welder recommendation

[02camaro86]

looking for recommendation on a mig welder. primary use will be light sporadic use and mainly for exhaust and other light metals. obviously no one is looking to spend a ton but is harbor freight something to even consider? this will be my first welder and will be what i learn on so any recommendations/pointers would be very appreciated.

 

[1953mercury]

Take a look at Eastwood. Low price, decent quality, great return and service policy so I have heard from many. Have had name brand stuff myself for many years bought used, but if I was just starting out and for light duty I would give them a shot. Mike

 

[sz0k30]

There is a lot of welder info on this site and others that specialize in welding. Do a lot of Searching & Googling and don't just rely on people replying to your post.

If your primary purpose is exhaust pipes, sheet metal and 1/4" or thinner, you will get the best results with a 110v machine and .025 wire.

And NEVER EVER even consider a welder that doesn't use gas.

 

[Nor'Easter]

The Miller "Build with Blue" promotion has started up again, just so you know.

 

[Jason280]

Search Craigslist for a Lincoln or Hobart 140 amp class machine, they can be found in good condition for around $250. Pick up a 11lb roll of .023 and regulator off eBay, and a 125 cubic foot Argon/CO2 tank from your local gas supplier, and you will be set.

 

[1953mercury]

There is a lot of welder info on this site and others that specialize in welding. Do a lot of Searching & Googling and don't just rely on people replying to your post.

If your primary purpose is exhaust pipes, sheet metal and 1/4" or thinner, you will get the best results with a 110v machine and .025 wire.

And NEVER EVER even consider a welder that doesn't use gas.

Really??? You just tell the OP not to " just rely on people replying to your post ", and then you proceed to tell him what he needs. I just love this place. The entertainment value here is priceless.

Hey, it's your first welder, pick one from column A or column B, and if you don't like it pass it on and try something else. Truth is, until you get the hang of welding and figure out what you are going to use it for all the info can be somewhat mind numbing. Mike

 

[Bruce4310TX]

Good friend has a HF 110 model same use as you mentioned 2 yrs works great, i would buy one for limited use. Other wise buy a Hobart its a miller in a different color.

 

[Jackfre]

I've been very pleased with my Miller 211. Reasonable dough and good performance. But, as noted, don't listen to me!

 

[mopar65]

Hobart 210mvp can run on 110 or 220 good bang for your buck also if you want to weld aluminum someday you can get a spoolgun for it. jody did a couple vids on it at weldingtipsandtricks.com seemed to like it a lot.i would get a better ground clamp than what comes with it tho just my 2 cents

 

[jimgood]

If your primary purpose is exhaust pipes, sheet metal and 1/4" or thinner, you will get the best results with a 110v machine and .025 wire.

The real welders on this site will tell you that you can't get good welds with a 110v machine.

'course, I haven't listened to them either, so...

Edit: Oh, and I have a Hobart 140 from Tractor Supply. So far, all the metal I've stuck together with it is still stuck somehow.

 

[Kracin]

There is a lot of welder info on this site and others that specialize in welding. Do a lot of Searching & Googling and don't just rely on people replying to your post.

If your primary purpose is exhaust pipes, sheet metal and 1/4" or thinner, you will get the best results with a 110v machine and .025 wire.

And NEVER EVER even consider a welder that doesn't use gas.

how come he shouldn't learn on the bare basics first like a low amp stick or flux core wire? gotta start somewhere, and flux core wire welders will lay down just fine on exhaust piping. i thought flux core was the essential home hobbyist once in a blue moon welder anyway? no need to worry about gas, need something fixed, grab it, prep it, weld it, put it away for another two years.

i think op should watch some videos, consider which one will meet his needs in his budget, try a few buddies machines in possible and go from there.

 

[great white tj]

The real welders on this site will tell you that you can't get good welds with a 110v machine.

'course, I haven't listened to them either, so...

Edit: Oh, and I have a Hobart 140 from Tractor Supply. So far, all the metal I've stuck together with it is still stuck somehow.

I have the same problem. Every thing I have welded with my HH140 is still together.

 

[msgross]

Search Craigslist for a Lincoln or Hobart 140 amp class machine, they can be found in good condition for around $250. Pick up a 11lb roll of .023 and regulator off eBay, and a 125 cubic foot Argon/CO2 tank from your local gas supplier, and you will be set.

good advice there,,, I also picked up a Miller 135 on Ebay (local) with cart and tank for $350... great little welder.

