thinking about this welder

[mustangdave]

What do u think? I like the fact that there is only one adjustment--gauge of metal and voltage is automatically set.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200318739_200318739

 

[ForceFed70]

I've heard that you don't really need the dual controls, but it's only a few $$ more to get a hobart that does.

Also, this welder isn't setup for gas shielding. Spend the $$ for a gas shield setup, it's worth every penny. If nothing else, make sure it's capable of being upgraded later.

 

[mustangdave]

I'm not planning on using gas to keep expenses down. The only thing that worries me is it only goes as thin as 18 gauge.

 

[mustangdave]

For $70 more, Craftsman has thhis one that welds from 24 gauge to 3/16" and it has a cart. I was just hoping to be cheap and find one for around $300.

 

[Nemesis67]

I got the Hobart 140 at Tractor Supply Co. for $420. It has wire feed control and voltage control. Plus it comes gas ready with regulator. Best money I've spent so far and real easy to use. You got to get gas, initially it costs a little more to get a bottle if you buy, you can always rent. But refills are cheap. Welding with gas is so much easier and cleaner, no flux material to remove from the weld when your done. I tried both flux cored and solid core wire welding with this welder. And I'll never go back to flux cored wire. Go Gas! You will thank yourself later.

 

[RogerC62]

Spend the money for a decent setup, you'll be glad you did later. I also got the hobart 140 about this time last year. I welded up the floorpans in my son's jeep and have started the frame/cage on the stang.

 

[351w_swap]

Why is it that whenever someone wants a welder it is ok to skimp but on other tools the same person will not hesitate to spend for good quality? It seems to me that if there is one tool in the shop that should be of high quality it is the welder. I know I am kind of spoiled with the 2000 dollar miller my dad bought but there are decent welders to be had for $1000 and those welders will offer a much better capacity, reliability, and penetration.

Just my 0.02$

 

[Denny]

Using flux core instead of MIG to save money is really not a good idea since the much higher cost of the gas-less wire will quickly offset any savings you may have up front. Even when you factor in the cost of gas the initial savings will soon reach the break-even point because the wire is about three times as expensive and will not go nearly as far per pound. MIG is SO much better for body work and makes a much better weld in just about any situation. Like everyone is saying, spend a little more now and you will be glad you did!

 

[mustangdave]

You guys convinced me...I need gas Another reason beyond the better weld is flux core does not lend itself well to thin sheet metal welding, while gas w/solid core does.
Unforunately, this puts it out of my budget for now but at least I learned something. Thx for all the input and advice.

 

[mlpdeals]

I am going to go against the insight of many on this subject. If you are going to do some occasional body work (restore an occasional car and piddle with other general welding) I recommend cheeaap MIG such as http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=6271. They have 10-30% off coupons on a regular basis where you can get this welder for like $170. Then rent/lease/purchase a tank. I did a weekly rental for a few months to put in floor pans, cowls/firewall patches and came out much better than having to drop another $100 for a tank and then have it filled. Then after all the sheetmetal is done you swap to cored wire for the general stuff. Dont forget an automatic shield from the same place for $40.

 

[BlackGMC]

This is what I just bought. Off of Ebay, brand new in box. Works excellent. It is a 220v I did have a 110v. Night and day difference. It welds 18 gauge better than my 110v, not to mention it welds the heavy stuff with ease. Just use a smaller wire and gas!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=320086170394&rd=1&rd=1

 

[danny clemens]

This is what I just bought. Off of Ebay, brand new in box. Works excellent. It is a 220v I did have a 110v. Night and day difference. It welds 18 gauge better than my 110v, not to mention it welds the heavy stuff with ease. Just use a smaller wire and gas!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=320086170394&rd=1&rd=1

What kind of 110 welder did you have and did it have gas? I'm just curious because I have a 110 Lincoln with gas and it does fine but I haven't used anything else. If the 220 would work better I would consider upgrading.

 

[BlackGMC]

What kind of 110 welder did you have and did it have gas? I'm just curious because I have a 110 Lincoln with gas and it does fine but I haven't used anything else. If the 220 would work better I would consider upgrading.

I had a Hausfeild Campell (SP) welder. I bought it new at Lowes when they used to carry them. I know it is kinda an off brand welder but I never had a problem with it mechanically. I did have gas. The main differences between my old and new welder are:
1. the 220 has such a better duty cycle (the amount of time you have to wait inbetween welds)
2. I don't have to run the 220 at 100% all the time
3. It welds the smaller stuff better not to mention the bigger stuff.
4. The welds come out so much better.

I am comparing two different brands and 2 different sizes, but like I said it was a night and day difference. But I have heard the saying so many times, buy a welder bigger than what you need and buy the most you can afford.

If your having no problems with your 110 I would not upgrade, but if you planning on welding anything over 1/8 then I would get a 220, just my opinion. The main reason I upgraded was I wanted to absolutely know that I was getting good pentration with my welds, since I am currently doing suspesion and frame work.