??? Welders..Which One to get ???

I did a search and everything I looked at was old models and prices.

So whats the deal on the current welders? I'd like to spend 0 but thats not possible. I figure I need to spend...3 to 4 hundred? I need to weld a trunk pan and other sheet metal type of stuff. Also I guess i'd need to weld thinker metal at some point or another. So bigger is better I always says.

I tried the Lincoln 269 at home depot but it's only got for spot welds. So I need a mig type machine.

Recommendations?

 

Hey Joe,

I recently picked up a Hobart 140. They are a cousin to the Miller (gun actually says Miller on it) Here's a thread to look at:
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=170193&highlight=hobart

It's funny - yesterday I contacted a guy on Craigslist selling a 40cf tank, and I am buying it from him today. I'll finally get to use this thing!

I think it's big enough for me to make a rotisserie, and definitely good for your trunk floor.

Best Wishes,

 

Yea Joe I read that thread. Thanks. 500?? Ouch!!

 

How about this one??


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920569000P?mv=rr

 

hm i posted but the reply got lost so here it is again.

300-350ish dollars at home depot or lowes I forget which.

I got a Lincoln ProCore 100. Uses Flux Core or can be set up to use a gas tank. 115V supply

4 heat settings, variable wire feed rate.

I have used only flux core, on LOTS of sheetmetal, .035 and up to .250"personally. I have had great results.

One of the best tool purchases I have made, right up there with my Compressor.

 

Joe, As with everything you get what you pay for buy something form Miller or Lincoln. I have a miller 130 115 volt mig welder; It does everything just fine. My dad bought a miller 140 a few years later and it was about the same price i paid but it has the variable arc voltage while mine has 4 setings to choose from. I like the infinately variable MUCH better as you can dial it in to get the bead just how you want it. Miller now makes one that you set the gauge of the material you are working with and the unit sets it self i think it is the 145.
I have had my miller for about 10 years and i have had no problems I believe hobart is millers economy line , Lincoln is of course a good machine as well. I paid about 750 completely set up , tank , regulator , cart, helmet the whole shebang just plug it in and go. Yeah it is a bunch of money but think what you are going to pay some one to replace that trunk floor and you can get over the expense really easily.

 

Yeah, but times are tough. Check Craigslist. I got mine for 200 with cart + 35 for the regulator (ebay) + 65 today for the tank - so I have $300 in.

That looks pretty good. Probably made by Lincoln. But if you want to upgrade to gas, you'll need a kit.

 

I'm with you. The hook I had on the craftsman fell through.

I will be shopping.

Been all over craigs list.

 

<CENTER>[FONT=arial, sans-serif]http://www.harborfreight.com[/FONT]</CENTER><CENTER>[FONT=arial, sans-serif][/FONT] </CENTER><CENTER>[FONT=arial, sans-serif]120 Amp, 230 Volt Flux & MIG Welder[/FONT] <!-- PHOTO --></CENTER><CENTER><TABLE border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER><CENTER> </CENTER>[FONT=arial, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=arial, sans-serif]For use with or without gas

• Welds mild steel as thick as 18 gauge
• Comes with welding torch, tip, grounding cord with clamp, brush/hammer, hand-held welding mask and manual
• Duty cycle: 15% @ 115 amps;

[/FONT][FONT=arial, sans-serif]Input: 230V, 60 Hz, single phase; Welding current range: 30-120 amps; Draws 15 amps @ 230V; Max. open circuit voltage: 36V; Weldable wires: .023", .030", and .035 steel or stainless steel; .030" and .035" aluminum; .030" flux core
[/FONT]
<!-- BEGIN MODEL NUMBER --><!-- END MODEL NUMBER -->
[FONT=arial, sans-serif]
ITEM 6271-2VGA


$299.99 Email link to a friend


I'm with you, I want the best, but I bought one to weld a little sheet metal. Harbor freight has several like this, some cheaper, some more. I got one one sale and paid about $200. No gas, but a decent gas one costs $$$$$
[/FONT]

 

Not a good unit. I checked it out. No variable heat.

 

Hobart, Hobart HOBART!!!! I have a 140 hander that i puchased from tsc and I love it. Made in the usa good quality has never let me down. I tried to go the cheap rout before i purchased it. Needless to say it didn't work. I am of the belief that with tools you either pay now or pay later. Get the best tools you can afford (even if it means saving) or else you will spend more time fooling around with the tools then working on your project.
Trevor

 

Another vote for Hobart. Basically a disguised Miller which is the best. I have a Hobart handler 187 and it is a great machine. From sheet metal up to roll cages this thing can handle it all. Yes you can buy a welder for $200 but you will not be happy with it. It's not just the heat capabilities but the wire feed mechanism as well. Sometimes it's very difficult to dial in a cheap welder. I
I started with a cheap one and I couldn't wait to get a real machine. Worth every penny.

 

MILLER MILLLER MILLLLLLER

cant go wrong.:TU:

 

be very aware of the duty cycle. the higher the duty cycle the better you are. as for the flux core wire, it will make a good weld, but the gas is great!!

 

Ha ha haha he said doody hahaha!

 

as far as getting a bigger mig for thicker material... don't bother. i use a miller thunderbolt DC stick welder i found on craig's for $60. it is a pleasure to weld with that machine. you will be amazed how nice the welds look with the proper rod, heat, polarity and joint prep.
$ave the 110V, argon and .023 wire for sheet metal.

 

I bought a Century from Sam's.....yes, they had them at one time.....found out they are made by Lincoln....$230.....I had to buy the gas cylinder....has never let me down and works great. I have found them on Craig's list and Ebay. Works off 110v and is fairly light weight to move around...I use a dolly over rough terrain....it came with its only caster wheels to move around on hard pavement.

 

How about something like this?


http://allentown.craigslist.org:80/tls/1044822147.html

 

Which-ever one you buy, Joe make sure to get one of those self-darkening face shields. Last year Harbor Freight had 'em on sale. Cheap but I don't remember how much. Sure makes welding more fun. No more neck flinch or having the face shield go flying across the room.:bglasses: :af: :bglasses: :af: :bglasses: etc.

 

Could be a good deal with all that is included. Did you notice those pictures were taken in 2005?

They're on ebay new for $340 delivered w/o regulator. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310124444984

Says it will do up to 1/4" in a single pass.