Cheapie 110v welders

[KNUCKLES]

Are the 150 to 200 dollar Mig welders total junk or what? Does anyone like any one of these?

 

[osagecruiser]

i have one...i think i gave about 150.00...i believe it is a cambell hausfield?...weld sheetmetal ok....can't weld real heavy stuff...but remember you get what you pay for

osagecruiser

 

[Mace]

the lincoln's are not bad as are the Millermatics/hobarts. But stay away from sears, clarks and the harbor freights..

 

[e rock]

I've got the Lincoln Weld-pak HD (Home Depot). At the time it was $200, but I think they're up to $250 or so now. Something like 90 amps IIRC.

It works great for what it is. It has never let me down, never jammed, never quit working. I did a whole lot of sheetmetal with it running .030 flux-core, and built some stuff (bumper, sliders) out of 1/4" with some .035 wire (it's a substantial difference between the 30 and 35). 1/4" is about the limit, and even that requires careful prep to ensure adequate penetration.


I really wish I would have waited to at least get something that can be upgraded to run shielding gas. Flux-core is easy and handy, and gets good depth on relatively low power, but clean-up sucks. I originally got it to teach myself to weld, with the intention of upgrading to something bigger soon. For that role, it's been perfect. I just to get moving on step two of that plan...

 

[KNUCKLES]

E Rock, sell me the Lincoln for $100- and go buy a nice welder

 

[e rock]

E Rock, sell me the Lincoln for $100- and go buy a nice welder

That's kind of the plan when I get some money saved up. Right now... nope.

 

[gladly]

I have a princess auto (canuck Harbour freight) 110v aand it's great, but I have a lot of previous MIG welding experience, so I can make it work for me... if you are a beginner, buy the higher end 110v lincoln with gas capability, and you will be pleased, anything cheaper will probably be a PITA, and will only disullusion a beginning welder

 

[fj40charles]

Spend the $$ and get a name brand welder. Look for used ones in Craigslist. Have cash ready to buy because good deals go very fast.

 

[KNUCKLES]

Thanks guys, I think I'm gonna go with the Hobart 125 Handler. It can be upgraded to MIG with the bottle kit and it is cheap at about $350.

 

[fj40charles]

Thanks guys, I think I'm gonna go with the Hobart 125 Handler. It can be upgraded to MIG with the bottle kit and it is cheap at about $350.

That seems like like alot of $$ for flux core unit. If you're patient, you could buy a nice 110v unit that is setup for gas for $350. I think you'll see alot of used welding equipment now since many people will be selling their welders for Christmas money. Look for deals on Craigslist.

If I didn't have welders and needed to buy my first one, I'd buy a Hobart Handler 187 refurb from Toolking.com for $520.00 delivered. HH187 is a 230v model and will do 4x more than any 110v welder for minimal additional cost.

 

[KNUCKLES]

I've used a 110v Hobart in the past and had good results. I actually just found one for $299 shipped. I really like the idea of a small portable unit as I work outside and need to carrry it often.

 

[JohnnyC]

I have the welder that Tyke Moses ( poor wallys land cruiser emporium) used to use to weld with...it was abused nicely and still works great

If you know tyke then you know this welder took alot of abuse

a lincoln weld pak 100...NICE welder for the $$$

 

[Degnol]

the lincoln's are not bad as are the Millermatics/hobarts. But stay away from sears, clarks and the harbor freights..

I have a Clarke 110v set up for gas and it has worked well for me. The portability is great. In the shop I have a MM250, but not so portable

Ed