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Time to buy a welder

Baller

Baller

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Always wanted a Miller 211, but they are quite pricey. Local tool place (KMS Tools) has an ESAB 215ic Rebel for a better price. I've never heard of this brand. Anyone have any experience with them? Looking to weld in some patch panels on my car plus other stuff.
 
I did some work for a guy about 10 years ago that had an ESAB Pro series. I am not sure which model # it was, but I can attest to it's quality. I rebuilt 2 front end loader buckets for him, and that ESAB ran like a champ. He had the wire feed gun, which made life easier.
 
If I were you, and it is within your budget, I would purchase this machine. I was a union Ironworker for 16 years, I am not misleading you.
Victor Thermal Arc Fabricator/ESAB 252i Welder #W1004401
https://www.weldersupply.com/P/552/ThermalArcW1004401Fabric
$1,794.00
REDUCED PRICE You Save $419.00
Product Number: W1004401
v_5eed_W1004401.png
 
Good topic!
For a complete novice looking to learn panel patching/replacement-- what is a good beginner unit?
Sorry, not trying to hijack your thread baller.
 
The ESAB is good. I think your looking at the Rebel EM 215ic (MIG Only) machine that is around $1,000
Not the Rebel EMP 215ic (Multi-Process) machine that is around $1,700?
I would look around at CyberWeld.com and WeldingSuppliesfronIOC.com at the different units and pricing. They also list the rebates that are going on.
Before buying, check the local welding supply outlets and check their prices and deals, they might price match and give you a discount on the gas bottle?
 
I have the Hobart Handler 175 and couldn't be happier. I've welded thick 3/8" all the way to thin sheet on my Roadrunner. Have went thru multiple 10 lb spools of wire and not a single issue. It will weld up the 1/2". I believe Hobart and Miller are the same. It comes with a Miller gun.
 
The ESAB machines are really good welding machines, we have several at work. I personally have a Miller 250 mig, a big miller HF for aluminum, a little Eastwood inverter for TIG. All are good welders, but the best investment i ever made was a Hobart Handler. i got it at Tractor Supply, less than $1000. turns down low for body work, up high enough for 3/8 or so metal. All the welding machines lower than 200 amps are made by Century or some other maker anyway. this includes Miller, Hobart, Eastwood. i would buy another Handler if something happens to mine.
maybe this helps.
PT in Tennessee
 
451Mopar said:
The ESAB is good. I think your looking at the Rebel EM 215ic (MIG Only) machine that is around $1,000
Not the Rebel EMP 215ic (Multi-Process) machine that is around $1,700?
I would look around at CyberWeld.com and WeldingSuppliesfronIOC.com at the different units and pricing. They also list the rebates that are going on.
Before buying, check the local welding supply outlets and check their prices and deals, they might price match and give you a discount on the gas bottle?
Click to expand...

Yes, the Rebel EM. I haven't welded since high school (25 years ago-wow), so I was looking for a easy machine to learn on.
 
I have the Esab Rebel EMP 215, good machine. Will do it all but tig aluminum. Will mig aluminum with a spool gun. Will handle any thickness around a car. 110 or 220 volt.
 
I have a Miller 135 (110V) for sheet metal and smaller jobs & also a Miller 250 (220V) for the heavier duty jobs. I bought them both used and both have been great machines & have had nothing go wrong with them over the years. The 135 is easily over 30+ years old now & the 250 is around 24-25 years old that I have had it. Only have to change the wire, tips & gas when needed.
 
moparwacko said:
Good topic!
For a complete novice looking to learn panel patching/replacement-- what is a good beginner unit?
Sorry, not trying to hijack your thread baller.
Click to expand...
Ironbuilt said:
Check out this Hobart wacko. It's a great beginners MIG.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009X43F38/?tag=crweld-20

View attachment 633961
Click to expand...
Good advice on this one. :thumbsup:
I just recently bought one and love it. For the price and my level of experience, this welder has been a great start for me. I would also recommend getting the gas for it. I purchased a bottle, gloves and an 11pound roll of 0.030 wire for just under 300.00. You can also find decent auto darkening helmets with a good window for right around 100 at the big box stores. Now I'm ready to weld the world. It's a bit pricey to start but you will not regret it. My first real project is going to be a welding cart.
20180824_080212.jpg

Edit: Whatever selection you do make, I would suggest going to your local junkyard and get a fender off any car. Practice on that before getting into the project. You can play with your wire feed and temps. Just my two cents worth.
 
Last edited:
I have a millermatic 210 mig which is really nice, and a miller bobcat 225 arc with an 11000 w generator. All I can say is a good machine will really help a novice welder.
 
I bought a Lincoln SP135 over 15 years ago and have been very happy with it. My only complaint is I wish I would have paid more and bought a 220V unit. The 110V welders are all you'll ever need for most auto repairs but if your like me you'll always be building things that require more amps which for now is where the stick welder comes in.
 
Had heard many people say the same thing, that they wished they got a 220V machine, so when I got mine, I made sure that i got a 220V machine - Hobart - Love it ! !
 
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