advise on finding a good alaround welder

[Dirty Toad]

Let me start by saying that I have never welded. I plan to learn (teach myself). I have wanted to know how to weld for a long time, but never got around to it because I had friends that could do it for me.

Now that I am older and hate most everyone that I have ever met , if I want something welded I have to pay a shop or learn to weld.

So if you were in the market for a welder (only plan on welding steel) and you didn't want to spend a ton of $$$, but did not want a piece of $hit, what would you buy?

 

[JJS]

Well, I would definitely invest in a mig with gas as opposed to a cheaper flux core machine. The results are much better. Hobart Handlers are nice units for the price. My friend has a Solar, and it's worked well for relatively short money. I got my start with a 240V arc, but I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[WristPin]

this is a good welder. i have used this one alot in my shop.
the best tips i can give is these:
weld slow, dont out run your weld. when you find the right speed, there will be molten steel, and a little black bubble that follows just behind your bead. once you find the little black dot, your welds can look like glass.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Depends on what you're planning to do with it. If it's light duty stuff, then a 110v would be fine. If you're fabbing stuff for your truck, you'll want a 220v. As far as brand, Miller and Lincoln are the big two. Everyone has their favorite, like Ford and Chevy. If it's not a frequent use item, I'd look at Hobart, it's Miller's econo line. Some cheaper parts, but that would only matter if you're using it very frequently.

 

[fj40charles]

I'd buy a cheap Miller or Lincoln 175 AMP class 220 volt welder. Anything else, you'll end up regretting not having enough power when you do learn to weld.

 

[Texx]

I use a Hobart Handler 140, it's the biggest 110V they make, they are now owned by Miller, in fact my stinger has a Miller gun on it, came that way from the factory. It's big enough for bumper/slider fabrication, good enough for me. Cost around 600 bucks. Nothing wrong with a 220, but I can carry this one around in my truck, use it at home, at the shop, in the backyard, whatever.

 

[Clutchee]

Let me start by saying that I have never welded. I plan to learn (teach myself). I have wanted to know how to weld for a long time, but never got around to it because I had friends that could do it for me.

Now that I am older and hate most everyone that I have ever met , if I want something welded I have to pay a shop or learn to weld.

So if you were in the market for a welder (only plan on welding steel) and you didn't want to spend a ton of $$$, but did not want a piece of $hit, what would you buy?

Buy a Mig to learn on-easy to learn with......

You mention wanting to only weld steel, you can weld steel with a mig or a stick welder. Just depends on types of applications, say welding or building sliders bumpers or spring perches......I would use my stick welder.
But for restoring a classic cruiser or body work applications I would use my mig.

Its a personal thing.....mostly I use my stick welder due to just feeling more comfortable welding with it but I also usually fabricate sliders,bumpers & other thicker gauged items.

The Lincoln 135 w/bottle attachemnt sold at Lowes would work up to 1/2 steel, I think?

 

[fj40charles]

The Lincoln 135 w/bottle attachemnt sold at Lowes would work up to 1/2 steel, I think?

Not even close......110V welders are good for 3/16 to 1/4" if you bevel the edges and do multiple passes.

Anything thicker than 3/16", I go with a 220V mig welder.

 

[Clutchee]

Not even close......110V welders are good for 3/16 to 1/4" if you bevel the edges and do multiple passes.

Anything thicker than 3/16", I go with a 220V mig welder.

Like I said, I think.....my mistake.

 

[90FJ62]

I am looking at a clarke from Northern Tool. 180En i think. $519 for welder with gas hookup and some extras. Should be good for a first welder and powerful enought to last me for a while..


Dave

 

[nuclearlemon]

christo slee once told me not to bother with a cheap welder, because all it will do is frustrate me and keep me from wanting to try to learn. he was right. i've spent more time playing with a friend's 220 millermatic that was left at my place for a month than the six years i owned my ch 110v welder.

bought my own millermatic 175...life is now good.

 

[fj40charles]

Like I said, I think.....my mistake.

No problem. Didn't intend to offend anyone.

 

[fj40charles]

I am looking at a clarke from Northern Tool. 180En i think. $519 for welder with gas hookup and some extras. Should be good for a first welder and powerful enought to last me for a while..


Dave

I think if you're going to spend $500+ you should be able to buy a Hobart 175 for little more.

Easier to get consumables for and better resale.

 

[chicago]

www.northerntool.com
They have the best price ive seen on a Hobart 185... Its a 220v unit.
Its 650.00 with free shipping and hobart also carries the miller warrenty with their item, which is the BIGGEST reason to go with Miller over Lincoln! Northern tool also has 12 mos no interest financing! They have a bitchen deal going on there!
Ive heard horror stories about the main boards going out not long after purchase on BOTH Miller and Lincoln, and Miller backs their s***, where Lincoln has wormed their way out of fixing it!
I just picked up a used Lincoln AC/DC stick welder for 150.00!
Too good of a deal to pass up!
The Hobart is the one Im gonna go with when I get the cash!
Ive been using a lil Lincoln 110v which is how I did my SOA!
If you go with the 110, it takes a LOT more metal prep, a lot more burn time with a lot more passes! Youll be beveling everything!
Its done a good job for me, but 220v is the way to go!

Good luck and post up your decision!

Chicago

 

[2badfjs]

my hobart 180 handler does everthing i want/need it to do.
the only issue i have is when i use any other wire other than lincoln wire, i have issues with the feed.

 

[Mace]

my hobart 180 handler does everthing i want/need it to do.
the only issue i have is when i use any other wire other than lincoln wire, i have issues with the feed.

Funny, I am having the exact same issue with some solid core .035 wire in my 180...

the .030 never had an issue..

 

[2badfjs]

Funny, I am having the exact same issue with some solid core .035 wire in my 180...

the .030 never had an issue..

of course you changed the tip right

i tried this "blacksmith" brand wire from fastenal, you'd be welding and the feed would stop, lift your helmet look at the tip pull the trigger and it would feed.
weld,stop. look, feed. weld,stop. look, feed

went through that roll and changed back to the lincoln wire and i have no issues

 

[Mace]

Yep...

F'n sucks...

 

[90FJ62]

I think if you're going to spend $500+ you should be able to buy a Hobart 175 for little more.

Easier to get consumables for and better resale.

The Hobart is $649 with regulator. So it is $130 more but comes with less. The Clarke includes helmet, stand and other crap i think.
What consumables are you talking about. Are the tips different per welder. I have only used a stick welder before...

Thanks
Dave

 

[fj40charles]

The Hobart is $649 with regulator. So it is $130 more but comes with less. The Clarke includes helmet, stand and other crap i think.
What consumables are you talking about. Are the tips different per welder. I have only used a stick welder before...

Thanks
Dave

Dave,

The tips are different per welder. You'll have an easier time finding parts for a Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln. I think if you compare features (duty rate, construction), you'll find that Miller and Hobart are probably better than a Clark.

Here is one for 529 + 48.00 shipping
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hobart-Handler-...yZ113743QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Hobart 187 with cart. $649 + shipping
http://www.nextag.com/hobart-handler-180/search-html

Other option is to check craigslist in your area. I have seen some good deals recently. People need money after Christmas.

Charles