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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: Jeepmon]
#769610
08/09/10 02:57 PM
08/09/10 02:57 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 179
Auburn, Indiana
The Duster
member
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member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 179
Auburn, Indiana
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I'm just starting too, but after a lot research, I went with the Hobart Handler 187. Hobart is owned by Miller, and some of the parts are the same but at a lower price. The gun even says Miller on it. http://hobartwelders.com/products/wirefeed/handler187/ I got mine at my local Tractor Supply (TSC) for $600. You will still need to buy a tank ($210) and fill with C25 ($20), and a cart. I have yet to get a 50 foot extension cord ($110). You will also need to have your garage wired for the welder. I did mine myself, but you need to know what you're doing. Most people should have it done. I wired two outlets, one in front and one in the back of the garage. From what I learned before buying, there are three good brands to buy. Miller, Hobart, and Lincoln. Hope this helps.
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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: The Duster]
#769611
08/09/10 03:19 PM
08/09/10 03:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 12,271
Overpriced Housing Central
RobX4406
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 12,271
Overpriced Housing Central
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Quote:
Hobart is owned by Miller, and some of the parts are the same but at a lower price. The gun even says Miller on it.
They aren't the same internally.
The handler 187 is a nice machine.
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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: Welderman]
#769613
08/09/10 03:42 PM
08/09/10 03:42 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 961
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TMP66
super stock
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super stock
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 961
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Quote:
First of all dont believe all the lies about a 110 volt machine. Dont waste your money!!! A 220 volt machine is the ONLY way to go.
 Save up and spend the extra coin. Don't use the 'I'm only going to weld thin stuff' excuse. You might regret a small cheap welder, but never a bigger quality machine. 
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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: TMP66]
#769618
08/09/10 05:28 PM
08/09/10 05:28 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,082
St. Paul , Mn.
tubtar
master
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master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,082
St. Paul , Mn.
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+1 on the 220 v.
I have a Lincoln 170 and it really works well for me.
I test drove Miller's and ESAB's before I bought and they were all close in $$$
I just liked how the Lincoln worked.........easier to weld with for me.
A purely subjective criterion , but how it felt making beads did it.
Big tank of 73/30 CO2 and argon and I have been happy with it for 15 years.
Last edited by tubtar; 08/09/10 05:29 PM.
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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: tubtar]
#769619
08/09/10 05:32 PM
08/09/10 05:32 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 498
El Dorado Ca
65signet
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 498
El Dorado Ca
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Miller 180 here, 220 for frame and roll bar only! 110 will not do it.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda 273 M/SA
1970 Plymouth Duster 360/904 10.60s with J heads
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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: 65signet]
#769620
08/09/10 06:12 PM
08/09/10 06:12 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,054
Bowling Green, KY
cudaboy
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,054
Bowling Green, KY
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Quote:
Miller, Hobart, and Lincoln.
Agreed, but get one with infinite voltage and wire speed control.
Dennis
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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: justinp61]
#769621
08/09/10 07:40 PM
08/09/10 07:40 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 961
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TMP66
super stock
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super stock
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 961
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Quote:
I have a Miller 210, it is a great machine, if I were to buy another it would be a Miller 252.
Ditto...
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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: The Duster]
#769624
08/10/10 12:16 AM
08/10/10 12:16 AM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,506
Az
Crizila
master
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master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,506
Az
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Quote:
I forgot the most important piece, the helmet. Do not skimp on the helmet at all. I got a Speedglas 9002X online auction, but there are several good ones to choose from. Things to look at are field of view, how fast it auto darkens. You may or may not want the delay option to stay dark after you stop welding because of your work still glowing, I believe this is mostly for TIG, but could be wrong.
Bottom line, protect your eyes well.
Good info on the helmet Good field of view ( especially if you ware glasses ), adjustable auto darkening and adjustable delay are all features you will want. Quality helmets will start at $150 and up. BTW, you don't need a 220 welder to weld 3/8" plate. I bought a used HTP that has adjustable weld and pause times ( great for stitching pannels ) and will easily weld 3/8" plate. Runs on 110. Unless you are welding outside in the breeze, stay away from flux core mig welders. Gas is the way to go.
