Sinking Creek 4WD Association

Hey Guys-

I've been realizing more and more I just need to break down and buy a welder for my own use.

Basically I want to be able to do my own sheet metal work and weld spring hangers, bumper and the like. I cant imagine I'd be welding anything over 3/16" THK. I've got the ability to run a 110 or 220 up to 60 amp circuit in my barn.

Any advice on which welders I should be looking at or features I need? From what I've read on the web a MIG with the ability to add shielding gas seems to be the most popular choice.

Opinions? Advice?

Thanks
Josh

Millermatic of your choice.

I would suggest the 180.

FatAssEddie wrote:Millermatic of your choice.

I would suggest the 180.

Miller owns Hobart, and the Hobart machines use Miller parts (common replacement items at least). They are also cheaper, I think I paid approx. 150 bucks less for my Hobart 190 from Tractor Supply compared to a Miller 180 from AirGas.

The Hobart's work just fine unless your using Hippies....

BadnewsCJ wrote:Miller owns Hobart, and the Hobart machines use Miller parts (common replacement items at least). They are also cheaper, I think I paid approx. 150 bucks less for my Hobart 190 from Tractor Supply compared to a Miller 180 from AirGas.

The Hobart's work just fine unless your using Hippies....

True story.

I picked up a used Hobart 187 for $500 that came with cart, auto darkening helmet, couple spools of wire, full tank of gas, and some other random parts. Keep your eyes on craigslist, they are usually on there pretty often. There was a NICE miller for sale here in Covington for a pretty good price recently.

Used is the way to go. I got my 212 for $850 with a cart, tank, plug, new spool, etc. Dont buy new IMHO.

So while shopping I'm a bit confused. It looks like the Hobart Handler 140 will weld everything from 24AWG to 1/4". It only needs a 115V Circuit. It costs $499.00 new at Northern with free shipping to my door. Set up for gas or flux-cored wire welding but wont run aluminum wire, not a problem in my opinion as I cant imagine welding aluminum in my future.

Now the Hobart Handler 190 is a 220 welder and will weld from 24AWG to 5/16". It will also run aluminum wire. For my intended farm and rec use is there any reason not to go with the smaller unit?

I like the option of buying new for Hobarts 5/3/1 warranty.......

There isn't really a need for you to have the larger unit, its just nicer to stay south of your machines capacity. If you are working predominantly on farm jobs you would be fine with the flux core. The 140 is likely only rated to 3/16 or 1/4 using solid wire, which would still be fine for you.

I suspect you guys have heard of Eastwood, the company that specializes in vehicle restoration. They are offering a heck of a deal on a welder similar to the Hobart 140. Here is the link:

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-110v ... utput.html

Looks capable and a nicely put together package.

Edit:

I don't know who makes it, could be from China, has a nice warranty......

FatAssEddie wrote:Used is the way to go. I got my 212 for $850 with a cart, tank, plug, new spool, etc. Dont buy new IMHO.

This is an incredibly good deal.....but yes they can be had, obviously.

There have been quite a few occasions I have welded up to 3/8's on my rig, lots of brackets and tabs are coming this thick now. My ruff stuff traction bar axle tabs and link tabs are 3/8's.

I went with the larger unit for the above reason, and because I do intend to skin some things with aluminum and may invest in a spool gun at some point. It's also much faster and has a longer duty cycle, but I tend to put a high price tag on convenience...

BadnewsCJ wrote:but I tend to put a high price tag on convenience...

truth....haha

but x2

Do you plan on using it often? - Duty cycle and frequency of use

I bought a used Handler 140 back in 2007 or 2008 for $350 with a full tank of gas, mask, gloves, regulator, and a few spools. It was an OK deal. I mostly patch/fix and don't fabricate as much as these guys. I really only use it for 5-10 hours a year and it has served me well welding on my rig, trailers, and some other vehicles. Most of my weld jobs aren't lengthy affairs requiring the duty cycle of the larger machines. If I ever weld anything over 1/4" (very rarely) I just bevel the edge. Then again I'm more conservative than most.

I bought a Miller 175 about 10 years ago and it has been trouble free the whole time. I have put at least 75lbs of welding wire through it. Only twice in that time have I run it till it shut off (exceeded the duty cycle). That was running at max amperage for quite a few minutes. Even then it was only a few minutes till it was ready to go again. I dont think that duty cycle will ever matter unless you buy a welder thats too small and run it at max amps all the time trying to compenste. I would strongly suggest a 220 volt welder. I have occassionally wanted a larger welder but never have I said I wished I had saved a few bucks and got a 110. Keep in mind a welder is like a keg, if you have one you will have friends. You can also take on small jobs to offset the cost.

alk1174 wrote:Keep in mind a welder is like a keg, if you have one you will have friends. .

Naw, our club is evolving it seems. Welder's are becoming common, it's my damn tube bender that's turning into the whore...

BadnewsCJ wrote:Welder's are becoming common, it's my damn tube bender that's turning into the whore...

She's sexy. You cant blame me for wanting to put my pipe in her...