Anyone recommend a welder?
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7,232 Posts
I'll assume you're looking for a mig welder. I have a Hobart Handler 150 and could not be happier with it. It's a 220V model, but they have a 115V unit also.
I think you'll be happy with any mig from the big three.... Miller, Lincoln, Hobart.
My only other recommendation is stay away from the flux-core migs.
I think you'll be happy with any mig from the big three.... Miller, Lincoln, Hobart.
My only other recommendation is stay away from the flux-core migs.
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616 Posts
Miller is the industry leader. They are way ahead of the others when it comes to quality and features and support. I just got the Millermatic 210. Hey, it's overkill, I know. But now people come to me to have stuff welded. 
According to an area welding supply house (LINWELD, Miller is tops. Hobart is made by Miller, in the same building, with only a few small differences. The sales rep that visits our facility recommended the Hobart Handler 135 for home use. He recommended to stay away from the Lincoln (at least in the small 110V welders). On special the Hobart is $425, the Millermatic 135 is $525.
Folks -
I, too am in the market for a small 115 or 220V portable welder. I have a line on the Hobart Handler 135 (yes, made by Miller, as stated above) for $400, or just at $600 with a decent size bottle (I want gas), a fill for the bottle, regulator, a couple spools of wire (two sizes), spare tips, and CA 7.75% tax. If anyone in SoCal wants to jump in, let me know, perhaps I can get the reseller to make a deal on a wheeled cart if 2 or 3 people join in. May be possible to ship, I'll check as well.
I, too am in the market for a small 115 or 220V portable welder. I have a line on the Hobart Handler 135 (yes, made by Miller, as stated above) for $400, or just at $600 with a decent size bottle (I want gas), a fill for the bottle, regulator, a couple spools of wire (two sizes), spare tips, and CA 7.75% tax. If anyone in SoCal wants to jump in, let me know, perhaps I can get the reseller to make a deal on a wheeled cart if 2 or 3 people join in. May be possible to ship, I'll check as well.
I am not a good stick welder!! I borrowed my cousins Lincoln Mig (110V) and the welds looked professional. They were as strong as they were good looking. I can't compare with the others but the Lincoln was very easy to use and did a great job. I would recommend the 110V just for the flexibility of using it anywhere.
I borrowed my cousins Lincoln Mig (110V) and the welds looked professional. They were as strong as they were good looking. I can't compare with the others but the Lincoln was very easy to use and did a great job. I would recommend the 110V just for the flexibility of using it anywhere.
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3,888 Posts
Barry,
I was recommended the Hobart by a metal worker friend who used all 3, he thought that Hobart was the best, good low power control for thinner stuff, power for thicker stuff. I love mine. I also have a Lincoln TIG, but the MIG gets used far more. A 115 volt unit is fine for anything you'll do on an FFR, or a trailer, or pretty much anything most of us are likely to build.
One thing, none of them weld aluminum very well because the wire is too soft to push through to the gun. It can be done, but a spoolgun is the way to go (or TIG).
$400 is a good price, BTW. I paid $540 for my Handler 120 in July 1997.
All you need is 0.023 wire in a baby MIG, use CO2 shielding gas for steel, it's cheap and works great.
Forerst
I was recommended the Hobart by a metal worker friend who used all 3, he thought that Hobart was the best, good low power control for thinner stuff, power for thicker stuff. I love mine. I also have a Lincoln TIG, but the MIG gets used far more. A 115 volt unit is fine for anything you'll do on an FFR, or a trailer, or pretty much anything most of us are likely to build.
One thing, none of them weld aluminum very well because the wire is too soft to push through to the gun. It can be done, but a spoolgun is the way to go (or TIG).
$400 is a good price, BTW. I paid $540 for my Handler 120 in July 1997.
All you need is 0.023 wire in a baby MIG, use CO2 shielding gas for steel, it's cheap and works great.
Forerst
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24 Posts
I have a Miller 150, had great luck with it.
Something to think about is the Miller has a
3 year warranty, parts and labor. The .023
wire is the way to go. I use 75/25 CO2/argon
mix, it produces a very clean weld. Never
used straight CO2, I heard it made for more
spatter. Anybody compared both?
Later,
Something to think about is the Miller has a
3 year warranty, parts and labor. The .023
wire is the way to go. I use 75/25 CO2/argon
mix, it produces a very clean weld. Never
used straight CO2, I heard it made for more
spatter. Anybody compared both?
Later,
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944 Posts
The important thing is to buy locally, as oppossed to mail order, from someone who will offer CUSTOMER SERVICE and free advice.
William
William
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4,479 Posts
I bought a Sears 110v Mig wire arc welder, $199 including face guard. Plugs into a standard 15 amp outlet. It worked great, although I found that I needed some welding practice. Luckily, my son-in-law knew how to weld. I used it to change the trunk configurations, welding 3/4 inch and 3" tube frame parts. I suggest that you buy one of their $35 better welding helmets as the face mask is not really usable, except by your helper.
We have Lincoln SP 100. about 355.00 reconditioned at Harbor Freight. The inner sheild splatters to much...Kills all you t-shirts and sweat shirts. I later got the guages and tank. (about 100 bucks) We take it everywhere. It is a 120v unit...works for us. jack
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