Engloid

I see a lot of talk here about cheap welding machines. ALthough I understand not having money for what you really want, keep in mind that you don't get what you don't pay for. Those that say that a Smiley tools welder is as good as a Miller machine...it's simply wrong. As far as I know, the smiley machine is not water cooled, has no high frequency, and no remote amperage. Without remote amperage and high frequency, it is not possible to make a weld look as good as with it. Reason: You have no ability to adjust heat as you go, and you have to break the arc at the end, leaving a black spot.

When buying a cheap machine like this, remember that these guys don't have any big reputation to keep up, so you may not get much for support or service, should you need it. Not only that, but plan to lose nearly all your money on it, should you decide to sell it and upgrade.

Of course you will find those that say they're great machines, but people also tend to try and convince themselves that they made good decisions after they spend their money. Wait till they get rid of the machine and then see what they say about them.

If you buy cheap, you get cheap. If that's ok, then go with it..... but don't be misled into thinking that these machines are as good as the top brand names. Miller doesn't get 70% of the market because people like to spend money. Most professionals don't use them for that reason either.

I'm not a Lincoln fan at all, having bought one for my first machine. The machine sucked and nobody wanted to help me when it gave me problems.

As for my reccomendations, if you're going with a smaller machine, I'd reccomend that Thermal Arc 185. It's small, has pulse (full features), is an inverter, has low power consumption, and has a very nice and stable arc. Although I'm a big miller fan, they have fallen shor of impressing me with machines like the econotig and 180sd. Lincoln's PT185... well, the PT175 was my first machine. It started ------- up in its first year and they lincoln didn't even want to work on their own ----, neither did any of the dealers in the area. If it's a Miller, they all don't mind working on them. Maybe miller pays for the service calls and Lincoln argues them and doesn't want to pay...I dunno... I bought it for $1500, sold it for $900, took that $900 and another $600 cash and bought a used Syncrowave 350. So, in the end, I had $1500 in the syncrowave, but had spent a total of $2300, since I lost money on the Lincoln.

So, don't let all the smiley tools and other cheapo machines impress you. Sure, the person using it is most important, but you can't take a pro drag racer, put them in a stock vw, and expect them to win many races. Sometimes you're better off to save up your money, wait on a deal, and buy something good.

Ever notice how some people always seem to get good deals on stuff? They're likely the ones that save money and have cash on hand when the deals come up...while others can't come up with the money fast enough to take advantage of a deal.

slappynuts

I contemplated what to buy for a long time as well.I looked at all the cheap machines and almost bought the TE 185tsw because its the best small machine in that price range(I may still get one).I found a syncrowave 500 thats a few years old at my local welding shop for $800.It was just the box and cart and I had to add the rest,but it was one hell of a deal.I guess the point is that you should check your local welding supply shop first and see what they have.

hotrex

noone here is stating the smiley is as good as one of the top mname welders out there, i was on a syncrowave 300 that put it to shame, i was stating that for the price, its a great piece for a hobby level welder. i am very satisfied with what mine has done for me, ill be upgrading to a new unit within the year.

my father had a lincoln precision tig 185 and i dont like it.

SpankedYA!

I dont think I ever stated the Smiley was a high quality unit either. With that said for the hobby welder you get a TIG and a Plasma cutter for $600. They both work and work fairly well. I have used mine moderately for 6 months with no issue. If I had the money would I buy a nice Miller, yes. Does this MTC120 from Smiley do the job and make me money? Absolutely. I make low dollar manifolds, Im not full-race. I never claimed to be. I just make things that people can afford, are strong, and look decent. I am hoping to Upgrade to a Miller this year as well. Something not too high end but with square wave technology. I will continue to recommend the Smiley unit because in the end its affordable and does work well for the hobby user and the general HMT fabricator.

Jcushing

its funny how your post sounds similar to another one recently but you are obviously a profesional and come off as one. in turn you get respectfull answers.

again i will say that it all comes down to how much you will use a welder. im 26, i own a house that ive been remodeling, 2 cars, have a wife, dogs, and a kid on the way. i cant afford to sink alot of money into a miller for something thats not gonna get alot of use. for me its nice to see OTHER people taking a risk and buying cheaper welders and then posting there results with them in a place like this. helps people to steer away from the true junk.

i dont think anyone is talking up any of these welders to the point that they are embelishing, they are what they are. cheap replacements for profesional tools (for hobby use). people in this forum are the type like myself that wont pay someone else to weld something like a manifold or exhaust for them, they would rather do it themselves.

i say seek out old quality used equipment (i for sure do this myself) cause thats were you get the best deals but dont be afraid to take risks on new stuff either.

Jcushing

ok and a completely seperate thought but for comparison, you mention miller getting 70 percent of the market. well it reminds me of back in the day (i say that like i was eveb born yet) when you had the big 3 batterling it out in the car market and companies like honda shot up because they actually responded to change in market requirements making little shiboxes powered by motorcycle engines. you still have people that buy american jsut cause its american and people that buy miller/lincon just cause of the brand. im not saying that smiley is gonna be the next miller but you get the idea.

hotrex

i mirror this post, merry xmas dave.

myshtern

Engloid for president

slappynuts

You can spen $600 on a smiley tig,or you can spend $1200 and get a hobart with a foot pedal and the ability to weld aluminum because it has AC.

asianpoet

If im not mistaken, the name ive heard.. (engloid) I think from HT, is a welder.. that makes manifolds.

anyways in regards to this post! welding machines, do what they're suppose to do.. some have more features. some are cheap, some are not. but ultimately they allow us to combine (weld) metals together.
and what you use to do that, widely depends on your pocketbook. cause im sure if eveyone here can afford the best, Im sure they would..