Welder upgrade

[RaleighCJ]

Hello everyone,

If this is the wrong place, please excuse the ignorance.

I have used a "cheap" Chicago Electric welder for the past 10+ years. It has served me well, but I think it is time to upgrade.

I honestly am uneducated when it comes to the differences and brands available.

Here is my "requirements":

1. I have 220 in my garage, so decent size
2. Be able to use gas to weld for a true MIG, not just flux core
3. Would like a multi-function welder; MIG, TIG, Aluminum
4. Easy to buy consumables; i.e., purchase of wire, replacement tips, etc from local source (I live in Raleigh metro area)

Thoughts and opinions are appreciated

 

[NCFJ]

It is hard to go wrong with either Red or Blue , Lincoln or Miller. Hobart is part of Miller, there are some other major brands as well. I am sure there are welding supply places around town for the bigger brands. Hobart can be found at places like Northern Tool along with all the consumables. Most all make multi purpose units like you describe.

I've used Miller equipment the majority of my life and have been happy with their parts and consumables

 

[fourtrax]

I got a 25 year old Hobart Handler 120 Mig.It is still welding with the best of them. I would love to upgrade to a 220 volt unit just for the extra penetration. A TIG would also be a bonus, if in the budget, you'll get much better control.

 

[Mtbcoach]

I'd also look at the ESAB Rebel series...

Rebel

I'm a big Miller fan though, hard to beat...
Miller Multimatic™ 200 MIG Welder | Miller - MillerWelds

 

[Cirbo]

All red here... (although not sure why). I did do the motorsports welding class in Cleveland for a week.

All that said, come by if you want to try some out some weekend. I have both MIG and TIG.

 

[S4Cruiser]

What's your budget? That could rule out a number of recommended machines.

 

[NCFJ]

He don't need no stinkin budget

 

[Rice]

What's your budget? That could rule out a number of recommended machines.

What Jon says is a key issue. I would much rather have a MIG with a higher duty cycle than a smaller multiprocess that's pushing its limits. Also, don't forget to factor ancillaries in the budget .... bottles are a big one.

Regarding your requirements list:

1. I have 220 in my garage, so decent size ----- Good. How many amps is your 220 rated for? As mentioned above ... learn what the duty cycle of the machine is and determine based on your needs how much umph you need. I recommend getting a little more machine than you think you will need so that relative to its capabilities it always runs nice and cool.
2. Be able to use gas to weld for a true MIG, not just flux core ----- Forget flux core. Gas only.
3. Would like a multi-function welder; MIG, TIG, Aluminum ----- this is okay but for a good one, $$$$$$.
4. Easy to buy consumables; i.e., purchase of wire, replacement tips, etc from local source (I live in Raleigh metro area) ---- for any name brand machine this is not an issue.

Rice

 

[Cirbo]

I don't believe that multifunction machines will do aluminum. I think you can get MIG and TIG, but only DC.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I don't believe that multifunction machines will do aluminum. I think you can get MIG and TIG, but only DC.

100% correct. @RaleighCJ check this out, Miller Multimatic, DC only:

Miller Multimatic 215 Multiprocess Welder 907693

What's your budget @RaleighCJ ? Depending on budget, I'd get a dedicated MIG machine and a dedicated TIG machine from Craigslist. Great deals can be found there.

 

[S4Cruiser]

If your budget is ~1600 or so, I'd recommend the Lincoln 210MP. It's 220 or 110, does mig great, stick great and is a decent entry level DC Tig setup. The machine cost is 1200 then another 400 or so for the TIG torch and peddle.

 

[Rice]

Multi-process DC and AC TIG, DC MIG:

Miller Syncrowave 210 MIG, TIG and Stick Welder Package (951616)

 

[Cirbo]

Multi-process DC and AC TIG, DC MIG:

Miller Syncrowave 210 MIG, TIG and Stick Welder Package (951616)


View attachment 1401534

Now that's pretty cool.... I think I need to read up more on this idea....

 

[Rice]

Now that's pretty cool.... I think I need to read up more on this idea....

I occasionally wish I could go back and re-think the purchase of my 252, especially in light of this package coming with a spool gun which would have cost another $700 not including the additional bottle. So as it stands now I am without a TIG.

Still, if money ever allowed I believe a nice plasma cutter would come first.

 

[S4Cruiser]

I jumped on Lincolns deal last year where you got the 210 MP and Square Wave 200 for 2k shipped. Only thing I could ask more for out of the package is a user controlled post flow and lower amp start. I don't weld enough to really care about a set post flow and can easily start the arc on another metal before moving over to the work piece...and who really welds aluminum cans???

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Having a plasma cutter sure beats the heck out of cutting everything with a grinder.

 

[Rice]

Having a plasma cutter sure beats the heck out of cutting everything with a grinder.

When necessary I do have a neighbor with a handheld plasma cutter and a CNC plasma table .

 

[Cirbo]

Crap, now see what you guys just did.... now I want.

Anybody want to buy a slightly used MIG and Square Wave TIG?

 

[Rice]

Crap, now see what you guys just did.... now I want.

Anybody want to buy a slightly used MIG and Square Wave TIG?

Well, there is @RaleighCJ who started this thread that we've completely hijacked. But since I'm here tell me a little something about the TIG. A Lincoln 200?

 

[Cirbo]

Square Wave TIG 355 with a water cooled torch.

It was a Craig's List find less than 10 miles from my house.