Lookin into getting a mig
Need some opinions on what to get. First welder so not looking for anything real fancy. I;d like to be able to weld up some manifolds for myself, downpipes, maybe traction bars, etc (i certainly dont care how the welds will look as long as they are functional)
the welders ive been looking at Some reconditioned Hobarts (they are real cheap.) http://www.toolking.com/category.aspx?categoryID=323 $300 for 125 $350 for 135 $390 for 140 $400 for 175 Also looking at the Lincoln SP-135T which is a bit more expensive Obviously i want to spend the least amount possible, but also want a welder that will suit my needs |
Re: Lookin into getting a mig
I've welded a lot with a lincoln 135 but it was all flux core. I would say that no matter which one you get I wouldn't settle for less than 135 amps.
I've used a little harbor freight 85 amp for many things but they simpley can't penetrate enough for manifold applications. They work good for exhaust and intercooler piping though. Best of luck! |
Re: Lookin into getting a mig
Get the biggest you can afford.
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Re: Lookin into getting a mig
I have a lincoln sp135 and its a great little machine. Only good up to 1/4 but its all I use. well worth the $500 I paid!
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Re: Lookin into getting a mig
Well i can get the lincoln referbished with full factory warranty for $436.
When you say its only good for up to 1/4", does that mean welding tubing to 1/4" flange or welding two 1/4" flanges together? |
Re: Lookin into getting a mig
I'd reccomend the Hobart over the Lincoln. I'd also reccomend, as posted above, that you get the biggest you can afford. You will soon realize that it's money well spent. You will not regret it.
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Re: Lookin into getting a mig
my buddy rocks the Hobart 135. Awesome little machine. I swear you'd think he was welding with gas. Little to no spatter and straight bead, nothing at all like the HF jobs. It also lets you touch the material with the wire and doesnt start an arc untill you hit the trigger. Im sure most good welders do that but im just used to the cheap ass HF. Hobart FTW. At least you know your not paying for the name
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Re: Lookin into getting a mig
I'm rocking a Hobart 180 and couldn't be happier but I split it with my pops and it was kind of pricy
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Re: Lookin into getting a mig
Well, 115V would be really convienent, so maybe the hobart 140?
the price differences dont really bother me, however wiring up 220 would be a pain in the ass if the difference isnt gonna be that big also, is the hobart a better welder or is it recommended beacause of the price difference? the lincoln comes with some supplies (mask i think and regulator) so it evens the prices out a bit |
Re: Lookin into getting a mig
I've got a Lincoln 3200HD and I absolutely love it. On the highest amperage setting I can get good consistent penetration on steel up to 3/8", and I've tried 1/2" but it's way too iffy...but that's usually arc terroritory anyway :)
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Re: Lookin into getting a mig
is there any difference from the 3200 hd and the sp-135t other than oneis sold at home depot and one isnt?
I still havent had anyone clarify this, when u say like 1/2" is iffy, does that apply to welding two 1/2" plates together or welding a manifold bend to a 1/2" flange? righty now im trying to decide between buying a welder and an hf bandsaw or full coilovers and camber kits(currently on stock) both will happen eventually , but just need to decide which dto do first |
Re: Lookin into getting a mig
[quote=cberman ]
Well, 115V would be really convienent, so maybe the hobart 140?[quote] I'm pretty sure that you can go higher than the 140 and still run off of 115v power.
Originally Posted by cberman
is the hobart a better welder or is it recommended beacause of the price difference? the lincoln comes with some supplies (mask i think and regulator) so it evens the prices out a bit
Originally Posted by cberman
I still havent had anyone clarify this, when u say like 1/2" is iffy, does that apply to welding two 1/2" plates together or welding a manifold bend to a 1/2" flange?
Keep in mind that, like with any products, manufacturers tend to stretch the truth on their claims for advertising purposes. |
Re: Lookin into getting a mig
penetration shoulb be plenty on any of these for a 1/2" flange, right?
According to Hobart's site, http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/mig/ the 140 is the biggest 115 they make. I think the 140 seems like a good welder for my needs and will be a good starting point. is there any reason why i shouldnt get a reconditioned unit? $390 seems like an awfully nice price So i figure 390 for a welder, HF bandsaw 120 (ive heard they can be had for 150 in the store - 20% coupon), hf auto darkening helmet (~40-50), good bandsaw blade (~20), misc items(find somewhere that rents argon tanks, welding gloves?, wire wheels?, wire brushes?) I dont have a compressor, so will a wire wheel on a drill work okay for cleaning metal? |
Re: Lookin into getting a mig
Also, will need some mig wire..can you use stainless wire to weld mild? ie can i just get one spool of 316 rather than a bunch of different kinds?
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Re: Lookin into getting a mig
I have a HH140 and am very happy with it. I have done some exhaust work as well as built and installed some subframe connectors with it. I leased a gas bottle (C17 at the time) C25 now and used 0.030 wire. 1/8" thick material is easily within the limits of this welder.
http://members.shaw.ca/rlemke/subframes/ No critiques of my welds. :P |
Re: Lookin into getting a mig
towartds the end of the week i should have a pretty large sum of money from work coming in, and i found a reconditioned hobart 125 for 250. is the 140 worth the additional 150? i could really care less about looks and this will be my first time ever welding. I was thinking i would give a manifold a shot maybe, also some suspension bars, etc. nothing too serious, more just for the experience
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