What welder to buy?

[Leadfoot3232]

Everybody is gonna have their own opinion on helmets,I've been flashed by cheap auto dark helmets and flashed by expensive ones,although not as much as the cheap ones..I still prefer my old manual lincoln hood with the big lens..it hasn't flashed me once in all the years I've had it... have fun with your new toy.. I've got a miller 250x ,been an excellent machine, an old lincoln 225 buzz box and a big hobart portable,they all have their place

 

[IndyGarage]

The HF auto dark works fine for my mig machine, but doesn't like my TIG machine - flashes - I need to buy a better one for TIG.

I'm going to buy a new MIG soon - my old Campbell Hausfield 105 mig just doesn't cut it. I've used the Hobart Handler 187 and it worked great. I've been seriously looking at the Miller 211.

I think either would handle the work I want to do - the only difference maker is the 110 volt capability of the 211. Not sure if I would ever use that or not. I've never taken my current welders out of my garage, that has 220 power.

Of course it also has the higher power, and the autoset feature - but it costs almost $300 more.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I just got a new Hobart 140 after lots of input from GJ guys. It's a very nice unit and well made, the gun says Miller on it, does yours Falcon67 ? I went with a welding cabinet from Northern Tool, it has 4 drawers, even a large one for your helmet.

Welding Cabinet: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200395734_200395734

I recommend putting up some sheet stainless on the wall behind the bench, you don't want and sparks from grinding or welding going into any of those holes in the pegboard.

TheGrooveking

 

[xscorex]

hey! I bought the same powermig 180 , I was wondering what the benefit a spool gun is? Is it just for welding aluminum?

 

[gorilla]

I recommend putting up some sheet stainless on the wall behind the bench, you don't want and sparks from grinding or welding going into any of those holes in the pegboard.

TheGrooveking

If you put up SST sheet around your welding area paint it black or you may get a sunburn you don't want!!!

 

[coppermouse]

220 only, I had a 110 and gave it to my buddy, didn't have any power