I've heard that these Hobarts are rebadged Millers, but I can't confirm that...The setup does look like mine though. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200471413_200471413

 

[gungatim]

how come he shouldn't learn on the bare basics first like a low amp stick or flux core wire? gotta start somewhere, and flux core wire welders will lay down just fine on exhaust piping. i thought flux core was the essential home hobbyist once in a blue moon welder anyway? no need to worry about gas, need something fixed, grab it, prep it, weld it, put it away for another two years.

i think op should watch some videos, consider which one will meet his needs in his budget, try a few buddies machines in possible and go from there.

you can learn on anything, but if he wants to weld exhaust, a gas MIG, not flux, is going to get him there a lot sooner as a newbie than the other. if you're not experienced, you can mistake flux for the weld bead and end up doing a sh*tty job and ruin the thin metal on exhaust pipe.

for what he is doing, an inexpensive 110v machine with gas capabilities is just fine to start out with. problem is, you end up buying bigger, better, until you have 4 or 5 machines sitting around (like me)...would be cheaper in the long run to just go get a name brand 220v 200 amp type machine red, blue or grey...they're all good.

 

[Kracin]

you can learn on anything, but if he wants to weld exhaust, a gas MIG, not flux, is going to get him there a lot sooner as a newbie than the other. if you're not experienced, you can mistake flux for the weld bead and end up doing a sh*tty job and ruin the thin metal on exhaust pipe.

for what he is doing, an inexpensive 110v machine with gas capabilities is just fine to start out with. problem is, you end up buying bigger, better, until you have 4 or 5 machines sitting around (like me)...would be cheaper in the long run to just go get a name brand 220v 200 amp type machine red, blue or grey...they're all good.

220v 200 amp machine for exhaust, for someone who might not want to weld in the first place once they get started and get involved in the prep and process, then maybe decide its easier to pay somebody 75 to weld a piece in place with no hassle... great suggestion....

i highly doubt he or anybody would buy a welder and start by trying to do the job before ever testing and practicing on the material they plan to weld... mistaking slag for a weld is one thing, but thinking that somebody is going to go from no welding experience to getting the job done without testing is another. at any rate, any of the machines will get the job done for small stuff like exhaust (regular steel car exhaust piping). suggesting somebody buy a 250 dollar wustoff knife so they can cut up their 12 dollar wal-mart steaks for grilling is asinine. gotta start somewhere, a welder isn't going to drop much in value, and buying a cheap used welder will make it easy to resell it if you don't feel it's right for you, you already bought it at a used price, sell it for the same price again.

 

[kazlx]

The real welders on this site will tell you that you can't get good welds with a 110v machine.

'course, I haven't listened to them either, so...

Edit: Oh, and I have a Hobart 140 from Tractor Supply. So far, all the metal I've stuck together with it is still stuck somehow.

Not even remotely true. If someone tells you that you can't get good welds out of a 110V machine, they shouldn't be handing out advice.

I think where the confusion comes in is that people want to over work a 110V machine...the usual request is "I know nothing about welding, but can I buy this HF welder and build a car trailer?"

Most of the cheap machines ****. They really do. If you are just doing body work or sticking things together, who cares. But if you want to lay consistent beads for years, those aren't the machines for you. Like most other things, it boils down more to the operator than the machine, but once you know enough, you can appreciate a nicer machine.

IMO, the OP would be fine with a 110 machine. I would prefer a Miller, Lincoln or Hobart 140 class machine, even used, over new HF, but that's me.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I just faced this question about a month ago....

The 110V harbor freight wire feed welder is pretty bad right out of the box. It is an AC welder, not a DC welder (like you need for both MIG and Flux Core, no company sells wire to use for AC flux core welding- it just doesn't exist!). For about $60 you can get a bridge rectifier, a 100,000 uF capacitor and a resistor (to bleed the capacitor down when not in use), and that turns it into a decent DC flux core welder. Then add another $15 for random materials and time to modify everything (heavy gauge wire, proper odd size connectors, etc). You can't, however, do any thin metal, (two selections for power) and it still can't go too thick either (3/16 MAX).

Then you have the ground clamp... it *****. $15 for the tweco style ripoff from harbor freight to replace it (which is an excellent ground clamp!).

So for a little over $200, you have a welder that has only two power settings. It can't do thin metal at all, and it certainly can't do 1/4in or larger. Limited usability for different metal thickness. Only on weldable steel (no fancier metals). It also only has to break once out of the 90 day warranty and you need to buy a new unit (another $120 or so), at which point you are at $320 or so invested for that welder. Some people have good luck with those units and they last 3-4 years, but... then again a lot don't. No MIG capability either. Wire feed can often be inconsistent too. No replacement parts (except for eBay sellers selling parts taken out of broken ones... obviously try at your own risk). The duty cycle is also really low (it may have the same rating as a Hobart Handler 140, but in reality the Hobart is underrated for what it can do). The fan in these HF units should really be upgraded (another $10-15).

The HF welder will also be a hot tip welder (not a cold tip like the Hobart).

Too much to fix with the HF welders. Not worth doing it at all..

For $430 from zoro (with 30% off coupon) you could get a Hoabrt Handler 140. All aluminum drive system (durable!) and 5 heat selection settings. Comes with a good ground clamp (all though still not as nice as the tweco style ripoff one). MIG capability and a 5/3/1 year warranty along with the fact that you will have parts available for many years to come (from both miller and hobart). Can do 24 Gauge steel to 1/4in plate. Steel, Stainless Steel and Aluminum capabilities.

