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Best mig welder under $1k?..Let the fabbing begin

B

big pappa b

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I'm looking for something to do light fab work. The biggest thing I plan is maybe a bumper or welding tabs on an axle housing. I have an older Miller 130(I think). I hate the duty cycle. I bought it new about 12 years ago and have had 2 small rolls of wire through it. It's time to let it go.

Looking at either something Miller or Hobart...I know, same company owns both. No problems with others, just more familiar with them
 
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love my 180 AS Miller... think I paid like 8 with a cart off Eghey...
 
Millermatic 211, works with both 110 and 220V, up to 210A output, and is just under a grand. If you look at the chart that shows duty cycle on 220V vs 110V, you'll want 220V most of hte time, but it's nice to be able to plug it into 110V if necessary. I have never had mine trip the thermal shutdown.
 
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most welders now are 40% or 60% duty cycle. if you're going to be welding for more than it can handle, you'll need to spend more money or just learn to pace yourself so you don't get aggravated. it's not easy to trip a 60% duty cycle machine, they usually cool off fast enough when you take breaks to adjust material, etc.
 
That would be fine. The one I have now is 20 or 30%. To me, it seems like it shuts off way too soon. My buddy has one of the digital Miller 250 or 252....that is BADASS but I can't justify $2500 for what I want to do
 
I love my hobart 140 handler and it came in right at $500. When you factor in gas, a cart, and a big spool of wire (another awesome feature is the little thing takes 10lb spools) you'll be about $750 in.

I dont regret buying a 110v machine at all. Sure its annoying needed to bevel some stuff when I want to grind them weld out smooth BUT the fact that I can throw the thing in the back seat of my g/f's corolla and go rescue or help someone without worrying about how damn heavy it is or where Im gonna plug it in is great.
 
miller 210 is what i have, ive never tripped it, great machine and i think i paid around 1200 for it.

P1010021.JPG
 
Well, it won't change the 130 from 20% to 80%, but you might try moving more air over the diodes and transformer.
Not sure about yours, but some of them only turn on the fan when the thermostat trips.
I had a fellow either rewire his or add a fan, not sure which at this late date, but he said it made his usable.
When he turned his on, a large fan came on and blew all the time. If you happen to have a fan around, give it a try.

Of course, you could also turn a garden hose on the transformer, but thats probably a bad idea..........
 
folkenheath said:
Millermatic 211, works with both 110 and 220V, up to 210A output, and is just under a grand. If you look at the chart that shows duty cycle on 220V vs 110V, you'll want 220V most of hte time, but it's nice to be able to plug it into 110V if necessary. I have never had mine trip the thermal shutdown.
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Thats what I got and I really like it. I paid $1k for the welder, cart, full bottle of gas, 2 10lb spools of .35 ER70S-3 (or 6, don't remember), 1 2lb roll of .30, and a few small extras. I bought it used on craigslist, but I don't think it was ever used. It looks showroom new.
 
I have a hobart handler 187 and I love it. It lays down nice consistent welds and will go down low enough to do sheetmetal work.
You can get it, some wire and a bottle for your budget.

DSCF0455.jpg
 
folkenheath said:
Millermatic 211, works with both 110 and 220V, up to 210A output, and is just under a grand. If you look at the chart that shows duty cycle on 220V vs 110V, you'll want 220V most of hte time, but it's nice to be able to plug it into 110V if necessary. I have never had mine trip the thermal shutdown.
Click to expand...

X3 Done everything from sheet metal to 3/8" single pass. Never run it on 110 but it sings right along on 220. The Easy Set or whatever they call it has never been where I want it so I always set it myself.
 
I have one of my local shops going to hook me up with a new Miller 211 w/auto set for $1k..cheaper than I cold get it online
 
Right where you told me, General Air. They have a big sale until Dec 31. I think I'll go there Friday and get one :waytogo:
 
Right on. Good people down there. I've bought 2 welders, 2 plasma cutters from them and all supplies over the years

I normal deal with Mike up front. Do they still offer the class if you buy the welder.
 
Not sure about classes there. The general air website shows classes in Denver. I forget the guy's name I talked to. HE said he had a Blazer before but has a jeep now
 
Let the fabbing begin

Just bought a nice new Miller 211 w/auto set :D It was on sale for $1k. It's the little things like wire, cylinder, gas, & consumables that really get you
 
think my 60 cf bottle filled and bought was like $130, 140....12 lb's of superarc at homo depot is like $43, 45.... love my 180 w as, that should treat ya good, congrats...
 
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