Fastest 300
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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: Moparnut426]
#769626
08/10/10 12:50 AM
08/10/10 12:50 AM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,293
Rock Springs
Bob_Coomer
master
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master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,293
Rock Springs
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A 140 amp 110v will be just fine for material up around 1/8" or so...despite what some say...Some of these recommendations are welders that cost towards $2K..sorry but you dont need a 225 amp Miller to do any job for a race cars/ auto's. Anything over 3/8 I weld with a stick, I dont care what it is. But let me add this, if you live on a farm, have equipment, or piddle a bunch, a large welder will come in handy. But for the average joe, who just wants to work on a race car......A 160-175 amp will be plenty. I have a little 145 amp Lincoln that I can do any thing humanly possible with a race car, and have proper, strong, penetrating welds... (it just might mean some extra prep work like beveling etc) No need for a $250 hood. Wont help a welder one bit. Those fancy hoods have there faults also. They can be andy in tight space where you dont have room to flip the hood up, thats the only advantage IMO. The old 2x3 hoods work fine, and you can flip the welding lens and it doubles as a grinding shield....Big Plus..Cause if you do any grinding which you will, you will need a grinding shield. Dont trust safety glasses only, you will get metal in your eye. Flux wire can look just as good, as shielding gas also. Its cheaper to operate thats for sure. Take the extra money you saved with a traditional hood and buy a decent welding jacket, spats, or sleeves minimal. Just talking from someone who has burnt more welding rods in a few ten hour shift that lots of people wouldnt burn in a lifetime... Bob Coomer Journeyman IronWorker Local 769 Ashland Ky
[color:"red"]65 Hemi Belvedere coming soon [/color]
[color:"#00FF00"]557" Indy engine 1.07 60ft 144mph in the 8th 2100 lbs package [/color]
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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: Welderman]
#769628
08/10/10 01:55 AM
08/10/10 01:55 AM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 501
ONTARIO,CANADA
604 Hemi GTX
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 501
ONTARIO,CANADA
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Quote:
If your really serious. Buy a Lincoln Electric Power Mig 255. You also cant go wrong. First of all dont believe all the lies about a 110 volt machine. Dont waste your money!!! A 220 volt machine is the ONLY way to go. It gives you the ability to weld from 16ga.(1/16 in.) up to 3/8 in. plus it has a cheat sheet for wire speed and volt settings. Very User friendly for beginners and veterans alike. Plus its made entirely in Cleveland,Ohio. With this machine youll be capable of everything youve described and so much more. Oh yeah, Just FYI, Have your electrician wire in a 20 ft. extention lead(cord) into your panel. That way you can roll out around car, across shop,outside for sidejobs(mufflers,trailer repair,etc.). A new Lincoln will cost you about $2500.oo complete with small 75/25 mix cylinder. Depending upon your location, you could go with a used setup for about $1000.oo or better. Shop carefully (Machinery auctions,factory auctions etc.) ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT AND WHERE YOU ARE WELDING!!!!!!.  Those sparks and heat remain long after youve stopped tacks and welds. SAFETY is always #1. I hope this will help. I have taught many people to weld in my 35 yr???? tenure. If you want I could teach you to weld online for FREE! Thank You     
X2
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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: Crizila]
#769630
08/10/10 04:53 PM
08/10/10 04:53 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,506
Az
Crizila
master
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master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,506
Az
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This is the welder I use most often in my shop for car work ( I also have an old Miller 225 amp buz box stick welder - 220vlt for heavier work). The HTP 140 amp is a top of the line mig welder - probably well over $1k new. I bought it used for $400. I probably have less than $600 invested in the welder, gas, helmet and all accessories in the pic. Point is you don't have to spend big $ for a quality mig welder that will handle 99% of your shop needs as there is a lot of quality used stuff out there.
Fastest 300
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Re: Which Mig welder????
[Re: BEEQUIK]
#769634
08/11/10 11:36 PM
08/11/10 11:36 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
Master
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Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
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I only use a shielding gas(bottle and regulator)... I sold my 110v...all of my units are Lincoln but if I was buying today I would be looking at a Miller.... I wouldnt mind having a 110v 140 for the race trailer 
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. I feel as if I should clarify my opinion that if one was to upgrade to a larger voltage machine, not only would you become more versatile but you would also increase your customer base capabilities which means more revenue. Example: I dont pay for my hotrods and parts, MY CUSTOMERS DO !!! 