I have a Hobart Handler 140 and love it.

I also got about 40 lbs of flux core wire for $40 on clearance from fastenal, so I've got plenty of wire to learn with!

 

[mike13u]

What KAZLX said.
And yes, most recommendations for people to stay clear of 110v machines come from guys that ended up buying 110v machines and welding more than they thought they would when they purchased the machine. Ultimately ending up under-gunned and searching for an upgrade.
Obviously, a 110v is capable within its limited range. But, If you are like so many that have come before and end up using your machine often and for a broader scope of work, you will soon find your smaller machine too small.
My advice would be to buy as much machine as you can reasonably afford for your situation. If its from Hobart, Miller, or Lincoln you will have it for life or get good resale value for it when you trade-in.

 

[csp]

Which welder to buy is just the tip of the iceberg.

Lotsa good welding info here: http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

His youtube videos are excellent.

My first one was a Craftsman (Century with a Crapsman label really). I still have it and use it occasionally, but a Millermatic 185 bought used at a great price is my go-to machine now. There are LOTS of used welders in good shape to be had out there.

 

[mrolds88]

I can only go by my own experiences. Like csp, my first one was a Craftsman wrapped Century. I got the gas kit and put it on the bottle. It has worked wonderfully for my over the last 10+ years. I've welded fenders to frame parts (nothing structural) and it has done all I ask it to. It is a good entry level unit in my opinion.

 

[CGT80]

What KAZLX said.
And yes, most recommendations for people to stay clear of 110v machines come from guys that ended up buying 110v machines and welding more than they thought they would when they purchased the machine. Ultimately ending up under-gunned and searching for an upgrade.
Obviously, a 110v is capable within its limited range. But, If you are like so many that have come before and end up using your machine often and for a broader scope of work, you will soon find your smaller machine too small.
My advice would be to buy as much machine as you can reasonably afford for your situation. If its from Hobart, Miller, or Lincoln you will have it for life or get good resale value for it when you trade-in.

x2

The small machines can do very nice welds. I have a Miller 135 and I run 75/25 gas and 0.023 wire. I have outgrown it, but I have used it a lot away from home where 250v service was not available. The job I am finishing up right now required wire that only comes in 0.035 or larger and 33 pound plus spools. I used my brother's miller 252 for that. It is an awesome machine. I picked up the gun from my miller 135 to make up some quick jigs to hold parts while I ground them, and fell in love with the small, light, gun and small wire again. I don't know if I would get rid of the 135, even if I did get a bigger machine.

I like blue. Miller 135 mig, miller 375 extreme plasma, Miller GoldStar 330 abp TIG which will do up to 460 amps. I may have a lead on a Lincoln 255 MIG. It would be hard to go with red, but they have a great reputation.

I would skip the HF ****. Flux core ***** and so does stick welding. I can and have done both, when needed, but gas is the only way to go.

 

[69supercj]

Buy the best you can afford, plain and simple.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

I have a Lincoln weld pac 100 that I converted to gas. works great on sheet metal and exhaust.

 

[zkling]

Not even remotely true. If someone tells you that you can't get good welds out of a 110V machine, they shouldn't be handing out advice.

I think where the confusion comes in is that people want to over work a 110V machine...the usual request is "I know nothing about welding, but can I buy this HF welder and build a car trailer?"

Most of the cheap machines ****. They really do. If you are just doing body work or sticking things together, who cares. But if you want to lay consistent beads for years, those aren't the machines for you. Like most other things, it boils down more to the operator than the machine, but once you know enough, you can appreciate a nicer machine.

IMO, the OP would be fine with a 110 machine. I would prefer a Miller, Lincoln or Hobart 140 class machine, even used, over new HF, but that's me.

Exactly. A welder is just another tool, if used within its designed limits they work properly (assuming a quality unit) for the job at hand. The push for a 220v machine is that it provides much more growth room for a home user over a 110v machine. In the past few years the large influx of 110/120v input machines across all process platforms, especially the compact wire feeders, provide the home user with a fantastic compromise of both worlds.

I had a full size 220v machine years before I picked up a 110v ~100amp machine. The smaller machine is great for quick portable work, especially with self shielded wire. But is no replacement for a full size 220v machine IF your need warrants the extra capacity.

 

[kazlx]

You'll also find that most who weld more than casually, prefer more than one machine, myself included. I have a 220V mig and still like using a 110V loaded with .023 wire for smaller stuff. I usually bum my buddies, but I really need to get my own. I've been using my tig quite a bit for smaller stuff to just get seat time. You really can't go wrong with a 110V Miller, Lincoln or Hobart. You can get good deals new if you look around or even usually find a decent setup used. I live in SoCal though, so our CL is pretty expansive. I know some places it's harder to find things used. Even though it may seem pricey for a Miller or the like, if you take care of it, that machine will probably last a lifetime. My Tig is almost as old as I am and works perfectly fine.