Welding virgin needs direction ...

[beppington]

Update: I just completed my 5-day community ed "small arc welding" class.

Very interesting class, & I feel like I get the gist of some (most?) welding processes now ... but not sure exactly what to buy :confused2:

For now I think I really only care about welding up to say 1/4" steel, for tractor implements, utility trailer mods, etc. I was most impressed by the welds produced by the class' Lincoln SP-135T MIG (gas shielded arc) welder, used with mixed gas (75% Argon & 25% CO2 ... I think?).

It appears that the SP-135T is no longer made, & my instructor seemed reluctant to get into recommending a specific make/ model for me.

So ... what make/ model do you think would do the trick for me?

Keep in mind, I'm never gonna be a pro welder, who can tweak to perfection a difficult-to-set-right welder, but I'm a particular guy & I really liked the nice, smooth welds the Argon/ CO2 gas made. It seemed easy to make good welds without me being an expert. I could spend a grand if needed, but $500 would be a lot better target. $1,500 can't happen.

Oh, & it really needs to be 110V since I don't have reasonable access to 220V.

Thanks again for your opinions ...

 

[k0ua]

Lincoln 140C about $700 or Hobart handler 140. maybe 525 at some places, sometimes less.. both 115 Volt the lincoln 140C is continous adjustable, the hobart is not. the Lincoln 140T is "tap" adjustable as is the Hobart. good enough for most people apparently. But some say the continious is better. at getting the exact right heat you need. The wirefeed is fully adjustable on all of them. the Miller 140 auto, sets everything "automagicly" you just look up what size metal in a chart, then set the wire feed speed, it sets the heat to go with it. it is under a grand most places. dont forget the tank cost tho. for any of them. you have either rental or exchange. all three mentioned come with the regulator and hoses. I think all 3 are good, but what do I know, I dont have either.. I have an Everlast Stick welder. PA160.. and I am enjoying it.. $269
and thats it. I am getting better every day.
James K0UA

 

[Chilly807]

Well, either the Miller or Lincoln offerings in 110v are very good machines. I've had personal experience with the Miller, I had a 135 when they still made it, have the 180 version now.

Be careful which Lincoln you buy, if you go that route. They make several (at least 2 I know of) some are box store versions, others are more "filled out" with capabilities.

There are lots of good options out there, those are only two.

Sean

 

[k0ua]

Chilly the 140T is what you will find in the "Big box stores" I would rather have the 140C, It is quite a bit more money, but I think it is worth it or the Miller 140 Autoset. I you wanted to go really cheap, you could try the Northern Tool 135
James K0UA

 

[beppington]

Looks like I could get a Millermatic 140 Auto-Set for about $690 new.

Or a Lincoln 140 HD is $560 (incl tax) at my Home Depot.

Is the Miller worth an extra $130?

I assume the Home Depot model is one to avoid.

I have yet to determine where to get the gas & its cost.

Edit: The term "Auto-Set" has this noob intrigued. Prob worth it for me for the extra $130?

 

[Chilly807]

I tend to agree with you. The Autoset feature on my Miller 180 is pretty much all that gets used these days. I was a believer after the first inch of weld I ran with it, was skeptical up 'til then.

Beppington, you may want to leave a little room in the budget for an AC/DC stick (used) if you can get access to 220V power.

For the size implements you'll have with the 3940 any of the 110V machines is going to be on the light side. It might mean adding a 220V plug in your garage, or even an external one (weather permitting), but I don't regret going that way. I do regret selling the 135 though, it was a great machine in it's own right. The 180 is good, but I can't do as pretty a job with it for some reason.

It was ok on stuff up to 1/4 inch if you were careful, 5/16 with lots of prep work, like vee-ing out all the joints, and I was still pushing the limits then. Beyond that and they're out of their depth.

I'd hate to see you break a critical weld, they just don't have the power to give you the penetration you need for heavier stock (5/16 and heavier).

Again, it depends on what you're going to be welding. I've welded with the 110v machine on 1/4 inch steel with a fair bit of confidence that it would hold, and it has. I've also welded chainsaw mufflers on the other end of the spectrum, again with good results.

Glad you enjoyed the course, it's a real eye-opener for a lot of people once they realize that welding isn't as easy as some make it look. Did you get a chance to do any out-of-position welding, like verticals or overheads?

