220v welder suggestions

[fear_nothing]

A guy needs a welder. He's comfortable w a stick welder. But open to other options. He's gonna put in a 220v service. He has no idea what to buy. He's not really a fabbricator. But rather a farmer type whom can fix most things. He wants to weld and fix some heavy duty stuff when needed. He would also like to weld a roll cage eventually. He would love your suggestions.

 

[Desert_K5]

Miller 252 I picked up used and love it

 

[joshuak]

Any reason not to do a 110/220v machine?

Being able to keep the 110v option open would be nice if you need to move it or weld thinner stuff.

Hobart mvp 210 here.

 

[TerryD]

I have an older Hobart Handler 185 that's been a great machine. TSC keeps the consumables in stock. Hobart is Miller's Consumer Grade machines IIRC so they're not as good for heavy use but still good enough for the average farmer or hobby use IMO.

Would like to upgrade to the Hobart that will run a spool gun but I bought one of the cheap TIG machines in attempting to learn to use.

 

[Truckman4life]

If you want a multiprocess machine(mig, tig, stick) my brother-in-law has the Esab Rebel and says it's a good machine. This guy does some good reviews on the cheaper ones.

 

[max 02]

We got a used Miller 211 auto set recently it’s 110/220. We like it a lot.

 

[fear_nothing]

So I have a stick welder, but it's a gas powered welder as well. Good but a pain for quick jobs.

I worry about getting the proper penetration hence my quest for a 220v welder. Is that the right rationale... dunno but it works out in my mind

 

[Chickntrk]

You're worried about getting proper penetration with a stick welder? Or with a 110? What are you welding mostly? I'm of the opinion to get a 220 because I can always turn it down, I have a 110 and a 220 and honestly I don't use the 110 much anymore. 3/16 is a non issue with 110, 1/4 starts to get iffy...

 

[nvrenuf]

We got a used Miller 211 auto set recently it’s 110/220. We like it a lot.

I want one of these really bad but they're so expensive. When I see the cost I immediately think of a list of mods I could do with the money instead. The struggle is real.

 

[obijuank5]

These two booboos handle everything.
Got a bobcat 250 in the bed of the truck which is way overboard but, they do come up cheaper than this 211 sometimes.

 

[skunked]

Hobart mvp 210 here.

X2 great machine

 

[yblow]

I bought a hobart ironman 230 a few years ago from tractor supply. Welds great uses miller guns and consumables

 

[JoshHefnerX]

I've enjoyed my Miller 211

 

[Mdjunior]

Miller 211 here

 

[ryoken]

haven't read anything, but... I'd avoid a stick machine at this point.. nice if your doing heavy stuff outdoors, but....

a good gas MIG setup is your best bet IMO.. I'm a "go 220" guy if you can swing it.. bigger the better.. multi-voltage machines are VERY handy, but I think you definitely pay a bit of a premium for that feature.. a 220 machine can always act like a 110.. power supply is the issue...


anyway, I'm a big blue fan.. been flogging the miller 180 for 20 yrs now... but there are quite a few newcomers to the game at highly competitive pricing, and getting good reviews.. Yes Welders, I think Prime is another.. obviously the Vulcan and titanium HF offerings, etc...

I'm not a fan of multi-process welders... too much to fail IMO.. I want a TIG? I'll buy a TIG...