Advise / Opinions to Sell and Buy Welder

[Spike56]

I am a complete NOVICE welder. I purchased (at friends recommendation) a Miller Thunderbolt 225 AC / DC several years ago, and still own this machine. Over time, have discovered that most everything I weld is "thinner" metal.
What I would like to do is sell the Stick welder and purchase a wire feed welder. I do not believe I would ever use shield gas, but instead go with flux core wire. Of course, never say never. My welding projects future is mostly limited to 1/2 - 1" square tubing, round stock (landscape arbors... that type of thing) with some sheet metal plate (>9 gauge ?).
As with EVERYTHING, it is difficult to know the limits of what you want to "do", as in a computer (what do you want to use it for ?) questions. But, I will NOT be using for "Farm repair" on heavy steel or any project that is heavy duty / safety (trailer frames...etc.).

My first question is " how much should I ask for my Thunderbolt ? It is in great shape, used little and has 8' extension leads.

My second question is, I have pretty much narrowed down the Mig choice to Hobart. While there are many, many brands and models out there, the Hobart is readily available locally and the reviews look good enough, and the PRICE is in my range.
Between a Hobart 140 and a Hobart 190, I am leaning towards the 190 for the "possible" future "I wish I would have spent a little more so I could.... I have 220v plug for the Thunderbolt (40A I think), and I do not "need" the 110v capability, meaning that is not a reason to buy the 140.

Any owners of the 190 out there ?
The 190 is at the Max of my price range. If there was a better machine for this price (That I could get locally) I would consider.

Thoughts and opinions are welcome

 

[workinonit]

Whatever you do buy a machine that you can add gas to if you don't do it immediately. You will live to regret not doing that.

 

[Outinstickssnafu]

At some point you will find there will be a day where stick will save the day. IMO, it's good to have it just in case and store the rods well.

Now to the mig. Well how to put this delicately ... the average welder who's been welding for a bit ... does not fair very well with gasless wire ... or to put it simply I have never, never seen anyone do a number of welds that each one I would admire with gasless, and I've seen good welders way better than myself try making welds which I deem passable, but I suppose I have not yet to date witnessed any professional welders have a go. It could well be the stuff they sell as gasless over our way ... mind it's totally ok for chook scratching, like plugging up holes in a muffler on a very windy day and putting up with however it lands.

Shielding gas is point and shoot by comparison. Yes erecting a couple of screens starts to be one of those things one does if they are working outside during a breezy day. If you're put off by the price of a gas bottle or hassle to rent one, or just what it costs to refill the bottle, then you might consider using Carbon dioxide or beer gas. It works well with straight wire and for really particular jobs you can also go for flux cored designed with shielding gases in mind. Otherwise if the budget permits, a couple of different shield gas bottles on hand depending on what sort of job is on your plate that day.

 

[Spike56]

At some point you will find there will be a day where stick will save the day. IMO, it's good to have it just in case and store the rods well.

Now to the mig. Well how to put this delicately ... the average welder who's been welding for a bit ... does not fair very well with gasless wire ... or to put it simply I have never, never seen anyone do a number of welds that each one I would admire with gasless, and I've seen good welders way better than myself try making welds which I deem passable, but I suppose I have not yet to date witnessed any professional welders have a go. It could well be the stuff they sell as gasless over our way ... mind it's totally ok for chook scratching, like plugging up holes in a muffler on a very windy day and putting up with however it lands.

Shielding gas is point and shoot by comparison. Yes erecting a couple of screens starts to be one of those things one does if they are working outside during a breezy day. If you're put off by the price of a gas bottle or hassle to rent one, or just what it costs to refill the bottle, then you might consider using Carbon dioxide or beer gas. It works well with straight wire and for really particular jobs you can also go for flux cored designed with shielding gases in mind. Otherwise if the budget permits, a couple of different shield gas bottles on hand depending on what sort of job is on your plate that day.

I understand about gasless wire difficulties. And, I very well might consider even purchasing a bottle - I would weld in my shop, so would not (hopefully) need any screens. I know ZERO about the "type" of gases, or costs, or if you owned a bottle would someone refill it - heard stories this may not be possible ?
I need to sell the Stick to fund my Mig purchase. For ME, the stick is almost totally useless and I have local friends to do anything "heavy duty / safety" related. One in particular is a welder by trade with a large Lincoln on his truck.

Any thoughts on $$ for the Miller sale ?

