Welder Opinions Wanted

[herb101]

Appologies if this is not the right place for this question, but it is very relavent as I will be using it on my truck.

I am getting ready to pull the wire feed (or trigger) on a MIG welder. I am considering Lincoln, Hobart and Miller in the 220V, non-roller style, with around 170-180 Amp max range, like the Hobart Handler® 187 and the Lincoln PowerMIG 180T.

I'd like to get opinions and pros vs cons from those that use them for tasks similar to what I will be doing. I will be using it for bodywork (panels), bumpers, tube steel, roll bars, frame work, etc - mostly 20Ga to 1/4" stock. Heavy hobby, not production work.

Any info on good places to get used welding equipment, or is it not worth the cost savings?

Thanks,
Herb

[cdowns]

theres a huge welder thread in the paint section /loads of info// check your local welding shop for dealer demos and trade ins

[fastwillie 696969]

WWW.USAWELD.COM HTP WELDERS

[herb101]

Originally Posted by 70blowngmc

WWW.USAWELD.COM HTP WELDERS

Should I be scared that I don't see prices?


I guess part of my question is specific to this 'range' of machines - personal experiences, durability, ruggedness or weaknesses of a particular one of the three, etc.

Thanks,
Herb

[BCOWANWHEELS]

do youself a favor and get a 250 amp miller

[herb101]

Originally Posted by BCOWANWHEELS

do youself a favor and get a 250 amp miller

I would love to, but not in the cards - not enough money and not enough shop room for that large of a unit. HUGE price difference between a $625 Hobart Handler 187 and a $2412 Millermatic 251!

Herb

[low'n slow]

Buy the best one you can and you won't have to buy another one later like I did. Get the 220 volt for sure.

[herb101]

Originally Posted by low'n slow

Buy the best one you can and you won't have to buy another one later like I did. Get the 220 volt for sure.

220 is definately the only option I'm considering. The machines I'm tossing around are:

The Hobart Handler 187 at $625 + $50 shipping
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ot/500525.html

The Millermatic 180 at $779 + shipping
http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/p003461.htm

The Lincoln 180T at $671 + free shipping
http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/p003438.htm

or the Lincoln 180C at $733 + free shipping
http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/p003439.htm

[BK]

i just got a lincoln 180c, havent used it yet but am super excited!

[lngbed71]

Originally Posted by DroppedChoppedPanel

i just got a lincoln 180c, havent used it yet but am super excited!

He's "amped"

[cooters]

I weld everyday and in my finding, buy a 220 volt machine. I have a lincoln 175t and i love it. I also have a miller 210 and also love it. The lincoln is cheaper and is the best bang for the dollar. Try one out and i am sure you will like it to. If you can get a hobart for a good price, they are also a supperb welder. Mig is a cold start welding process and 110volt machines dont heat the metal fast enough and can cause coldlap more than a 220v.

[Rod]

http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/...ad.php?t=24135
http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/...ad.php?t=23989
couple threads to read

[metalmassfab]

Get a Miller! I used Lincoln for a long time, switched to Miller because I like the better quality, features, customer service... I use a Millermatic 135 almost every day (110 v), superb machine for the price. It does really nice welds on 20 ga. to 1/4", and much less splatter than the 175, and 251. With .023" you can do some nice work, with full penetration and nill on the splatter. You monster amp guys are probly cringing at the thought of a little tiny 110 machine, eh?

[arkracing]

[QUOTE=metalmassfab;2084284]much less splatter than the 175, and 251 - nill on the splatter. QUOTE]



I don't understand.

Shouldn't make a differance if the machine is 115 or 230

[metalmassfab]

[QUOTE=arkracing;2085326]

Originally Posted by metalmassfab

much less splatter than the 175, and 251 - nill on the splatter. QUOTE]



I don't understand.

Shouldn't make a differance if the machine is 115 or 230

It shouldn't, but it does. I had all three of those welders at one point, and the little guy splattered the least, by far. I tried different cords, breakers, outlets, wire sizes, gas.... kinda weird. Been using it almost daily on 14 ga. to 3/16" for over 4 years. The tips last over a year, just used the 3rd one that came with the machine a few months ago
I know, sounds like liar material its true.

[jodydewey]

[QUOTE=arkracing;2085326]

Originally Posted by metalmassfab

much less splatter than the 175, and 251 - nill on the splatter. QUOTE]



I don't understand.

