Novice wants a MIG, advise ?

[California]

Word is that HF solid wire is rebranded INE ... not sure what their fluxcore is.

I think the Vulcan flux core also uses INE's unique method of securing the outer end of the wire, melting it into the flange of the plastic spool instead of threading it through a hole. Vulcan 10 lb spools show 'Made In Italy'.

So - possible.


Has anyone here compared them one after the other?

 

[kpsp50]

Look up prime weld.com it is a 110/ 220 welder flux core or gas come standard with a spool gun for aluminum for $500 keeps up with the Lincoln and Miller I've used all brands it is very nice welder. I have Lincoln, miller, htp for the price you can't beat it good luck on your venture.

 

[yomax4]

Man, 13 pages of novice advice. Ooofdahh. I bet it will hit 20.

 

[ning]

I get a lot done with an old Miller 130 unit, which only claims to go up to 1/8" but can still yield satisfactory results to 1/4" (obviously with a very low duty cycle). I'm not suggesting it, or something that small, but you'd be surprised at how much you can do with a small unit.

Still, I'll eventually get something bigger if I can justify it, just everything I've built so far (using E71T-GS flux core wire) has turned out great.

(my unit came with an 8" roll, and when I got some 2# rolls I had to kluge it to fit them. strange, i'd expect the opposite with a small machine!)

 

[zimmerman45]

A couple of years ago I bought a Hobart 210 Handler. I use it with 230v but it will run on 115v with reduced amperage capability. I use gas but it will also use flux core wire if you need to carry it on site somewhere. Consumables are easy to find. It will use the larger 8" wire spools. It has worked flawlessly and I've used it quite a bit. If you are a professional welder or money isn't a factor I'd go Miller. Otherwise I think you will find the Hobart 210 meets your requirements. Not familiar with the Lincoln line but they are probably on par with the Hobart. Avoid the Chinese cheapo's. My 2c anyway...

 

[iroast]

I am still researching a MIG. So far, I am sticking with the "name brands" that I know: Lincoln, Hobart (Miller) and Everlast. What I **think** I want is a 110/220 capable machine and
- can use large spools (8")
- capable using flux core in addition to (argon+co2) with wire
- do NOT need stick or TIG capability (already have a Miller stick)
- 10' leads would be nice

So far, considering a Hobart 140, Lincoln 140 (or maybe Lincoln Handy Mig k2185-1?) and Everlast 200ES. Checked a larger Miller / Lincolns locally, the next sizes up almost 2x prices. As mentioned, the Hobart, Lincoln and Miller are sold local, so any "options"/ parts... would be available.

Honestly, I am somewhat frozen by all the specs and features. I'd really like some opinions. This machine is mainly for Hobby use. Thin gauge tubing / thinnish rebar (wire, maybe up to 1/2"). So, trying to stick with a name brand, one that is easy to load spools, adjust and as trouble free as possible.
Perhaps, the ones I mentioned are all about equivalent? But I would appreciate advice from "experts" before buying and having regrets.

I am still researching a MIG. So far, I am sticking with the "name brands" that I know: Lincoln, Hobart (Miller) and Everlast. What I **think** I want is a 110/220 capable machine and
- can use large spools (8")
- capable using flux core in addition to (argon+co2) with wire
- do NOT need stick or TIG capability (already have a Miller stick)
- 10' leads would be nice

So far, considering a Hobart 140, Lincoln 140 (or maybe Lincoln Handy Mig k2185-1?) and Everlast 200ES. Checked a larger Miller / Lincolns locally, the next sizes up almost 2x prices. As mentioned, the Hobart, Lincoln and Miller are sold local, so any "options"/ parts... would be available.

Honestly, I am somewhat frozen by all the specs and features. I'd really like some opinions. This machine is mainly for Hobby use. Thin gauge tubing / thinnish rebar (wire, maybe up to 1/2"). So, trying to stick with a name brand, one that is easy to load spools, adjust and as trouble free as possible.
Perhaps, the ones I mentioned are all about equivalent? But I would appreciate advice from "experts" before buying and having regrets.