Sean

 

[k0ua]

Beppington, If you can find the Miller 140 Autoset for 690, you probably should buy it. Thats how I would go if I was in the market for a 115V Mig. Hard to go wrong with Miller, what with the dealer network and good rep, Resale value would be good also.
James K0UA

 

[beppington]

Beppington, you may want to leave a little room in the budget for an AC/DC stick (used) if you can get access to 220V power.

I have this $1,000 max budget in mind, just because blasting into the world of welder ownership at say 2 or 3 grand would scare me! After taking the $500-$1000 leap (looking more like a grand now) maybe I'll feel differently & be ready to expand within a year or so.

For the size implements you'll have with the 3940 any of the 110V machines is going to be on the light side. It might mean adding a 220V plug in your garage, or even an external one (weather permitting), but I don't regret going that way. I do regret selling the 135 though, it was a great machine in it's own right. The 180 is good, but I can't do as pretty a job with it for some reason.

I have no doubt you're right, but I think a grand (& 110V) is gonna be my limit, for now.

It was ok on stuff up to 1/4 inch if you were careful, 5/16 with lots of prep work, like vee-ing out all the joints, and I was still pushing the limits then. Beyond that and they're out of their depth.

I'd hate to see you break a critical weld, they just don't have the power to give you the penetration you need for heavier stock (5/16 and heavier).

Again, it depends on what you're going to be welding. I've welded with the 110v machine on 1/4 inch steel with a fair bit of confidence that it would hold, and it has. I've also welded chainsaw mufflers on the other end of the spectrum, again with good results.

Understood, & thanks for the add'l info. I'm willing & ready to read whatever ya'll care to write on the subject.

Glad you enjoyed the course, it's a real eye-opener for a lot of people once they realize that welding isn't as easy as some make it look. Did you get a chance to do any out-of-position welding, like verticals or overheads?

No we sure didn't. All the little test welding we got to do was done on a small welding table with the scrap pieces sitting nicely right in front of us. No weird angles or positions.

You're right: The instructor demonstrated TIG welding aluminum, & made it look very easy, excellent looking weld ... & I had welded enough with the one-handed MIG & the plasma cutter before that demo to know he is very skilled.

 

[Chilly807]

Looks like I could get a Millermatic 140 Auto-Set for about $690 new.

Or a Lincoln 140 HD is $560 (incl tax) at my Home Depot.

Is the Miller worth an extra $130?

I assume the Home Depot model is one to avoid.

I have yet to determine where to get the gas & its cost.

Edit: The term "Auto-Set" has this noob intrigued. Prob worth it for me for the extra $130?

Check Lincoln's web-site, they list both the SP140-T and the Power Mig 140-C. There's a difference in construction (I'm told), and general quality. As far as I know, the C is the better machine. The Miller is equal to it in all respects in my opinion, but I could be wrong.

Be careful that the model you get is compatible with gas, some are flux-core wire only.

The selectable auto-set feature means you set the welder for the wire thickness you're using, then simply turn one knob to set the metal thickness. Then you weld. It's that simple. However, the parameter chart comes on the side cover of the welder too, and you can play with manual settings if you want. I think the 140 Miller allows you to add a spool gun for aluminum , the Lincoln does too I think. Max thickness with 110v in aluminum is about 1/8 inch, the 220v version goes up to 1/4.

Hobart makes a good machine for the money, too. I'd feel comfortable buying any one of the three.

Again, there are other good machines out there, I'm not familiar with them.

I would recommend buying from a welding supply store, they know the machines best, and can service after the sale.

Sean

 

[Chilly807]

I have this $1,000 max budget in mind, just because blasting into the world of welder ownership at say 2 or 3 grand would scare me! After taking the $500-$1000 leap (looking more like a grand now) maybe I'll feel differently & be ready to expand within a year or so.

Sounds like a good approach, as I recall the 135 with a gas bottle (not leased) and a helmet set me back just about $1000 about 5 years ago. In the US you should be able to do that today with no trouble. Best part is, like James said they hold their value better than some others over time, and if you decide to pick up a stick down the road, normally $100-$150 will get you one.


I had welded enough with the one-handed MIG & the plasma cutter before that demo to know he is very skilled.

Two hands makes a huge difference in steady, I always use two now if I can, the AD helmet makes it a bit easier.