I need a welding machine

Paul_G · Feb 17, 2019

It's time to get myself a welding machine. I am not a welder by trade, but I have been welding what I needed using machines at work. Since I no longer work that option is over. I need suggestions on what machine to buy for my home garage. Would like to spend no more than $1000 for the machine and accesories.. The two below are easy to get, but I am open to sugestions.

I will run a dedicated power line to it, so 120 or 240 doesnt matter. I prefer to MIG weld using gas over flux core rod.

Home Depot has a Miller 180 for $669
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln...IG-and-Flux-Cored-Wire-230V-K2515-1/100670932

Then there is Harbor Freight Vulcan brand MigMax 140 for $649.99
https://www.harborfreight.com/migmax-140-industrial-welder-with-120-volt-input-63616.html

1967coronet440 · Feb 17, 2019

Hey Paul, this is a very nice set up for the money. We have one of these at work and it’s a very nice machine.

https://m.cyberweld.com/mi141migwewi.html

Evan Frucht · Feb 17, 2019

I second going with a millermatic

khryslerkid · Feb 17, 2019

I've always liked the Hobart for the price range you're talking about. TSC carries them.

Miller is my favorite but you'll spend a little more.

Good luck!

snakeyes · Feb 17, 2019

how much money do have for a budget on a mig welder

snakeyes · Feb 17, 2019

if you dont want to purchase a new welder check your local craigslist for your area you might find a real good deal on one almost new

greycharger · Feb 17, 2019

Hobart 210 MVP (on sale) will come in at your price point. It is 120 or 220 and has the capability to add a spool gun ($250) for welding aluminum.

whayden2003 · Feb 17, 2019

I have a buddy who makes his living fixing industrial welding machines. He has told me that the hobarts are the best deals going from TCS. The only thing you have to watch for is to not purchase one that has been on the shelve for two years. If there is a problem pass TCS return policy you will be dealing with the manufacture. In that case they (Hobart) warranties it from the build date. Not purchase date. Again. This is info that was passed to me. No clue right or wrong.

greycharger · Feb 17, 2019

snakeyes said:
if you dont want to purchase a new welder check your local craigslist for your area you might find a real good deal on one almost new

I got my "like new" Hobart 140 off eBay for $235 with bottle, gauges, and accessories. It was sold as: local pickup only, so I was the only bidder.

451Mopar · Feb 17, 2019

There are a bunch of entry level MIGs, most have 8 foot torches which are OK if you can place the welder and gas bottle close to what you are welding.
I like longer torch length so I look for machine that comes that way, or have a wire drive compatible with an optional longer length torch.
I have a small 110-volt Hobart Handler 120 I bough around 1990. It has the shorter torch but is not too bad to move around. A Few years ago, I bought a Tweeco 181i multi-process machine when they were discontinuing them, I could not pass up the $500 price. It is 220-volt so it will need the less common power outlets.
A machine that will work off both 110, and 220 are nice. The old Hobart 110 volt machine is often taken to friends houses to do small jobs, where the 220 volt machines stay in the garage. In welding school and the exhaust shop, we used the large Miller and Lincoln machines that had 25+ foot torches which are nice for getting the torch in the correct position, but they weigh quite a bit on those 350 Amp machines.

Bb70charger500 · Feb 17, 2019

Just bought this gal myself! I've yet to weld with this unit but I used my buddies and he has the 200 and it's sweet! I wanted the Tig ,mig setup so I got the 220n man I'm thrilled with this unit the digital screen does basically everything for you it adjust the amps and speed accordingly . Tomorrow I am going to get my gas refilled so I can start welding with this new unit !

Bb70charger500 · Feb 17, 2019

Just sold my old Lincoln weld pac 100 for $150 just add gas and go ! As stated check CL I had mine up for a week before someone finally realized it wasn't ba scam dude was happy !

Ironbuilt · Feb 17, 2019

https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc....cpc&utm_content=2620&utm_campaign=product-ads

zyzzyx · Feb 17, 2019

So, You only want to MIG? If so, stick with the Hobart or the Lincoln and yes, stick with
the gas for shielding. Nicer cleaner welds, and you won't smoke up the place when the doors are closed.
I bought a used Miller Synchrowave 250 for $1800.00 and I can stick and tig with it. What type of welding
did you do at work?

Photon440 · Feb 17, 2019

When I was looking, I had a certain budget. Didn't want to go over $1,000. Then on Craigslist I found a vintage Millermatic 35. It was in good condition from a school shop class, so it never had high hours from production welding. The shop teacher explained that the class had a budget for a new welder, and if he didn't use it, he'd lose it. So the old machine had to go. It cost me $300.
Mine looks just like this one. It's pretty heavy. Runs on 220V.

zyzzyx · Feb 17, 2019

Just found this kinda close! E-Bay 223108913966

oldbee · Feb 17, 2019

Have to agree with Miller or Lincoln. Both USA and very good, have to go with 240v for versatility.

moobster · Feb 17, 2019

^^^ I agree. My preference has always been Lincoln but Hobart or Miller are great machines too.
My weldpak 100 excels at bodywork.
My weldpak 180 does almost everything else.
My squarewave tig is for aluminum and stainless or for when the welds must look perfect.
There is a lot to be said for a cheater lense for inside the helmet also...

zyzzyx · Feb 17, 2019

I put a quarter panel on at my friends body shop using a Hobart 140 mig machine on 110v.
I used 0.020 wire and tacked every two inches and it looked great!
It's no slouch on anything you'll find on a unibody. I just needed the 250 for heavier stick
penetration and T.I.G. Doing aluminum is a breeze, especially with a little Helium in the mix!

Ranger16 · Feb 17, 2019

I am using a Century 110v Mig (with gas). Granted, it is probably a lesser welder than the big 3 mentioned above, but gets the job done. That said, I don't do a lot of welding. If I did, I'd probably have gone with one of the above, but it gets the job done when I need it. It's probably capable of better welds than I am.

I need a welding machine

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