I’m happy with my Hobart IronMan 240.
Got it on sale at TSC, took advantage of their low interest three year financing.

 

[JoelPM]

I was in the same situation about a year ago. After looking at many options (Hobart 210 to HF to YesWelder) I opted to go with the ESAB EM 210. It was in the same price range as the Hobart Handler 210 and Vulcan MigMax 215. I chose it because it's from a reputable company while offering a few more features than the HH210. So far I've been very pleased with it for the random repairs/odd jobs I've used it for. I've run it on both 115 and 220.

 

[jiggseob]

I'm with Yomax... 13 pages of advice for a novice... Being a novice (mig welder) in the same state as Original Poster, that you already have and are reasonably competent with a stick... and now wanting to broaden your capability and take on tasks you wouldn't dream of tackling with a stick welder.

The real answer for which welder works for you depends on what you are planning on doing with your MIG welder? Are you hoping it will relegate your stick welder to the bush? Or are you going to use the mig for off-position and thin-material jobs that your stick-welder is not suited to? A mig welder that can put your stick welder in the corner never to be used again will be pricey, like a couple few thousand... A 140~180 amp mig that can tack 1/8 mild steel together and do body panels and thin stuff should be several hundred dollars.

The "whip" on your mig welder is a fixed length, probably 8 feet, maybe 10 feet, maybe 12 feet. The longer the whip, the more expensive that part is, both to purchase, and to refurbish when worn out. The wire-drive "pushes" wire through the whip. The shorter the whip, the less "piling up" of wire you will experience, and the smoother the wire will feed. But the most important thing for how your whip functions is how that whip is cared for. Do not jerk the welder around the shop by the whip. Do not kink, walk on, or horror of horrors drive on your whip. When your whip goes sideways, it doesn't really stop working, it just feeds wire jerky and you get crappy welds and sticking and annoy the hell out of you welding. An old (now late) welder told me to treat your mig-whip with as much care as you treat your manhood.

One thing that is sure to annoy you is the cheap-ass booster cable clamp pretend ground clamp every welder comes with. Replace it with a screw-type clamp that makes sure your ground connection to the work-piece is sound.

Happy welding...

 

[etpm]

I've been considering Forney. I heard that Home Depot sells them. Does anyone know anything about Forney? Isn't it an old brand, too?

I was considering a Harbor Freight MIG, but I read an article once that said they come with a very short lead.

Much Forney stuff is just re-badged stuff from various manufacturers. I don't know who makes Forney MIG welders but I would be surprised if the info wasn't available online. Yup, Forney welders are made in Italy. There are at least two Italian companies making welding machines.
Eric

 

[Gstigs]

I’m no expert but have used A Lincoln 110 v with gas and it did a great job. I have a Campbell - Hausfeld 110v for home use which is a flux core wire machine and it’s ok nothing to write home about and my favorite was a miller 210 which was superb.
What I’m really saying is you get what you pay for. It is worth spending a bit more for the capability when you need it.

 

[MoArk Willy]

It was me that started this thread?
"stop with the discussion and just decide on unit and buy it, and then deal with electrical power as necessary, in lieu of redoing all the wiring in shop just get or make up large extension cord to reach from receptacle to welder."
Wow thought the forum was for this purpose. Guess I was wrong.

