WHAT IS A GOOD WELDER TO BUY?

[MEANSTREAK K30]

i'll spend the bit extra for miller, over Hobart, infinite voltage. as opposed to stepped... $800 is perfect for a miller 180.. what I run... best 220 machine for the buck IMO... but it is 220.... if you have an electric dryer outlet, you can run it.....the dual volt 110/220 machine might be up your alley, but a bit more money..

Thanks , Ryoken. I do have a dryer , but when I use it on a high heat cycle it trips the circuit breaker LOL.......Do you recommend I use a generator to hook the welder to? And if so do you have a favorite generator?

 

[sweetk30]

just got done burnin some steel today with my Lincoln 140c works great .

I have played with Hobart / miller / Lincoln / weldmark all good units .

GET the full ver voltage control model in what ever you get . you will like it better in the end.

 

[ryoken]

Thanks , Ryoken. I do have a dryer , but when I use it on a high heat cycle it trips the circuit breaker LOL.......Do you recommend I use a generator to hook the welder to? And if so do you have a favorite generator?

if it's a 220 dryer outlet, it should be ok.. check to seewhat size fuse/breaker it has...

 

[rampage]

if it's a 220 dryer outlet, it should be ok.. check to seewhat size fuse/breaker it has...

Before replacing a fuse with a larger fuse you should check to make sure the wire gauge is capable of handling the current.

 

[ryoken]

I never said to do that... just what it was...

 

[rampage]

I never said to do that... just what it was...

No you didn't. Just don't want someone to 'upgrade' their fuses incorrectly.

 

[rjfguitar]

What generator do you use to power your welder on your service truck?

I have a welder/generator. Kohler Vtwin 10K generator and 230 amps arc welding. Way more than what a hobbyist in their garage would want. In the shop, I strictly use my MIG machines. Much cleaner welds and easier in general.

As far as a generator, I can't recall ever trying to run a mig off a generator, but I would steer clear of Harbor Freight. 95% of the stuff down there is junk. You would need a generator of decent size, like probably 7K or more I would think, and running a 220v mig, not a 110. I do know, my plasma cutter does not like generator power, causes surges and won't make a steady flame.

If you are dead set on running a generator, you might want to consider the Hobart 4500. It's a much smaller version of the champ 10000 and much more affordable. BUT, I personally would figure out your power situation first. Getting a MIG 220v machine is really the way to go. Monkeys can wire weld once the machine is adjusted and set for the work. Stick welding takes some practice to be able to do anything, and a lot of practice to weld difficult stuff, upside down, etc.
http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/generators/champion145/

 

[MEANSTREAK K30]

I never said to do that... just what it was...[/QUOT

I have a welder/generator. Kohler Vtwin 10K generator and 230 amps arc welding. Way more than what a hobbyist in their garage would want. In the shop, I strictly use my MIG machines. Much cleaner welds and easier in general.

As far as a generator, I can't recall ever trying to run a mig off a generator, but I would steer clear of Harbor Freight. 95% of the stuff down there is junk. You would need a generator of decent size, like probably 7K or more I would think, and running a 220v mig, not a 110. I do know, my plasma cutter does not like generator power, causes surges and won't make a steady flame.

If you are dead set on running a generator, you might want to consider the Hobart 4500. It's a much smaller version of the champ 10000 and much more affordable. BUT, I personally would figure out your power situation first. Getting a MIG 220v machine is really the way to go. Monkeys can wire weld once the machine is adjusted and set for the work. Stick welding takes some practice to be able to do anything, and a lot of practice to weld difficult stuff, upside down, etc.
http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/generators/champion145/

eh , just curious . I think the whole generator thing just flew out the window! THANKS

 

[MEANSTREAK K30]

If you want a really good mig welder like a miller, buy a hobart.

Its literally a miller lol. I have the 210mvp...can run off 120 or 220. Its perfect for this stuff but itll blaze thicker stuff together no problem. It would probably do half inch with flux easily.

I got my hobart for 975 bucks on amazon, free shipping. It was a little bit of a stretch for me but I knew it was the right thing to do because having more power than what I need is the name of the game with welders.

So far, this looks like the winner. I like the fact that u can switch outlets for more power,welds up to 3/8 " in a single pass , best warranty , and is not too far off my price range.

