Buying a Welder

[CBW1999]

I am sort of a hobby farmer that is considering the purchase of welding equipment. The equipment will serve 2 general purposes. Repairing what I break and, some light to medium fabrication work.

It is not something that will be used daily. When it is used, it won't be for hours at a time. I do not expect to have to weld anything thicker than 3/8 inch

I have between little and moderate experience with both stick and MIG. Although I do not like the "buzz box" and sticks, I am better with that than MIG, although with practice I would get better......

I have the ability to run appropriate power supply for whatever I get, so that is not really a big concern, although I am curious if there is a 110v model that fits these needs.

So, what have you got that you like? Pro's and Con's? Any suggestions on specific brands to avoid all together? Although $$ is a consideration, whatever I get I will save up for. So, no need to go bargain brand, but I do not want to sell my left Kidney either:laughing:

Thanks for the input!

 

[ampa]

I am sort of a hobby farmer that is considering the purchase of welding equipment. The equipment will serve 2 general purposes. Repairing what I break and, some light to medium fabrication work.

It is not something that will be used daily. When it is used, it won't be for hours at a time. I do not expect to have to weld anything thicker than 3/8 inch

I have between little and moderate experience with both stick and MIG. Although I do not like the "buzz box" and sticks, I am better with that than MIG, although with practice I would get better......

I have the ability to run appropriate power supply for whatever I get, so that is not really a big concern, although I am curious if there is a 110v model

So, what have you got that you like? Pro's and Con's? Any suggestions on specific brands to avoid all together? Although $$ is a consideration, whatever I get I will save up for. So, no need to go bargain brand, but I do not want to sell my left Kidney either:laughing:

Thanks for the input![/QUOTE You may want to read my post on a 110/125 volt Lincoln wire feed welder and decied if this fits your needs....if you have a 20 amp receptical box by it's self nothing else runnin' off it lights etc....if not it will cost u to install a 20 amp breaker,these type light duty welders will not work proper on a 15 amp outlet,read my recent posts and decied if this one fits your needs..... it will only cost u a leg or an arm..... (just kidding)..... Ampa

 

[two_bit_score]

Look into the Lincoln 180c mig welder.

 

[mrennie]

Hobart Handler 210....210 amps, MIG and flux core, good for 3/8" in a single pass, and can weld down to 24 gauge. 7 tap positions and easy to use.

My $0.02...I have one and love it. One welder that does most of what a MIG and a stick machine would do.

 

[Big Bri]

i've got a Miler 210 and love it, i added the spool gun to weld aluminum. I've had it for 10 years now and been trouble free.
i also have a miller mig pack that i like when i have to weld away from the shop. has held up nice and is about 12 years old.
Good luck
Brian

 

[smfcpacfp]

I have a Millermatic 211 with a spoolgun for aluminum. It weight about 80 lbs with a cart. It is about 1 year old and would be an excellent, maybe high end choice, for what you want. Including a new argon tank it was about $1,500 out the door. It uses either 110 or 220. I have no regrets whatsoever.

 

[bota7800]

I have a Millermatic 211 ... It uses either 110 or 220. I have no regrets whatsoever.

I am considering that very unit. Have you ever actually used it on 110? If so, how did it do and what thickness did you weld? Thanks

 

[crusty 1]

I have lincoln sp 135+ wire feed works very well.Also lincoln 225 works good too.Use the 225 for repair work mostly on used or dirty stuff where the wirefeed doesn,t work so well.

 

[stevem5215]

I have the 90 amp Harbor freight one. It's cheap and welds cheaply but it works well for what it is. All of my welds are still holding so it must weld. It's a flux wire 90amp model. Low duty cycle but did I say it only cost $90 ? That's a cheap weld.

Steve

 

[smfcpacfp]

I am considering that very unit. Have you ever actually used it on 110? If so, how did it do and what thickness did you weld? Thanks

No I haven't. I have a 45 amp 220 circuit that I use just for welding.