If I may I will tell you my story.
I purchased a 160 amp stick welder, a DC inverter welder first. Absoutlely loved it. I hadn't welded in years and the inverter type is a vast improvement.
I weld little projects, fix broken things, usually nothing heavier than 1/4"
Then I wanted to try a mig but couldn't justify buying a tank or renting one and then gas for the few times I will be using it.
So I bought a wire flux from Harbor Freight.....another inverter type.
The "Titanium" line, the 125 amp. That machine works on 120 / 240.
I've had both for several years, haven't found anything that one or the other couldn't weld.
For thin metal, the flux is great. I've welded tubing the thickness of a lawn mower handle with no problem.
One more thing about flux.....it isn't affected by wind like a mig would be. That makes it ideal for taking it to the job instead of taking the job to you.
I think the stick welder was about $150 (Amico) and the flux about $199.
Of course you can get a much larger welder, but if I read your original post accurately it seems that you just may never need it.
And if you need 1/2" welded....maybe you can just take it and have someone do it that has the equipment.
I see no reason to spend a lot of money on a welder that may be 2 or 3 times what you will actually ever need.
Just my opinion.
And good luck to you.
I did a lot of research before I bought the two I have and I am glad I did.

 

[California]

... ....
And if you need 1/2" welded....maybe you can just take it and have someone do it that has the equipment.
I see no reason to spend a lot of money on a welder that may be 2 or 3 times what you will actually ever need.
Just my opinion.
And good luck to you.
I did a lot of research before I bought the two I have and I am glad I did.

Ditto. I agree.

Three yard-sale welders here, cheap. Then the $149 Amico 130A flux wire welder. I like it best of all.

This is simply all I need for my minor farm repairs.

There can be pride of ownership in buying pro gear but ... worst case I've read about, someone who bought a $3,000+ SnapOn welder only because he could finance it with them and could only afford the minimum monthly payments - forever. At maybe 29 % interest.

Because he wanted to see if he would like to learn welding.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I just got an email this morning that at Harbor Freight there's a coupon for the Titanium MIG 170 for $520, I have one and have tried to kill it unsuccessfully... I think I mentioned it before but it's 110/220 with included cord, comes with a spool of flux core and solid I believe as well as the regulator and hose for gas or use flux core, it takes the bigger spools just fine... I just upgrade to the $7ish ground clamp from HFT from the cheapie that it comes with, I even go as cheap as to enlarge the stock ring terminal on the end of the wire with a tapered punch and socket to go from the stock 6mm bolt to 8mm... their fancier cast ground clamp would be nicer but whatever...

 

[Spike56]

I just got an email this morning that at Harbor Freight there's a coupon for the Titanium MIG 170 for $520, I have one and have tried to kill it unsuccessfully... I think I mentioned it before but it's 110/220 with included cord, comes with a spool of flux core and solid I believe as well as the regulator and hose for gas or use flux core, it takes the bigger spools just fine... I just upgrade to the $7ish ground clamp from HFT from the cheapie that it comes with, I even go as cheap as to enlarge the stock ring terminal on the end of the wire with a tapered punch and socket to go from the stock 6mm bolt to 8mm... their fancier cast ground clamp would be nicer but whatever...

I have not seen the coupon, yet. But this sounds like a capable machine suited for my needs! Will investigate. My purchase has been delayed by an unexpected expense. How long is yet to be determined. Any comment about part compatibility, such as replacement tips and/or any "common" things you might need? Every once and awhile I see Tweco mentioned as a brand/type. I don't know what I don't know. I do know that I hate having to order replacement parts! I would much much prefer to buy stuff locally.
Seems it "might" come with the gas hook-up. Hard to tell since they list (2) SKU numbers on the web and I don't know the SKU for the sale item. I am so skeptical of deals these days. Have been burned by bait and switch and "big box" models of supposedly the same item, which turns out to be a cheapened version. That is another rant for another day.
Thanks again.

 

[Bmantel]

Spike,

Like others have said - you will need 240v to reach your goal of that thick material. Put in another outlet for the MIG if you have to.

Surprisingly Harbor Freight has some not half bad machines in the $600-800 class for MIGs. They have come along way and they stock consumables.

Good Luck,
Blake

 

[Bmantel]

Oh yah... Frogot this tidbit.

