WELDER RECOMMENDATIONS

[Texas82GP]

Lots of good advice in here. About nine years ago, we bought a Hobart Handler 140 (110V). It's a nice little machine and we've used it a lot. It was purchased to do sheet metal repairs (quarters, rockers, patch panels) and it works very well for that. We did all the repair on both my dad's car and my brothers (two quarters, four rockers, a tail panel, five patch panels, a door skin, etc.) It has also been used for heavier stuff like modifying the crossmember for my Grand Prix. If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten a 220V machine with infinitely adjustable amperage settings but this little machine has paid for itself and still gets the job done. Also, I don't know the differences it has with the Miller machines, but it is obviously in the Miller family. The gun that came with it has Miller embossed in the handle. It was a good value.

 

[Turbolq4]

HF has a new line of welders I've noticed. The Vulcan line is supposed to be higher end stuff. The top end one does mig, Tig, and stick. Capable of 120/240 volt too. Worth a look for the price.

 

[wskirvin]

HF has a new line of welders I've noticed. The Vulcan line is supposed to be higher end stuff. The top end one does mig, Tig, and stick. Capable of 120/240 volt too. Worth a look for the price.

Yeah I have looked at them, but I've had so many tools from there fail that it's hard for me to spend the money on one of their welders. The videos I've seen of them and the new Titanium welders that they carry seem like they are pretty decent and great for a DIY but I'm more worried about find parts for when they eventually break. I actually have a Lincoln 220 stick welder my grandpa bought new back in the late 70/early 80's that did work about 15 years ago when we tried it, but the cables are all in bad shape so i haven't even attempted to use it.

 

[wskirvin]

Lots of good advice in here. About nine years ago, we bought a Hobart Handler 140 (110V). It's a nice little machine and we've used it a lot. It was purchased to do sheet metal repairs (quarters, rockers, patch panels) and it works very well for that. We did all the repair on both my dad's car and my brothers (two quarters, four rockers, a tail panel, five patch panels, a door skin, etc.) It has also been used for heavier stuff like modifying the crossmember for my Grand Prix. If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten a 220V machine with infinitely adjustable amperage settings but this little machine has paid for itself and still gets the job done. Also, I don't know the differences it has with the Miller machines, but it is obviously in the Miller family. The gun that came with it has Miller embossed in the handle. It was a good value.

Very true. Killer advice and personal experiences. Just about everyone I've spoken with online or in person has had the same opinion. The larger of the 110V welders will get the job done but the 220V is more ideal for control and cleaner welds as well as using them for just about anything.

 

[MC96]

Have used some Hobarts that welded decently. Miller/ Lincoln for a hobbyist is a good choice, plentiful parts. Eastwoods are okay as well, although I have heard some horror stories with warranty stuff, I will say we had a TIG right out of the box that was junk, they replaced it within a week with a return label for the junk one.

Our old snap on YA240a finally took a dump, THANK GOD, I am the most even tempered person but that thing would send me in a rage.

We have an ESAB Migmaster 250 at work, its an older machine, that has since been replaced in esabs line up. Do some forum searching people prefer them over about anything comparable.

L-Tec is a relabel ESAB I bought one identical to ours at work for 400$. Welds circles around everything else Ive ever used.

Call your local airgas/praxair/whatever and see if they have demo days. If not see if there are any industrial trade shows near you PRI in Indy has vendors with welders set up to demo.

 

[Streetbu]

One of the biggest issues with the 110v welders is the user. I don't know how many times I've seen people use an extension cord to power the welder. 🧱 😳 Unless it's a 10 gauge extension cord and shorter than 25', that's a huge no no... They just can't flow enough amps to allow a decent weld, even on thin metal.

 

[Tuffregal83]

Been running a Hobart 140 for years
It's 110volt I haven't had any problems with it does my jobs very good

 

[chevymalibu283]

Curious to see what your guys are using as far as welders go. I'm looking at finally getting one and cant decide on which one would be versatile enough to do frame body mount repair as well as some sheet metal patching and repair. I've looked at the Lincoln Weld Pak 140's and 180's. What's everyone's preference?

Buy the biggest welder your budget will allow with adjustable heat/speed settings. Four heat settings on the smaller 110volt models don’t give you the ability to adjust the heat to get the best penetration. I’d go with a 220 volt machine either Miller or Lincoln to name a few. Check and compare a few models then make your decision. Better to have a little more welder then not have enough. Just my two cents.

 

[wonderboy24]

i was as well looking for a good welder.i got a Hobart 140.i wanted to up grade to a better more versatile welder. i just ordered a
Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP its 110/230 v.

 

[JustBoostin]

If you’re not going to work the machine like a business would, hours and hours a day, then you should really look at what Eastwood has to offer. You will find they have way higher duty cycles than most other cheaper units. (Harbor Freight, Hobart, etc)

I have their tig 200 AC/DC and their 60amp plasma cutter; I couldn’t be happier. I’ve also read reviews with people who have had issues and their customer service fixed them right up.

I also can say I compared my tig to my dad’s Miller 210 tig. I actually like using the Eastwood machine more. Not sure if it’s because it’s an inverter machine but the ark and puddle are so nice and clean.

I see their new tig 200 has pulse too. Might have to upgrade.