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?

 

This question is asked all... The... Time... Search. And do not buy a harbor freight welder lol

 

I have been doing some searching. I've heard alot of people are happy with there HF welders.

 

Personally I wouldn't purchase anything with a motor or electronics from HF. Spend a bit more and get a good one that's going to last and not make crappy welds.

 

Maybe if your doing arts and crafts. If your going to be welding anything for or on your jeep, save some $ and buy a quality welder like Hobart or miller etc...

 

Alright. Guess I will keep saving. Thanx guys

 

I own a 230v Hobart Handler 187 and it is a great machine.

 

I have the Hobart 140 ,runs off 110v and welds 1/4 inch. One of my favorite and most used tools. Aside from my plasma cutter

 

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.

 

Thanks so much for all the suggestions!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Great machine I have one also.

 

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.