For a longer Torch check out YesWelding on Amazon. They are cheap and we have a few around at work after they do stupid things to the original ones....
Blake

 

[WranglerX]

I have not seen the coupon, yet. But this sounds like a capable machine suited for my needs! Will investigate. My purchase has been delayed by an unexpected expense. How long is yet to be determined. Any comment about part compatibility, such as replacement tips and/or any "common" things you might need? Every once and awhile I see Tweco mentioned as a brand/type. I don't know what I don't know. I do know that I hate having to order replacement parts! I would much much prefer to buy stuff locally.
Seems it "might" come with the gas hook-up. Hard to tell since they list (2) SKU numbers on the web and I don't know the SKU for the sale item. I am so skeptical of deals these days. Have been burned by bait and switch and "big box" models of supposedly the same item, which turns out to be a cheapened version. That is another rant for another day.
Thanks again.

Buy welder through local welding supply that also stocks supplies and parts .... For Example there are three local "hardware" stores that handle FORNEY in my area.... And local Tractor Supply (25 miles away) has HOBART, rural living you know....Closest local true welding and gas supplier(s) is actually 37 miles away.... Usually stock up on some spare consumables when going to "big city" when making shopping runs for household and need gas and wire and contact tips....

 

[jjeff]

Ive never owned a lighter newer inverter type welder just the heavy transformer type welders my smaller Hobarts and Lincolns are heavy, you may want to invest or build a cart for them for ease of movement, Imo. The HF cart is pretty inexpensive and a back saver, the front swivel casters are very cheap may want to upgrade or get metal bushings for them. Still under $50 total including worthwhile upgrades you have to do yourself. Also just my unfounded opinion but some of these off brand foreign welders in order to fall in a price point and still market good penetration power, good duty cycles, and include so many accessories probably aren't using higher end components where they need them.

 

[Signsmith]

I bought a Miller 180 Auto-set about 10yrs back when I started my sign shop. Got the spool gun with it because I mainly weld aluminum. That blue machine has paid for itself MANY times over!! I've gone through a few spool guns (they get beat up) but, the machine itself has never had an issue. The auto-set feature never really worked for me (heard they've improved since then) and I find it a pain to switch from welding MIG alum (spool gun) to the steel torch so, often just use my old 'Buzz-Box' Miller Stick for steel. I'm decent with stick although much better with a Mig torch. That is why recently, I decided it was time to have a dedicated Steel MIG machine.

So, the search began. After much debate (& dozens of U-tube vids) I settled on one of the new Harbor freight models.
Since they offer spool guns now, I actually decided to set up a new Aluminum welder and keep my Miller 180 for Steel. The machine I chose is the Vulcan MIG-Max 215. It can run on 120v & 220v (has both connectors), comes with Mig torch, 10ft leads, a Sheet Metal Guage (super handy) and regulator plus extra tips. The machine is has inverter technology and has an "Auto" feature (they call Synergic) which works very well and very helpful for someone new-ish to MIG welding. It also uses the same consumables their other machines use and heard they are the same as Lincoln. Had also considered one of their Titanium machines which, also had good reviews.

I got the orange unit at HB on sale for $849 + the Spool Gun on sale for $180. Added Another 80cf tank of shielded gas for $240 (owner tank) and of course spools of wire for both machines. All in I'm around $1300. So far, all I can say that I am quite impressed with the quality of this machine. My aluminum welds look better than ever. The auto feature works really well but, I still run in manual mode and plugged in to 220v. Have not tried running on 120v yet. Time will tell how it holds up but, for now I am very happy with this purchase.

Good luck with your purchase. Remember, if a Good welder you ain't....Just use a grinder and some paint!
-RS

 

[jjeff]

I disagree with some folks who say flux core is not good for thin wall sheet metal. These small beads are on an old, cheaper, worn out craftsman bottom chest I almost scrapped, made 15 or so yrs ago with my old 100 amp wire feed Lincoln flux core welder. The thickness of box is probably 22 gauge angle iron used is probably 3/16. Practice makes perfect imo.