MIG questions

[V1Rotate]

I didn't want to start another "what a 110 volt welder can or cannot do" war, (lets all grow up).
A few of you guys gave me some good info, thanks. I have a Lincoln stick welder for the heavier stuff so a 110 MIG should work fine for sheet metal repair.

 

[Big Barn]

You're probably right - no wonder I keep looking at that pretty new Lincoln :laughing: Welders are like women, no matter how much you like the model you have, the new sleek models always look sooo good Snowmobiles are also like women: No matter how much you love the one you're riding, you lust after the new models... When it's 20 below zero, and you want to ride, it won't turn over...

Ah... Thanks, Dave. Think I got it now!

Terry

 

[Reverser]

I currently have a Hobart handler 125. It works pretty good but is not on the same level as the Lincoln. I do use it regularly and considering it is middle of the road on cost It does a good job. I've also used a Hobart 125 EZ which is a cheap version of the Handler. It works but is cheap construction.

Actually, for those that don't know, the Hobart Handler 125 EZ is the same quality as the regular Hobart Handler 125. The difference being that the EZ is the simplified version that has preset material thickness settings that takes the guesswork out of the wirefeed and volt settings. The downside is that it's only able to use fluxcore.
It's still a quality little machine, though.

 

[roadhunter]

Actually, for those that don't know, the Hobart Handler 125 EZ is the same quality as the regular Hobart Handler 125. The difference being that the EZ is the simplified version that has preset material thickness settings that takes the guesswork out of the wirefeed and volt settings. The downside is that it's only able to use fluxcore.
It's still a quality little machine, though.

I purchased a refurbished 125 EZ for a family member last year and while helping set it up I noticed some differences between it and my 125 Handler but that may be more about my handler being an older model. As you said they are both good machines.

Have you had good luck with yours?

 

[Reverser]

I bought one mostly for my son, several years ago. I had the choice of the EZ or the regular 125 mig for the same price. I chose the EZ since it was easier to learn, but realize now that I probably should have gotten the regular mig since it's more versatile. He really likes it, although he don't use it a lot. But when he starts a project, he uses it hard. He's built several things, including an automatic door for his "man cave". It's been trouble free so far.

I've always used stick and never learned anything else. But now that I'm retired I would like to try mig and tig. Reading these threads has piqued my interest in them.

 

[V1Rotate]

Sounds good. Which specific models are you looking at? It seem the pricing for these type of machines ranges from the cheapest just over $100 to the most expensive that list at nearly $1,000.

I've had a few of these machines. The first and best I've used was a Lincoln sp-135. Real nice machine that was easy to use and I welded up quite a bit of fencing and handrails with it while in college. I currently have a Hobart handler 125. It works pretty good but is not on the same level as the Lincoln. I do use it regularly and considering it is middle of the road on cost It does a good job. I've also used a Hobart 125 EZ which is a cheap version of the Handler. It works but is cheap construction. For welding a few times a year it would be great but I would not recommend it for daily use.

I watched a few youtube videos about the Everlast 140 and it sounds pretty good. It also sounds like the next version will have an even better duty cycle and have a longer gun.

I don't have any experience with the cheaper Harbor Freight type machines but I'm sure there is information out there on the machines. Go look at amazon and read reviews of the different machines. Also go on you tube and watch how the machines perform.

Good luck on your purchase and let us know how it works out.

I think I'm leaning towards the Everlast 140.
I've done a fair amount of stick welding but I have never done any MIG so I am eager to learn. What size wire would you use for sheet metal?

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The 140 is great. Going to use it tomorrow to finish up a wrought iron handrail project for some elderly friends of mine. I am testing the new 200 i mig which is now rated dual 120V/240V voltage with 35% duty cycle at 200 amps. Stick capability too. The new 200 and 205 i MIGs are now digitally controlled and the little bit I've done with them, they blow any other MIG I've welded with out of the water. Stick capability is the smoothest I've seen even somewhat better than our PowerArc series. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it and had a 50 year oilfied veteran there to confirm it. He was blown away too. Called me today to tell me he wanted one as well as a friend of his.

 

[MossRoad]

Thread pruned. Come on fellas. Please knock off the bickering and rude comments. The welding forum has become almost, and I mean just barely, as bad as the friendly politics forum. That's sad. Too many of us (myself included some times) are turning discussions into arguments. Pointing out facts without poking folks in the eye in the process should be the goal. If you feel like slamming someone's comments, walk away for a day and post your comments tomorrow with some thought and contemplation. This should be an enjoyable discussion, not a chest pounder like go-rillas.

