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Good Starter Welder? Hobart or Weldpro (sub $1000)

jeff in co

jeff in co

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I've always wanted to get a welder but never had the cash to justify. I now have some extra cash, but don't know which one is best bang for buck.

I am a beginner, and have only done just a few welds in my whole life. Don't really know how to set up, adjust, etc once I begin, but do want something that can grow with my skills.

I like the idea of a dual voltage unit. Hobart keeps changing prices but right now, under the $900 mark. Lincoln seems too high as well as Miller.

Purpose is to do sheetmetal rust repair as well as work on thicker guage material.

So looking at:
Hobart Handler 210 - $889
Weldpro 200 - $778
Weldpro 210 with LCD screen - $895

The Weldpro 210 LCD looks like its very flexible and user friendly, but I may be just blinded with the gadgets.

Thanks!
 
Keep in mind you will need a lot of accessories if this is your first welder: It can add up to several hundred dollars.
Hoods in the $150 range seem to be the sweet spot between visibility/features and cost for a home user.

Gas/Bottle
Welding Hood
Leathers
Welding Gloves
Pliers
Spare tips
Wire (.030 general use and .023 for sheetmetal)
Cart

I have a Hobart 190 machine. Works well for sheetmetal to 3/8" stuff so far. Single pass on 1/4" without any problems or duty cycle issues. So 180 to 210 range machines are probably exactly where you want to be. Buy once/cry once.
 
I have Miller and Everlast stuff. In your budget I would go Everlast. A die hard Miller pro fabricator buddy just added Everlast as his main setup. It works and is a fraction of the Miller. Call them direct, you'll be surprised at the price versus markup from resellers and they'll throw a package together for even a better deal.

Edit to add: I took a TIG class and they couldn't stress enough to learn the basics and don't get caught up in the shiny gadgets till you have a good base.
 
I hadn't heard of Everlast so good to put on the list.

The prices keep jumping around a lot! The Hobart 210 has been in the $1200-$1300 for the past few months, finally starting to drop.

Getting the cheaper unit does allow me to get some of the needed equipment, helmet, gloves, pliers, etc.

But at the end of the day, I really would like to just buy once vs. upgrading in a few years. If it makes sense to spend another $100 on a machine now....better decision I think.
 
Keep watch for a Miller 252 on the used market. It helped make me a better welder I'll admit.

Here's where I'd start if needing to start over from the beginning. https://www.everlastgenerators.com/product/mig/powermts-211si-tig-package

I have a Miller 140 with less than 10 hours on it I'd sell if you want, it just sits in the shop? The shipping might kill the deal though.
 
hobart is good . . .

weldmark has a SWEET 110volt unit full variable amp and wire speed for under 400 bucks . even has body welding spot timer built in .
 
Desert_K5 said:
Keep watch for a Miller 252 on the used market. It helped make me a better welder I'll admit.

Here's where I'd start if needing to start over from the beginning. https://www.everlastgenerators.com/product/mig/powermts-211si-tig-package

I have a Miller 140 with less than 10 hours on it I'd sell if you want, it just sits in the shop? The shipping might kill the deal though.
Click to expand...
Why pick this one over the original one you purchased? Looks like the original one is $100 more.
 
I only have experience with the two.
 
Surprised I don't see anyone recommending the Millermatic 211....I'd say for versatility, ease of use and quality, it's great...you're going to have to find one at an estate sale, it was running about 1300 when I bought mine. Ended up finding one in the classifieds that was used, but still in the original box, the power cord still had the twisty tie on it...Lady had come home to find her husband on the couch with someone else, and she was a motivated seller. $600. As was mentioned, you're going to spend a lot on accessories, too. Other thing to consider is a vehicle based welder, I haven't priced them lately, but something like the Premier Power Welder can do a lot more than I would have thought possible. Remember most of the suggested welders above are going to need a dedicated 220 circuit where ever you plan on welding.
 
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