welder for 60 repair

[COChef]

I have a good line/price on a Century 80GL from lincoln. (same as below but about $100 cheaper with gloves, tips, and wire)

Great deal on Lincoln Electric Welders K2501-1 at ToolTopia.com

will this be enough to fab bumpers and sliders with or should i get something more heavy duty?
what would be the minimum of what i would need for a mig set up?
I would like to stay away from 220 if possible as we have now 220 outlet and Im not sure the LL would be keen about us installing one.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Maxes at 88 amps, and gives 70 amps at 20% duty cycle?
I personally wouldn't use it for my bumpers and sliders. Minimum, find a good used 110v welder that'll hit 130 amps or so. The Lincoln SP135 (or the latest Home Depot/Lowes retail version), or comparable Hobart, Miller, etc. welders would be much more desirable. You could also pick a 220v/110v unit if you wanted to plan for any future housing arrangements.

 

[COChef]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[fj40charles]

Buy a Hobart Handler 187. Don't waste your time on a 110v welder.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

As far as not having 220v, do you mean you have all gas appliances, hence no 220v stove or dryer outlets? Years ago in my renting days I just pulled the kitchen stove out a foot and used the 220v from there. Suitable extension cords > 50 ft long get spendy, but having 220v versatility/peace of mind is a big plus.

 

[splitshot]

We need a best all around welder sticky here.

 

[COChef]

Im going to do the smart thing and wait until i can afford a 220v... The ONLY thing i will really be using it for is welding plate, so after reading all the other 200+ threads on Mudd I've decided I should wait.
btw there should most definitely be a welder sticky.

 

[bmorefj40]

Good choice. I almost bought a 110 unit but I saved and stretched for a hh187 and it was the best decision I made. Wait until you start adding up receipts for tanks clamps cutoff saws bench grinders plasmas, etc. Now I'm looking for a drill press and band saw. The additional $200 for the right welder really didn't mean much in comparison. A good welder will be the cheapest part in the beginning of the sickness.

 

[wadeclinton]

Check out this welder.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00245

This is a dual voltage input machine. You can run either 110 or 220. It is also spool gun compatable. That feature comes in handy for aluminum or stainless projects. The price tag is kinda high but your local welding supply should be able to get the price down. There are also older DVI machines out there. Craigslist and the like have used ones occasionally. Just some more ideas for you to consider.

 

[spdwaver]

Buy a Hobart Handler 187. Don't waste your time on a 110v welder.

I am currently using a Lincoln SP135 (110V); I have built three bumpers, some spacers and a few other things with it. It is dependable and great to learn on, but I have reached it's limits.

Thanks for the tip on the Hobart. Not a bad price point, with free shipping at Northern.

FREE SHIPPING — Hobart Handler 187 MIG Welder — 230 Volt, 185 Amp, Model# 500525 | Wirefeed Welders | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[fj40charles]

$694 shipped from SG Weldstore.

These guys are very reputable.

HOBART HANDLER 187 MIG WELDER - NEW - 500525 Free Ship - eBay (item 290533181232 end time Mar-12-11 17:31:20 PST)


$679 shipped from Amazon (no cart)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1N2F9HC8RT37WAPFH2D4

$689 shipped from Amazon. This one has the cart.

Amazon.com: Hobart 500527 Welding Handler 187 with Small Cart: Home Improvement


$649 at Tractor supply
http://www.tractorsupply.com/welders/mig-welding/mig-welders/hobart-handler-reg-187-welder-3807126


If you don't mind getting a refurb. Recon "A" stock will look brand new. These go for around $589.xx, but they're out of stock now.
http://www.toolking.com/sales-and-p...reconditioned-handler-187-mig-welder-a-stock/

 

[splitshot]

Don't forget CL, I still see some killer deals posted. If you are patient, you may end up with extra spools of wire, liners, tips, and a gas bottle to boot.

 

[Darasick]

Check out this welder.

Millermatic® 211 Auto-Set™ with MVP™ - MIG - Miller

This is a dual voltage input machine. You can run either 110 or 220. It is also spool gun compatable. That feature comes in handy for aluminum or stainless projects. The price tag is kinda high but your local welding supply should be able to get the price down. There are also older DVI machines out there. Craigslist and the like have used ones occasionally. Just some more ideas for you to consider.

I just bought one of these and man it's sweet! I am a complete welding noob, but I brought it to our in house welder for a test run and he fell in love with it. I haven't used it on 220 yet, but it ticks along on the thick stuff just fine on 110.

 

[90FJ62]

Try calling some of your local welding supply shops. I called 2 this past week and each one had a last years model welder marked down. One had a Lincoln 180 for $675, a DVI 2 for $1100 and the other shop had a fabricator 180 for $675 with a nice helmet. I ended up with the thermal arc fabricator 180 for only about $300 more than the northern tool 135 I was looking at originally.


Dave