 

[Reverser]

Well, for my 2¢ input, I like the status quo. :thumbsup:

I think that's one thing that makes this site so popular, is the reasonable way the mods are handling these threads. When things get too far off topic, or angry, or off color jokes get inserted, then they are pruned.

A little off topic humor, friendliness, and camaraderie in the threads make for a nice experience. The mods have to find a happy medium somewhere to make things work. I wouldn't think it's an easy task.
If it were too strict, it would be like being in class with an old maid schoolmarm ready to rap your knuckles over any slight annoyance. And if the rules were too loose, it would be like the old west when the cowboys came to town after a long trail drive.

 

[/pine]

O/T...TBN is one of the most popular topic (tractors) related message boards on the entire Internet...It also happens to be one of the best managed boards on the Internet...all those that contribute their time and effort (including plain old members) make it so...my hats off to the Admins and mods etc...etc...

Now back to the (basic) topic...I have a 110V 140A (sold under the 'Snap-On' name) mig welder that has a 100% duty cycle...so why am I seeing so many other 110V welders sold for serious money that have seemingly paltry duty cycles compared to the "snap-on"...?

 

[dragoneggs]

O/T...TBN is one of the most popular topic (tractors) related message boards on the entire Internet...It also happens to be one of the best managed boards on the Internet...all those that contribute their time and effort (including plain old members) make it so...my hats off to the Admins and mods etc...etc...

Now back to the (basic) topic...I have a 110V 140A (sold under the 'Snap-On' name) mig welder that has a 100% duty cycle...so why am I seeing so many other 110V welders sold for serious money that have seemingly paltry duty cycles compared to the "snap-on"...?

Wow... interesting. Would love to see/compare specs. Is this a new model? Not that I even close to 100% duty. Personally, I can't keep up with my welder.

 

[aczlan]

Now back to the (basic) topic...I have a 110V 140A (sold under the 'Snap-On' name) mig welder that has a 100% duty cycle...so why am I seeing so many other 110V welders sold for serious money that have seemingly paltry duty cycles compared to the "snap-on"...?

Might want to double check the dataplate? The current one ( MIG140, Welder, MIG, 140 Amp) has a 60% duty cycle at 140A and recommends a 30 amp circuit to power it.

Aaron Z

 

[/pine]

Wow... interesting. Would love to see/compare specs. Is this a new model? Not that I even close to 100% duty. Personally, I can't keep up with my welder.

It's an older model...but the owners manual clearly states 100% duty cycle...

 

[dragoneggs]

It's an older model...but the owners manual clearly states 100% duty cycle...

The question I suppose though is... at what amperage?

 

[/pine]

The question I suppose though is... at what amperage?

sorry to say I do not have the manual currently at my disposal...I will get it out of storage and post the stats ASAP...

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Might want to double check the dataplate? The current one ( MIG140, Welder, MIG, 140 Amp) has a 60% duty cycle at 140A and recommends a 30 amp circuit to power it.

Aaron Z

Interesting, a 140 pound mig welder that puts out 140 amps at 60% duty cycle.
Needs 30 amps 120v input to do it - which I think makes sense considering the duty cycle.

Slightly overbuilt compared to smaller units - should work pretty good.
But still way overpriced regardless - in my opinion.

 

[dragoneggs]

Interesting, a 140 pound mig welder that puts out 140 amps at 60% duty cycle.
Needs 30 amps 120v input to do it - which I think makes sense considering the duty cycle.

Slightly overbuilt compared to smaller units - should work pretty good.
But still way overpriced regardless - in my opinion.

That is a beast... to be fair part of the weight is probably the integrated running gear but still heavy.

 

[MossRoad]

Thread pruned again (even pruned myself). Please continue the original discussion.

 

[/pine]

Interesting, a 140 pound mig welder that puts out 140 amps at 60% duty cycle.
Needs 30 amps 120v input to do it - which I think makes sense considering the duty cycle.

Slightly overbuilt compared to smaller units - should work pretty good.
But still way overpriced regardless - in my opinion.

FWIW...here is an interesting thread from a welding forum on the same model welder I have (FM 140)
snap on welder

read all the replies...

 

[crazyal]

My first mig, a Lincoln weldpak 100 was bought to do bodywork. Before that I was brazing sheet metal when needed. It was only flux core so that's what I learned to work with. It was back in the mid 90s so choices were limited. The flux core will work for doing sheet metal work but you will have to clean the flux after welding. But it's a cheap way to weld and no gas bottles to worry about. As far as gas bottles go, call around. Around here each welding supply company is different. I was able to buy a tank (not sure of the size but it's about 3' tall) from one supplier that was twice the size of what every other supplier would sell me. If I know I'm going to be doing a lot of welding I'll rent a full size bottle for a month. Because I own a tank from them they have no problems with month to month leases.