MIG Welder for Beginner/Light Use

[5030]

If you want a decent welder buy a Hobart , Lincoln, or Miller, you will pay more , but the machine will outlast you and your kids can inherit it someday.
I was a welder for over 30 yrs and for 12 yrs I burned a 30lb spool of 0.45 wire a day welding irrigation equipment then ornamental iron security doors.
I always bought quality welders (Miller) they can run 8 hrs non stop and parts are made here in the US.
chinese welders are cheap because they are made from garbage components, you get what you pay for.

I realize a lot of you are just hobbyists, or want a welder for repairs and the chinese model will do that, but for the long run buy American made,
you wont regret it.

When I retired from welding full time, I sold my US welders many years later for the same price I paid for them in the early 80s.

Not any more, back then maybe, not now. Miller and Lincoln use 'cheap Chinese' parts today and Hobart is almost 100% offshore built. If you doubt me, take the cover off a new Lincoln or Miller and look for yourself. I like domestic made products just like everyone else but it's not gonna happen with welders today, especially with the IGBT technology. Go read the reviews on the HF website, one thing about HF reviews, they publish the good and the bad unlike Amazon...lol

Why I keep the pair of older Hobart MIG machines I have because they were built in Troy, Ohio from domestic components and are transformer machines and so is my Lincoln Ranger engine drive. In reality, I prefer a transformer machine over an IGBT machine as the arc is smoother and the duty cycle longer but those machines are no longer made today, sadly.

If I was the OP and wanted a good and capable MIG welder, I'd be perusing FB Marketplace or Craigslist for a used Hobart Handler, they are out there but you have to look. Any of the older Hobart Handlers are good smooth transformer machines. I believe the lower output Handlers are 110 volt, not sure however and in my case, I'd never purchase a 110 volt machine in the first place simply because of the limited output amperage. I'd say my Handler 210 has the best wet out of any machine I've ever used and it's very forgiving as well.

Like I said, I'd never part with the 2 I have.

When I'm building my motorcycle stands that I sell, I run either one of the 210's almost continuously, all day and at high amperage and they never complain at all.

I'll jig up numerous stands and start welding and I don't stop until all are done and I usually weld up 20 at a time, all heavy gage rectangular steel tubing and plasma cut 3/16" uprights.

I won't touch your watermelon either...lol

 

[5030]

If you want a decent welder buy a Hobart , Lincoln, or Miller, you will pay more , but the machine will outlast you and your kids can inherit it someday.
I was a welder for over 30 yrs and for 12 yrs I burned a 30lb spool of 0.45 wire a day welding irrigation equipment then ornamental iron security doors.
I always bought quality welders (Miller) they can run 8 hrs non stop and parts are made here in the US.
chinese welders are cheap because they are made from garbage components, you get what you pay for.

I realize a lot of you are just hobbyists, or want a welder for repairs and the chinese model will do that, but for the long run buy American made,
you wont regret it.

When I retired from welding full time, I sold my US welders many years later for the same price I paid for them in the early 80s.

Not any more, back then maybe, not now. Miller and Lincoln use 'cheap Chinese' parts today and Hobart is almost 100% offshore built

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I am looking for a MIG for the shop. The HF units come highly recommend

 

[paulsharvey]

I am looking for a MIG for the shop. The HF units come highly recommend

The Titanium Flux 125 is a pretty primitive machine, no dinse connector on the ground, unsure is it has replacement parts for the gun, and it can't accept gas at a later date. The Mig 140 does offer the ability to grow with the machine, but its $449.99, and it's 120v only, and single process. It does come with gas hose and regulator though, which many of the Amazon ones dont.

 

[YanmarFever]

Yes it looks like Miller does use (some) cheap chinese parts in their welders, however 99% of the rest is made here.
However when I bought our welders, in the 80s the chinese were still in the stone age and making baby rattles..

 

[TripleS]

Prime weld has the best warranty and bang for buck out here. If you call them they will give you a discount also to earn your business.

 

[ArlyA]

I’m fascinated by welding… I do a fair amount of repair and thought I’d try to learn the basics. Removing a stuck bolt, repairing a mower deck… I’m sure they have 1,000 uses.

Eastwood has one on sale right now, seems well received. Unsure what to look for… 110v is all my house has right now.

I've welded for many years and finally got one for home shop use. Sure glad I got a 220 volt one capable of running .035 wire. Its a Everlast if that matters and happy with it.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

When I built the shop a couple years ago I had them run 220 for this very reason.

 

[2manyrocks]

The Titanium Flux 125 is a pretty primitive machine, no dinse connector on the ground, unsure is it has replacement parts for the gun, and it can't accept gas at a later date. The Mig 140 does offer the ability to grow with the machine, but its $449.99, and it's 120v only, and single process. It does come with gas hose and regulator though, which many of the Amazon ones dont.

If this is the Mig 140 you're talking about, there is a coupon sale for $379.99 now. MIG 140 Professional Welder with 120V Input

 

[stucknutz]

I've experimented with may different wires and I've found from experience that INE wires work the best for me and the price is good as well. At least Lincoln draws their wire at their Euclid, Ohio plant. My dad retired from there btw.

I'm glad we got our information right finally. Unlike the last thread about wire!

OP: Cant go wrong with Miller,Hobart,Lincoln. There is a reason why they cost more. If anybody says those brands are the same as the HF or what you buy off amazon they are highly mistaken!

It's kind of like the gas truck guys bashing the Diesel guys. I think it's because they did not Pony up the money in the beginning for the better equipment and they try to justify their poor decisions!!

A old man once told me. It only costs a nickel more to go 1st class!