Shouldn't make a differance if the machine is 115 or 230

It makes all the difference in the world. Using a 115V machine adds convenience since you can plug it in anywhere. Unfortunately, a 115V machine is limited on how thick you can weld. I have a Lincoln SP135 and I love it. It is 115V and so far has done everything I have asked it to do. I also have a Lincoln PrecisionTIG185 and since it is 220V it takes up where the SP135 left off. TIG is definately a great way to weld but sometimes it is not practical to weld with since it has a foot pedal current control. My skill level is also not so good on vertical welds with it. One of the advantages of buying a Lincoln SP135 is all of the consumables, tips, and torch supplies are available at LOWES. Having a local welding store is great but their prices are usually high and my local AIRGAS store isn't open on Sundays.

[arkracing]

[QUOTE=jodydewey;2086418]

Originally Posted by arkracing

It makes all the difference in the world. Using a 115V machine adds convenience since you can plug it in anywhere. Unfortunately, a 115V machine is limited on how thick you can weld. I have a Lincoln SP135 and I love it. It is 115V and so far has done everything I have asked it to do. I also have a Lincoln PrecisionTIG185 and since it is 220V it takes up where the SP135 left off. TIG is definately a great way to weld but sometimes it is not practical to weld with since it has a foot pedal current control. My skill level is also not so good on vertical welds with it. One of the advantages of buying a Lincoln SP135 is all of the consumables, tips, and torch supplies are available at LOWES. Having a local welding store is great but their prices are usually high and my local AIRGAS store isn't open on Sundays.

Did you read the entire theard before posting

He said that he gets less spatter with a 115 machine vs. a 230 machine - should really make a differance.

[herb101]

It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here! It's here!

Yea!

Now to get a bottle and try it out! I went to Cyberweld for it and they had it backordered, but it showed up today.

Herb

[mrein3]

My advice is to go to the local welding supply company and purchase the brand they sell. Having parts availability and a good relationship with the local supplier go way farther than saving a few bucks at flybynight.com.

[Sonny]

mrein3 is on the money. I just bought a Lincoln 140c from a local dealer and he set me up, showed me a few pointers and walked me thru the ins and out of my machine. He even threw in a couple freebies to boot. This may not be the best deal but for $900 I got the welder, very nice auto darkening helmet, cart, extra 22lb roll of wire, and a bottle of gas with a free refill.

Sonny

[sixty8c10]

subscribing to get the info

[sakohntr]

MassFab is right. Unless your welding 1/2 deck plate, your wasting money on amps you'll never arc. I have a MM185 and its too big. Buy the best 150 or less you can afford, or better yet an econotig.

[glock35ipsc]

Miller 210!

Here is my heard, although I sold the Hobart 135. Anything I needed the 135 for I can weld with the Miller 210. Go bigger than you think you will need, cause I guaruntee you one day you will need to weld something thicker than you imagined you would. Example: I bought the Hobart 135 first, then a couple years later need to weld thicker stuff. Bought the Miller 210, sold the Hobart on eBay. The 210 will push .023" wire with ease and not burn through on sheet metal.

You can see that the 210 doesn't take up much more floor space than the 135, and the 210 can be had for around $1450 to your door!

[poff]

I have a Miller 210 and I am very happy with it. I started with a Lincoln 125 but it was too small. I would definitely go with a 220v machine. Miller seems to be more popular around here which means parts and accessories are more readily available.

[shifty]

Read that thread cdowns is talking about. it's permanently stuck to the top of the welder forum.

Some thoughts - I went for a Lincoln 175 Weldpak on eBay, paid $325 I think (new in box!!), used it the first time the other day to fix a bed frame, sadly enough. Saved me $50, now the wife can't ***** at me anymore, it's paying itself off

Buy the biggest/best you can afford in your budget now - you want to make this a one-time deal.

Include budget for a tank filled with 75/25 mix (argon + CO² mix).

Include budget for either a) the steel to build you a weld cart or b) to buy a pre-made one from CyberWeld.com or a similar store online (making a cart is a good first project, but one that I avoided )

Include budget for any extension cords you will need, and if your welder is 220v only, budget for the supplies you will need to wire your breaker box - breeakers, outlet, wire, and cost to have someone wire it properly to code if you don't know how.

Include budget for gloves, and a decent helmet, autodimming if you want.

Buddy up with the guys at your local weld supply shop.

"Duty cycle" is supposed to be an important figure with regard to your welder. the 110v units just don't have it.

If you stick with Miller, Hobart or Lincoln, you can't go wrong. Start looking at name brands, you'll be screwing yourself.

Most of the package deals you get at the store come with a free video, which is bonus.