Welder time again, stick or mig?

[Hermit54]

I've had them both, many. Last was a Hobart Migman (think that was the model), 220vac, used shielded trigas and liked it. Had Miller ac/dc stick tig welder before, very nice. I seem to weld better with mig,,, but practice, dry and correct rod can change that.

My experience with the 110 migs like Millers smaller to 70 and 90 amp was they were a bit anemic on penetration even with proper ground bevels. Throw some 6011 on a stick job and dig in. The 140 Hobart handler does have nothing but good reviews though and twice a crickets juice.

Seems stick has a wider choice of rod vs wire. Buy a big spool of 70 series .030-.035 or several boxes of sticks.

While I would like another 220 mig, maybe the Hobart 187 it's a bit over budget.

Their ac/dc 220 stick is comparable price to the 140 handler in 110. Seems the stick could be the better value and versatility of the too?

Just average repairs, no production cept I have made several mortars and cannon out of half mobile home axles and could make a living off them! Just for kicks, one of them pictured. Fit a pop can full of sand perfect. 80 gr ffg is a good practice game using T&E to put it where you want, 240 gr ffg pute em in orbit.

Now that I ranted, can't make up my mind and on the edge of the fence, please give me some of your thoughts, experience, input. Thanks, Shawn

 

[qball98]

I prefer Mig but that is mainly because I have a hard time keeping the stinger steady with a long rod. For all purpose welding and not spending a lot of money on equipment stick is probably a better choice especially if you are recycling dirty metal.

 

[tonylumps]

I have the Hobart 140 If you are going to weld up to and including 1/4" non cridical welds A lot of prep and clean metal and Multi passes So i went and found a Miller 225 AC/DC stick on craigs list. It will weld almost anything Because I am a little shaky with the rod I just cut the lengths with a dremel and clean the cut side to use both pieces. But I still Prefer the Hobart with .030 and C25 But 035 Fabshield less prep but more cleaning after

 

[om21braz]

I'm partial to mig, but here at work I have Miller Shopmaster 300 ac/dc welders to use. Seems the home size units are'nt good for much other than auto body repairs and other light/sheet metal jobs. Stick is what I have at home - Miller thunderbolt. Just depends on your typical use and as qball98 mentioned - the quality of the materials you are using.

 

[Hermit54]

Thanks OM and Tony. I sold and repaired Millers for years, Lindes too. Occasional used Lincoln or Hobart. Yes I am partial to mig with shielded gas too but being practical the stick may be it.

Tony, I like the idea of the cut rods! I was much better once a rod burnt half down myself but never thought of that.

The thunderbolts were good machines, popular. Forgot what my AC/DC with HF and Tig was called but a very good machine. Oh yea, "Econotwin" I do like AC/DC, better variety of rods and penetration. Seeing how TSC has Hobart 110V mig 140amp handlers and their 225AC/160DC stick @ the same price; makes sense to get the stick machine. Find a 220v mig used later on. I will check craiglist too. Last time I looked there were only half dozen listings and nothing jumped out but I'll look again. I don't need it yesterday, just soon. Thanks, Shawn

 

[tonylumps]

I was looking at the 187 when I bought the 140 At the time money and 220 V swayed me after about a year I put 2-220v Recepticals in my Garage one for the welder and one for Compresser If I find a real good price on the 187 or 210 I will jump on it But I could wait

 

[Hermit54]

Tony. Yes I would like that 187 too. The old Miller 200 migs were wicked. I even sprayed with them. I have the 220 wiring. Got a large metal building the previous owner was a mechanic worked out of it and the one before that built it to work on his Semi in there. Nice shop, big. Wired for 220 and my gunshop wired 220 also.
There is 220V Miller, cart, bottle about 2 hrs from me for $400, that's a steal if it's in as nice a shape as he says. Doubt a 200A but probably close and that had a nice duty cycle too. Shawn

 

[k0ua]

I have an economical stick welder that I really like, it is the Everlast PA160
It is a chinese welder, and is DC only but has a very good duty cycle rating, has some nice features. it is cheap. (I paid $269), and so far has held up. Mark here on the forum is an advertiser/contributor. Give em a look

James K0UA

 

[Shield Arc]

I have an economical stick welder that I really like, it is the Everlast

I have one too, made a weldor out of me!:thumbsup:

 

[Soundguy]

no doubt you can buy more amps of stick than mig.. even ac/dc stick vs mig.

get what you are comfortable with and is strong enough to do your work.

I bang along with AC stick.. cheap and effective for farm welding. that and a set of torches and an angle grinder, chopsaw and die grinder , drill press..and well.. again.. for farm work that's practically a machine shop..

soundguy