Help with selecting welder

[PHOENIX]

This is such a great board!

I am going to buy a welded soon.

I do not want to spend too much. I do not want to pay over $500.

I have been checking out the Lincoln Electric units. Because they are sold all over (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.)

I would like to be able to plug it into a 110, but a 220 would not be a problem. But I probably do not need that much power.

I do not plan to weld anything thicker then 1/4" mild steel.

I think I will weld flux-core so I do not have to buy a tank and keep it filled. What are your opinions on flux-core over regular mig with a tank and gas?

This unit here:
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...eet.asp?p=7108
Is $327 from Lowes. From the info on www.lincolnelectric.com it seems as it would be good for me. What do you guys think? Please help me out here. I would hate to buy one then realize I shouldnt have paid an extra $100 for something better. I do not know much about welding, but I have some friends who will teach me and I will practice a lot till I get it down.
Any opinions or recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Ohh yeah about how much should I expest to spend per flux-core wire spool? How much weld can I get out of that spool, in inches?

This may be me if I buy the wrong welder ------->

Thanks!

[Piston]

I bought a Hobart 135 and love it. It will do anything I need around here.

I think you'll find that welder underpowered. It might do 3/16's at best but probably not 1/4" as advertised. 100A just isnt enough to penetrate 1/4" steel and promote good welds.
I strongly recommend using argon gas instead of regular flux core. I tried using the flux core that came with the welder and it flat out sucks. Argon gas will give you so much better of a weld, no comparison. Plus the flux core is messy IMO

[78chevstepside]

I have a 110 fluxcore wirefeed works great. cost less the 200 dollars.They are idiot proof with only 2 settings. You might want to get the model with the connection for mig(75%%25%gas). Then you could run both( flux core or mig). They have a 10% duty cycle so you cant over do it. If a person was to stick with name brand machines like lincon, miller , hobart parts and service shouldnt be a problem. I generally use argon only for tig welding. jay proud member boilermakers # 500 portland oregon

[Billy G]

I've about made up my mind to go with the Lincoln Pro Mig 135.
I feel it's strong enough to cover anything on a vehicle....short of the frame. My sons are welding in AG @ school, and they both lean towards this one. I thought maybe later I'd get a 'crackerbox' AC/DC unit for heaver stuff.

Lowes in Baytown Tx has the Pro 135 for $417. I havent priced a Hobart.

I also have 'access' to a MILLER unit @ work that'll weld ANYTHING Im brave enough to try.

Just my 2 bits worth

Good Luck!!
Billy G

Lincoln Pro 135 @ Lowes

[lux hauler]

If you plan to use the welder to weld sheet metal, get one with a gas regulator. The welds are much cleaner and will require less clean up. Flux core splatters too much.
I have a Miller Millermatic 175. It will weld 1/4" steel with a single pass and full penetration. It'll also dial down to do sheet metal with no problem. It's all I should ever need to work on vehicles.
Get one that's too small or that won't do what you want it to and you'll not be happy with it.

[mtdave2]

i 2nd the millermatic 175... check out cyberweld.com... its worth the extra money. buy one welder,,be happy for years.

[phantom dually]

I would go with at least a 175. You can use gas as said and your not limited on your wire. You will get a more versatile welder if you go with gas and 220v. I just bought a Hobart 210 and I love it. I am just learning to weld and yes I suck at it so far!! It was a little pricy at $1100 but I wanted to get something to last and do various thickness of metal. I can do up to 3/8.

[phantom dually]

Next month I am getting a Plasma cutter I hope!!!!

[phantom dually]

Check out northerntool.com. The have good prices and a 6 mo. no interest pay option.

[PHOENIX]

Thanks for all the responses so far!

I have looked into each unit recommend and all units on each site shown recommended. Being under $500 is a must, plus most do not come with a mask and some other accessories I may require.

Not having to buy a tank and fill it is one reason I would like the flux-core option. I have heard both good and bad about flux-core. The Lincoln Pro 135 does look like a good choice to me. Dont have to use the dryer plug, which would also make it more portable, which I would really have to have the more I think about it. Lincoln's site says it will weld up to 5/16" thick and can weld as thin as 22 gauge (maybe it said 24g). The price is also in my range. Also It comes with every to use argon and argon mixtures except for the tank and the gas itself, so that is always an option. Remember this is not something I will use everyday. I plan to use it on random sh*t and probably my exhuast when it comes to it.

Can anyone tell me why I shouldn't get this? Something I may not be looking into or something I just dont know about?

Does anyone have anything bad to say about Lincoln Electric products, warranty, or service?

Miller is a great brand, we have 3 units at work and a plasma cutter, but they are out of my price range and do not come with some stuff.

Haven't really heard much about Hobart units, but I have heard it mentioned many times on this board.

[phantom dually]

Hobart is owned by Miller. Miller bought Hobart out about 4 yrs ago and kept there name going. They have a lot of simularities in there product and warranty. I would go with the HH175 if i were you. You can use it without gas and upgrade to gas as you get the money. The small unit does not have a very good resell value because of its low capability range. There are companys on E bay selling new HH 175's for $585 with a free cart. I was going to get the 175 myself but at the last minute got the Hobart 210 as I didnt want to have to upgrade later and lose money on the resale. Like I said before check out www.northerntool.com They have great prices and free shipping. I got mine by truck in only 4 business days!! Good luck man.

[phantom dually]

BTW Lincoln is a great brand. Stay with Lincoln, Miller, Hobart or ESAB and you will have no problems. When you buy those real cheap no name welders you can not find parts for them.

[MyDad'sTruck]

I NEED to weld new floor metal in my son's jeep, and want to do same in my 67PU. I have a chance to buy a Lincoln Electric Weld-Pak 100 for $200 maybe less. What do you all think for sheet metal??

[tinydb84]

That will do just fine for sheet metal. If you need to weld the frame it is a bit iffy but you can get away with it if you know what you are doing.

[faribran]

Phoenix,
If you are not going to even consider what these good, experienced people are offering you, is it worth the asking? The flux core is not what I would recommend.

[thelonerife]

11yr old thread guys

[tinydb84]

Originally Posted by thelonerife

11yr old thread guys

The original post was but someone was asking for a recommendation yesterday.