Welders
03-23-2013, 10:25 AM
#1
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Welders
I'm sure you guys have talked about this before, and I have been doing some searching. I have read so far that the best welder to start out with is a mig welder? What do you guys think? And what about the $100 welders they sell at harbor freight?
03-23-2013, 10:58 AM
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03-23-2013, 11:09 AM
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03-23-2013, 12:01 PM
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I agree with everybody here about harbor freight welders.
I have had four Lincoln 140 and 180 welders, they are great for up to 1/4 steel. I am currently on a miller matic 211. It's literally THE BEST welder I had so far. Capable of both 120 and 240 voltage and the added bonus of capable of welding 3/8 to 3/8 in a single pass on 240v.
I did some trial runs on 1/2 steel to 3/4 steel, it performed beautifully. I know it's a bit pricey. Just thought I would let u know
.
Hobart does make excellent welders too.
I have had four Lincoln 140 and 180 welders, they are great for up to 1/4 steel. I am currently on a miller matic 211. It's literally THE BEST welder I had so far. Capable of both 120 and 240 voltage and the added bonus of capable of welding 3/8 to 3/8 in a single pass on 240v.
I did some trial runs on 1/2 steel to 3/4 steel, it performed beautifully. I know it's a bit pricey. Just thought I would let u know
.Hobart does make excellent welders too.
03-23-2013, 12:36 PM
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Depending on your uses really dictates the machine your looking for. I have used Lincolns and Miller's mainly with my current home machine a Miller 211. With that said if you consider used you can normally get better deals, check your local craigslist. Although Miller is running a special right now, the build with blue promo that gives you 5% back or if you spend 150 more on Miller gear you get 15% back. Lincoln also has a deal where you get 250 dollars worth of gear if you buy certain machines or 100 bucks off the price. If you buy new give your lws a shot, often they will match or come close to online retailers but you get the added benefit of having someone to talk to should you need repairs.
If your considering a cheaper brand would look at Eastwood as they have decent warranties like 3 year iirc. Some people like the HF welders and they also have warranties that you can buy but personally, I would stick with Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, esab, Thermal Arc. Always buy the best you can afford and as a general rule up size to the next model if you can afford it. You can always turn a bigger unit down but can't turn a smaller one up.
If your considering a cheaper brand would look at Eastwood as they have decent warranties like 3 year iirc. Some people like the HF welders and they also have warranties that you can buy but personally, I would stick with Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, esab, Thermal Arc. Always buy the best you can afford and as a general rule up size to the next model if you can afford it. You can always turn a bigger unit down but can't turn a smaller one up.
03-23-2013, 05:09 PM
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I weld for a living and at work I use a miller 350p and its amazing! Its very expensive and not really practical for the home fabricator though. At home I use a Hobart handler 190 (replaced the old 187) and it is fantastic! It will do 24g all the way up to 5/16" in a single pass. Tractor supply has them on sale usually for around $650. They come spool gun ready and can be used with or without gas. I highly recommend the 190. Stay away from big box store welders as they use cheaper internal parts that will break.
03-23-2013, 08:32 PM
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Go with a Lincoln, Miller, or Hobart imo. Stay away from Harbor Freight welders.
I personally started welding with a stick welder, because thats what was available to me. Currently have a Lincoln Ranger 8, and have a buddy with a Miller TIG I can use whenever I need. Between those two, I can weld anything I need to. Ive only used MIGs a couple times, but they are easy to use, and would be good to learn with. After doing some research, I'm probably going with a Hobart 180 or 190 when I do finally buy a MIG, FWIW.
I personally started welding with a stick welder, because thats what was available to me. Currently have a Lincoln Ranger 8, and have a buddy with a Miller TIG I can use whenever I need. Between those two, I can weld anything I need to. Ive only used MIGs a couple times, but they are easy to use, and would be good to learn with. After doing some research, I'm probably going with a Hobart 180 or 190 when I do finally buy a MIG, FWIW.
03-23-2013, 11:01 PM
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I bought mine from CL for a good price. Dude didnt know how to wield so i bouught eveything for cheap. Hell the mask was worth what i paid.