Novice wants a MIG, advise ?

[charlessenf]

"I've been considering Forney."
Forney - Welding Machines - Welding & Soldering
https://www.homedepot.com › Forney

"I read an article once that said they come with a very short lead." I thought it wasn't the length of the lead so much as the motion of the ocean. Or am I out of my depth here?

 

[t44e6]

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.

At this point for the home user, it's time to put the Harbor Freight Titanium and Vulcan models in the "name brand" category. My .02. Professionally I have used Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, and Snap-On units. After I retired, moved and set up my own home shop, I did some research and ended up buying a Vulcan Pro-Tig 200 and a Titanium MIG 170. I was able to get the Pro-Tig for $250 at a HF Sidewalk sale. Someone bought it, used it for a job, then returned it. It was marked at $500 and if it didn't sell it was $250 the nest day. I told the manager make it $250 now and I will also buy the MIG and some consumables. BAM. Worth checking your local store for returns. Very easy to set up and use. Lots of aftermarket support. The only gripes are with the standard guns and ground clamps. They are serviceable enough but you may want to replace them. New Vulcans have a great extended warranty available. In my experience it is easier dealing with HF than Home Depot or Lowes if there is an issue. The local welding supply place won't give any deals to non commercial users. A lot of the more affordable "name brand" units have lots of Chinese parts and crappy drive mechanisms. In the end YOU are the factor that determines the quality of your welds for the most part. I didn't worry too much about duty cycles for home use and I have yet to bump up against it repairing or fabricating around the property.

 

[Lstlk2hi]

We've had a Miller 220 for over 30 years. It still works well.

 

[james a flanders]

I like Lincoln & Hobart but the vulcon 215 and titan 170 from hf are as good and cost less .l have ran them for 5 years professional with no problems,both run 110 or 220 with 10 lb spolls

 

[Popgadget]

I have the newer Hobart 140, and it does a great job for what it is. I have larger welders, so I’m covered, but I retrospect I would have gotten the Hobart 210, as it can use 120 or 240. I have higher powered stick and TIG machines, but I find myself using the MIG more than I expected.

I never use flux core, as it’s comparatively messy with a lot more splatter.

 

[sailonner]

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 have used my Lincoln SP170 MIG/Fluxcore machine for about 25 years. Welded about $250K worth of projects with it. If you want to see one of those, look up BattleBots on YouTube. My little company fabricated most of the arena floor weapons back in 2000, 2001. It’s a 230VAC hookup. Mostly used fluxxcore wire. I found the 120VAC type machines useful only on sheet metal and low duty cycle jobs.

 

[California]

DrRighteous,

The wire you use makes a huge difference. I use flux core wire most of the time as it is convenient. I found that INE wire made in Italy gives me WAY better results. Self-shielded flux-cored wire for welding carbon and C - Mn steels | INE SpA

Agree 100%! As an amateur, INE flux core works notably better for me compared to anything else. Finding this simply reduced the number of variables I needed to get control over, as I was learning.

I'm using a couple of welders that don't have that video display to tell you what to do. Using Inetub flux core makes it look like I know what I'm doing. Recommended!

 

[alexpops]

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

 

[ruko]

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 have a MIG and TIG combo welder. TIG is so much fun I am partially aroused when using it. I would suggest a combo welder if possible. 240 volt too.

 

[tom3]

Probably already mentioned but the 120 volt welder is very portable as opposed to a 240 volt machine. If you're welding thick stuff you probably need a good stick machine anyway.