (Primeweld or others). Lincoln or Miller are gold standard. You could buy used, weld with that for a while, sell it when you need a bigger/better machine and know what your real needs are.
4. Honestly, I have never attempted "scratch start" TIG, but I do a bit of high frequency start TIG, and scratch seems difficult. Yeah, I know they were all that way, once... but hey, it's 2025.

I found a like new Hobart 210 MVP with spool gun on Facebook Marketplace.

I liked the fact it’s made by Miller and I can get Hobart consumables at 8am on a Sunday morning at Rural King or TSC.

Love that welder!!!