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

So far, this looks like the winner. I like the fact that u can switch outlets for more power,welds up to 3/8 " in a single pass , best warranty , and is not too far off my price range.

Its a great machine. Several people on here have them. I thought it was funny that all the parts to it are stamped miller. I think its hard to beat for the money!

 

[Bent77]

Its a great machine. Several people on here have them. I thought it was funny that all the parts to it are stamped miller. I think its hard to beat for the money!

One owns the other, can't remember which

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

One owns the other, can't remember which

I thunk its miller that owns hobart. Before I bought it I read up on hobart....impressive company and theyve been around since 1897.

 

[Bent77]

I thunk its miller that owns hobart. Before I bought it I read up on hobart....impressive company and theyve been around since 1897.

2 brothers, both started in electric motors and power generation. One started making welders, the other commercial kitchen equipment

 

[JoshHefnerX]

Bought a miller 211 about a year ago, and have enjoyed using it. Never welded before and it's been a learning experience. Some of my welds look decent some not so much. I've found that if I'm in a comfortable position I do much better welds than being upside down under the truck w/ hot bits landing in my ears or inside my elbows... lol

Also found that an auto darkening helmet helped me a lot, and comfortable gloves that fit properly.

211 will work on either 110 or 220 so you'll be able to weld on 110 until you figure out something w/ electrical.

weldingtipsandtricks has a website and youtube page. Learned a bit from watching some of those vids.

 

[paratrooper307]

I use a Klutch MIG, which is the National Tool brand. It seems very well made and has worked well for me, and welds surprisingly well despite being only a 110V unit. It had more features than a comparable Hobart for less money. Most of my work is exhaust welding and minor repairs and fabrication. So far it's handled everything I've thrown at it without breaking a sweat. I never knew how much I needed a welder until I bought one, and suddenly there's no shortage of projects.

 

[sweetk30]

here I did these with my Lincoln 140c I talked about before. https://ck5.com/forums/threads/tow-truck-ice-spades-____-i-made.325006/

also click plow machine in sig line. I just modified the plow frame yesterday and welded it up with same welder. its a old school fisher frame with thick plate .

 

[MEANSTREAK K30]

here I did these with my Lincoln 140c I talked about before. https://ck5.com/forums/threads/tow-truck-ice-spades-____-i-made.325006/

also click plow machine in sig line. I just modified the plow frame yesterday and welded it up with same welder. its a old school fisher frame with thick plate .

Going to have to go premium cause I can't see the pics. So you preheated the metal, I'm assuming with a torch?

 

[sweetk30]

Going to have to go premium cause I can't see the pics. So you preheated the metal, I'm assuming with a torch?

yep I did only cause its 3/8 plate and 3/16 wall tube and huge area . yes to oxy/act torch used . didn't take much at all. also I ground a nice 45* on the tube were it goes to the plate for good bite of the weld. if had not been 3/8 plate the size it was I would have just welded it .

and always put more time/heat of the welding tip on the thicker material as it soaks up more heat than thinner . this is if your doing 2 different thickness materials.

I had a old school farmer teach me with a stick welder . then I got to play with a mig years later and I was hooked. I love cutting/welding stuff and say I MADE / FIXED THAT !

 

[chulisohombre]

As a starter small mig I bought mine from Sears. 200$ and I've been using it for 10 years now. Was a great buy and a great Little 120 welder. It's only 15 amp rated so will run on most house circuits. I've done all My body work with it So Far.

 

[renpens]

I am with BENT72.
I have 4 lincoln welders and a miller plasma cutter which is 220V and 110V. Plasma cutter, best thing since sliced bread. I have 1 portable lincoln stick, 1 220V stick, and a 220V mig. On the mig is I use flux core. I have welded as an occupation. Not that I am expert or perfect but giving an opinion based upon my experience. The sticks are used for thicker material. The mig I mostly use for body work. I use flux core because its use is more flexible. Can be used inside or out. Using argon outside just cannot be accomplished. Just a hint of air blows the gas and one cannot weld. I can do very well with flux core on sheet metal with a copper spoon for back up. For anything of any thickness a stick is best. 7018 lohi lays down a good weld. 6011 will give good penetration. Lincoln, miller, hobart, they are all of good quality. Determine what uses you will have and purchase a quality welder within your means. I do recommend a 220V if you go with a mig. Later on you can always upgrade.