110 Volt Mig Welder... Need Info...

[Dave___in___CT]

Hi...


Looking for your input on 110 volt Mig welders... up to 20 amp draw... (or stick welders if they come in 110 v)

Don't want a 220v unit. Looking for portability and to run off a 110v generator too.
I understand the welding metal thickness limitations...


Which ones are the best ? Brand... make... model...
Key things to look or look-out for ?
What they will and won't do...
Flux core and/or shielded gas welding?


I previously had a lower-end 220 volt Lincoln AC stick welder... and a set of oxy-acetylene torches... so I have some limited welding experience...


Thanks...

Dave...

 

[shvl73]

I would also be interested in hearing some input, but I have no previous welding experience.

 

[MadReferee]

I'll bet if you go to the Hobart/Miller welders board and ask that question you will get a much broader range of answers. These guys seem willing to give an honest opinion without the overbearing brand loyality seen elsewhere.

Welding Board

 

[MadReferee]

However, in any case you should look at the Hobart Handler 135. Its 110 volts, sold at TSC, and is designed for light use by the typical hobbyist. Probably the best bang for the buck.

 

[cowboydoc]

I've got a snapon and love it. It's been problem free and a great welder.

 

[CTyler]

The first thing I'd ask myself is, whats the thickest piece I need to weld? If its 1/4 or less your ok otherwise your gonna be beveling with multiple passes.

I've gotta a little 110v welder I bought 15 years ago for body work. It met my needs most of the time but need something bigger these days. I'm looking at a Millermatic 251, Century 255 etc.. welders for stuff other than body pannels and light welding.

Anyway....trying to use .035 wire for any length of time welding 1/4" and it will start shutting off. The Hobart mentioned would work better than mine for sure just have to pay attention to the duty cycle and what your welding. I'm not an expert on this, just my observations.

 

[jimg]

MIG in 110v is far more versatile than stick. In fact I think youd be really disappointed w/ a 110v stick welder. All of the major mfgs make a MIG welder w/ your specs and all are good. So brand alone isnt going to get you what you want. Id look for a pkg setup (welder, regulator, etc. ) along w/ easy setup and operation. That would be the Miller 135, Lincoln 135T & 135 plus and Hobart Handler 125 & 135. Traditionally the weak pt for MIG machines has been the wire feed. Im sure though by this time theyve gotten most of the bugs ironed out. My only experience is w/ larger Miller machines and they were excellent w/ loads of bells/whistles. The small machines will tend to be pretty basic. Also visit your local welding supply store and look the units over and ask questions. You should be aware that you're going to have some on going operating expense w/ a MIG machine in the form of tips and gas (if you dont use FC). If you go w/ a gas shield you *need* something to contain the cylinder. The best route is to get a cart that holds the welder, gas and supplies. I think some of the units above might come w/ a cart. If not theyre pretty easy to build and they can be bought inexpensively too.

That said you should be aware that one can make beautiful MIG welds that are totally defective. If you go the MIG route you should really figure in some instruction time/expense. Good MIG welds all start w/ correct setup. The setup depends on what you're welding and how (FC or gas) and the type of electrode.

 

[MadReferee]

Good point on the wire feeds. One of the biggest differences between the Miller and Hobart lines is that the Miller uses no plastic parts in the wire feed whereas the Hobart does even though the Miller and Hobart are made on the same production line.

 

[rims421]

Be sure that no matter what model you choose be sure you buy it from a welding supply shop. Not Home Depot, Lowes,
Northern Equipment etc. They carry a similar prouduct but they cut corners and it is not the same as a welder from a real welding shop. If you compare the prices for the bargain basement model and a "real welder" the differance is not much and somtimes the bargain model does not have the options or features of the real unit.

 

[jimg]

I just noticed you have Merriam-Graves in your state. I do some of my business w/ them. Theyre a pretty good outfit and should have show/tell units on the floor for you to look at/touch. The closest Maine Oxy is in
Southborough, MA which is a pretty good hike from where you are. I do most of by business w/ them. Both outfits though are very good! The M-G locations are:

Torrington
474 New Litchfield St.
Torrington, CT 06790
(860) 482-2358
Fax: (860) 489-3627
(888) 464-2344

Wallingford
Suite 4
22 North Plains Industrial Road
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 265-5821
Fax: (203) 265-5945
(877) 219-7386

Windham
352 Bricktop Road, Route 14
Windham, CT 06280
(860) 423-1681
Fax: (860) 423-7322
(800) 924-4593