Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Any welding experts out there?

I'm in need of a good Mig welder. I'd really like to get a 110v machine due to portability, but everyone seems to suggest going for the larger 220v machines. Any opinions out there? I doubt I will ever need to work with anything larger than 1/4 inch.. mostly sheet metal work on my tractors, fixing tractor implements, repairs on my utility trailer and perhaps some light fabrication work. I'm leaning towards the Hobart handler 140 which I can pick up locally for around $450. Any suggestions, tips, insight?

Thanks,
Brad

I love my Lincoln pro mig. Would recommend it to any one. Can get parts and consumables at Lowes or HD

I'm not an ace welder, but I have to go with Bryan -Lincoln parts seem to be everywhere.

Mr. Unix,

Here's the kind of bead I laid down with a 220 volt Lincoln Mig wire feeder (30 gauge wire).


Nice, no?!!

-BT

I've used Lincoln and Hobart (as well as others) at work.
The Lincolns and Hobarts are both very good machines. Either will serve you well. A 110 welder should be fine for your purposes, 1/4 inch is the max I would weld with it though.

Remember, gas shield welding needs to be done in a wind free environment. The slightest breeze will blow your shielding away, so if you'll be welding outdoors, use inner shield (flux core) wire. It'll splatter a, bit but it's easy enough to clean up with a wire wheel on a four inch angle head..

You really are talking chalk and cheese here.

Small MIG is ok for light fabrication 3mm (1/8"). For 6mm (1/4") or greater you need a larger unit to realistically be effective. Also need a high duty cycle if you want to hardface tractor implements as well as ability to handle .045in wire.

The cheaper option is to buy a smaller MIG for light fabrication. And either a high amp stick welder OR oxyacetylene for heavier applications. Oxyacetylene is great because its portable (power not required, so good for farm gates and field repairs), and also not bad for outdoors with up to a moderate wind.

I have a Hobart Handler 187-Great machine-It's 220v though. I can do 5/16 single pass, tops.

I'm not an expert, but check out the Chicago Electric welders from Harbor Freight (www.harborfreight.com). Not a Lincoln or Hobart, but a lot of bang for the buck. I've had the 170 amp 220v model for ten years or so and it is still working fine. Be sure to buy your tanks (so you can weld aluminum and stainless as well as mild steel) locally so you can get exchanged (refilled) cylinders easily. You can wear one of the cheap ones out while you save money for a brand name.

yes i am a expert welder from what you said you are looking for in a welder this is the one i would get in fact i have this welder and love it..

web page

or that Hobart handler 140 that you talk of will get the job done also

if i can help you more please just ask..

Ed

Thanks for all the input.. should have known not to ask for 'opinions' around here Matt, nice bead.. which Lincoln do you have? Ed, I've looked at the 125A machines.. problem with them is that they are setup only for flux-core.. by the time you add the solenoid and guages, you are just about to the same price as one of the 135/140 machines (but with less power and shorter torch lengths).. particularly now that lincoln has come out with their new machines and the older SP135T's can be had brand new for around $400. I might be tempted to go for a smaller 220v machine, as I could run it on my portable 5000w generator and it would give me broader range.. after looking at the setup charts for the 110v machines, it seems that to get to the magic 1/4" weld you have to use flux-core.. regular gas MIG drops that down considerably. Matt, how do you like that HH187?

Cheers,
Brad

Ok experts, I've decided to go with a 220v machine since everyone seems to agree that 1) you should get as big as you can afford and 2) figure out what size work you will be doing and double it

Here are my choices (both are private party sales):

A) Brand new Hobart Handler 187 w/heavy duty cart. New in the box with warranty. Comes with gun (H-10) and work clamp, regulator and gas hose, 1lb of flux core and a couple extra contact tips. Fairly portable at 68lbs and pretty compact.

B) Brand new Millermatic 210, never used but not in the box and no factory warranty (it's been moved between states a couple of times). Comes with gun (M-25) and work clamp, regulator and gas hose, couple extra tips, 8" (10 lb) spool of wire, extra work clamp, 20 feet of 6/3 wire to make an extension cord with, and 20 extra feet of ground wire. Not as portable at 200lbs.. it's a beast of a machine.

Both require a 30Amp breaker, and both will run on my generator should I need to take them into the field.

Both are priced exactly the same (actually, the Hobart works out to about $3 more than the Miller).

Anybody care to offer recomendations?



Thanks a ton..

Cheers,
Brad

I am here to dispell the myth that the 120V machines won't work. I have one and it was cheap less than $300. I welded the wheel lift onto the back of my wrecker with it about 10 years ago and it's still on there solid as ever. I also welded up a bracket to go on the wheel lift for a hitch so I could haul my 12,000lb trailer. I have hauled 2 cars at a time on it as well as my track loader (late 50s TD6 so it's HEAVY!)I would recomend the 120V machine to anyone who is using it for personal use.I do much prefer my 220V welder (also under $300) for the longer duty cycle as well as being able to weld anything, not that have ever welded anything my 120V couldn't handle. The 120V is nice too since I can take it almost anywhere and use it, no need for the 220V outlet and can easily run it off a small generator. Both are true migs that use gas not a flux welder although I could use flux wire if I wanted with no gas. Parts and supplies are easily available for both my machines too.

I love my HH 187 but with the MM 210 you do spray arc welding.

If i was buying a new welder I would stick with 120 so that I could use it anywhere I wanted. That being said....if you want the 220 volt I would go with the Hobart. All of our portable welders (run on diesel though) are hobart at work and we have very few problems out of them. Just my opinion.