Need help picking out a welder for a newbie

[slowcpe]

Let me start off saying I've never welded a day in my life but given the amount of bodywork my truck needs, it's high time I learn. I'm not scared to learn, have read a decent amount about the subject over the last year and willing to invest a decent amount of money to buy the right gear. However, I don't want to overbuy if that's even possible. Majority of my welding will more than likely be bodywork, but I don't want to come to a situation where I wish I would've spent a little more and bought a better welder. That seems to the motto of my life. In the same breath the more I spend on the welder, the less goes into the truck. So here's what I'm looking at:

Garage has a single 220 outlet for my air compressor. Location is not ideal for most of my welding and don't really want to add an additional 220 on the other side of the garage. Dual voltage appeals to be as it sounds very versatile even though 110 is more than likely all I'll ever need.

In a perfect world I'm in love with the Miller 211 dual voltage. Seems like the perfect welder, if not extreme, for me. Biggest downside is cost is a little more than I want to spend, especially since I need all welding accessories and maybe a class or two.

I've got a coupon for a local store for 10% off everything in the store tomorrow only. They have a real nice welding department and carry Hobart and a few select Lincolns. My options there are the Hobart 140, 210MPV, and Lincoln 140.

I'm seriously thinking the of getting the Hobart 210 but know I'll lack infinite and the auto set settings of the Miller and the service of buying from a local AirGas.

Or am I overthinking this and get the 140 and save a little coin?

Thoughts from the pros?

[dfrank]

From our experience all welders we buy are either lincoln or miller. All but one are lincolns. Some of the lincolns we have are over 25 years old and still work like new. I would go with the lincoln from the local store if I where you.

[truckster]

I have the Hobart 140 and it's a great welder. I have welded some serious 1/4 inch projects with absolutely no problems and I couldn't be happier with it. There's not anything on these trucks a Hobart 140 won't handle easily.

[slowcpe]

From what I've read tonight I'm more than likely going to go with the HH210mvp for about $800. It ought to do everything I want to and more. The 140 seems to be all I'll ever need but I tend to sway a bit to overkill.

[bbcmudtruck]

I bought the 210 two yeas ago and love it. I've welded for close to 20 years now as a hobby builder and as a pipe welder. I've also worked in a welding shop helping a good friend when he needs the extra help. He has a Miller 211 and I put around 15 hours on it last summer. I can honestly tell you there is little difference in the two, other than the cost. You don't need the infinite heat adjustment, that was a concern of mine as well. Also, like you, I only have one 220v outlet in my garage that shares my air compressor. I don't have enough breaker box capabilities to add another 220v outlet and have them both run at the same time safely. So I bought a 50ft extension cord from Northern tool and a cart. The cord is pretty expensive, but I can weld anywhere in the garage I need to and even out in the driveway. I say spend the extra money and go with the bigger 210, you won't regret it! You'll be able to add the consumables and other needed items later. Hit me up if you need anymore info, I'll be glad to help!

[slowcpe]

Thanks bbc, that helps a lot!

[slowcpe]

Well picked it up a little bit ago. I had couple of gift cards and 10% off coupon to soften the blow. Now I just need to learn how to use it. Lol

[cableguy0]

You have to make one more purchase. You need a gas bottle and a roll of .023 wire for bodywork. You don't even want to attempt body work with thick flux core wire.

[slowcpe]

Oh I need more than that I need gas, wire, helmet, cart, gloves, brush, magnets, fire extinguisher, first aid kit..... This was a decent size purchase for me so I'll buy in stages. Plus Jen said she wants to get me some of that for my upcoming birthday.

I'm at least 8-10 months out from really needing it for my truck so I've got time to get equipped and learn how to use it before the real fun begins.

[bbcmudtruck]

Right on man, you won't regret that purchase! Accumulating all the necessary parts will take a little time, but you can still get it out and start practicing! If you haven't bought a bottle yet, scour your local craigslist and even post a wanted add. Most welding shops can trade your bottles out for full ones. I think the last time I exchanged my bottle, it was around $50 bucks (75/25 mix). If your patient, you can find a bottle cheap. If you need any help getting setup, just shoot me a message, I'll be glad to help you out.

Here's a picture of my 210. Everyone likes pictures!

[truckster]

Originally Posted by slowcpe

Oh I need more than that I need gas, wire, helmet, cart, gloves, brush, magnets, fire extinguisher, first aid kit..... This was a decent size purchase for me so I'll buy in stages. Plus Jen said she wants to get me some of that for my upcoming birthday.

I'm at least 8-10 months out from really needing it for my truck so I've got time to get equipped and learn how to use it before the real fun begins.

When you do get all your stuff, there are plenty of YouTube videos that will get you started. One piece of advice I would give you is to start on thicker metal (at least 1/8 inch) or you're likely to be very frustrated at first. And then weld, weld, weld; lots of practice before you start working on something you care about. An old-timer told me the difference between an amateur and a great welder is 10,000 inches.

And to echo BBC, I just exchanged my tank today - 80cf of 75/25 came in just under $50 after tax and hazmat charge.

[OhioChevy]

Don't forget your local welding store for a good price on used bottle. My local store sold me a bottle the size of the one that bccmudtruck has filled with 75/25 gas for $100. Of course I bought a Lincoln 140 welder with a cart and other items from him that day.

[DarkFlounder]

Anybody have experience with the Eastwood 110v 135amp MIG welder? Decent starter unit for a newbie?