 

[Outinstickssnafu]

Well in saying you understand gasless wire difficulties ... odd, to me that sounds not much different to understanding the problems of bricks having a poor glide path. It sort of works, but I'd urge you should try someone's gasless welder for a bit.

Oh if you need to sell oh well ...

 

[Sberry]

You are on the right track. The 190 is VERY good and get a roll of 030 solid and biggest bottle of
C25 you can. Lets you turn it down for lighter work and the 030 gives it a little punch on heavier stuff. A Tbolt in good condition sells in the 300 range depending on location.

 

[Spike56]

Well in saying you understand gasless wire difficulties ... odd, to me that sounds not much different to understanding the problems of bricks having a poor glide path. It sort of works, but I'd urge you should try someone's gasless welder for a bit.

Oh if you need to sell oh well ...

LOL, I understand. I should have explained more I guess. I have used a wire Mig without gas. Not much, but I understand "some" of the issues. No way, ALL the issues since I am a novice. This is "more or less, really a hobby" for me - one of TOO many hobbies.

 

[WranglerX]

IF you are only going to use wire feed welder for thinner materials, maybe a simple top of the line 120 Volt welder that can do either FCAW or GMAW is in you future..... Limiting your self to flux core only is probably not a really good thing, I use solid wire and shield gas almost exclusively and I don't particular like having to chip slag and FCAW is not particularly good for really thin materials like automotive body panel repairs...

I have Hobart handler 140 and do not have any problems with penetration and joining metals up to about 1/4 inch (exception is no trailer work that is used on roads) ....

Most problem though in wire feed welding is not really the process of FCAW or GMAW, but the person not being proficient in handling MIG gun and understanding how to perform a weld....

Maybe visit to this site may help in you in mastering MIG welding..

Welding Tips and Tricks - TIG, MIG, Stick and a pantload of other info

Down and Dirty Welding tips and tricks , No PhD's allowed

weldingtipsandtricks.com

Or viewing this video...

 

[MossRoad]

I started with a torch and a Sears AC/DC 220V stick welder when I was 18, so back in 1979. I am pretty proficient with both. I took some classes at the local community college to get some instruction and get the best out of both of them. I also took some MIG classes.

Maybe 10-15 years ago I went with the Hobart Handler 140. 120v wire feed. It came with a gas regulator and can do MIG, but I've stuck with flux core for the time being. I've yet to have a reason to get a tank and use MIG.

I went with the 140 because, like you, I do some thinner stuff that would take some finesse with the stick or torch, and, it's really convenient to be able to just use it like a hot glue gun to tack stuff together, then go back with the stick welder if I need heavier capabilities. It's also nice to be able to take it to a friend's house and not worry if they'll have 220V outlets.

You've stated that you need to sell the stick to finance the wire feed. If that's the case, and you can afford the 190, go with the heavier 220V machine.
It has a longer duty cycle.
It is spool gun ready.
It can do a bit thicker metal.
It's got 7 steps of voltage, VS 5 for the 140, so a bit more control.
Neither one has digital readouts, so to me, that's a plus, as less things to break.

Good luck in your decision making process.

 

[Spike56]

I started with a torch and a Sears AC/DC 220V stick welder when I was 18, so back in 1979. I am pretty proficient with both. I took some classes at the local community college to get some instruction and get the best out of both of them. I also took some MIG classes.

Maybe 10-15 years ago I went with the Hobart Handler 140. 120v wire feed. It came with a gas regulator and can do MIG, but I've stuck with flux core for the time being. I've yet to have a reason to get a tank and use MIG.

I went with the 140 because, like you, I do some thinner stuff that would take some finesse with the stick or torch, and, it's really convenient to be able to just use it like a hot glue gun to tack stuff together, then go back with the stick welder if I need heavier capabilities. It's also nice to be able to take it to a friend's house and not worry if they'll have 220V outlets.

You've stated that you need to sell the stick to finance the wire feed. If that's the case, and you can afford the 190, go with the heavier 220V machine.
It has a longer duty cycle.
It is spool gun ready.
It can do a bit thicker metal.
It's got 7 steps of voltage, VS 5 for the 140, so a bit more control.
Neither one has digital readouts, so to me, that's a plus, as less things to break.

Good luck in your decision making process.

Thanks MossRoad. As funny as this may sound: "It's also nice to be able to take it to a friend's house and not worry if they'll have 220V outlets", I almost WANT a 220V so that all my wife's multiple member family doesn't find out I could come to their house and weld / fix something !!!!! They would be calling for EVERYTHING !

Think you have helped me decide to get the 190. Just need to sell my Stick.

Thanks again !