Welder Recommendations

[ArlyA]

Over many years I've use flux-core, stick (tons of it) and MIG (solid wire). When I bought something for myself, I got a MIG.

 

[tstex]

Hey Guys,

My brother has a Lincoln 140 Pro Mig Welder he's had for 1.5 yrs and wants $550 drive out. Comes w everything that was in the original box. It has the flux-core option so I'm not tied to only using gases. Can weld up up 1/4" materials, so for now, that should do me fine. He wants to get a larger welder, I believe a Miller 2XX. What do you guys think?

Note, I only have 220 for my electric dryer at ranch. The two places I plan on doing my welding are both 120V. But, I can easily upgrade one of the outlets to 220V if I ever need to do so.

 

[tstex]

Anyone have a PrimeWeld welder, esp the PrimeWeld 180? How do you like it and how long have you had it?

 

[pacosperson]

Hello to all,

In my 60's and have had a ranch for 30 yrs. Any and all metal fixes I have taken to a nbor, but now it's time to get my own welder.

My main applications would be fixing existing broken things [like BBQ pits, metal fence, farm machinery, etc]. I am sure if I enhance my welding skills, I will engage in many other metal-based projects if I had one.

Looking for make and models of welders that would fit my needs. I know you get what you pay for, and not looking for really cheap products, but do not want to bust the bank either. If you have any questions, pls let me know?

Thank you in-advance for your help & suggestions!

Although I have a BSME my welding knowledge was similar to grilling knowledge: I saw someone else do it. One of the very best moves I've made was to enroll in a 6 week, night course in welding. I had always been afraid of acetylene after experiencing an explosion as a kid. A short easy course will answer your questions regarding what equipment will meet your needs. AND you will gain knowledge. That's always a good thing. I now have a Hobart Beta-Mig, a Miller tig welder, and a variety gas cutting/welding equipment because I learned the basics of how to use them. You Tube has a guy doing testing at a site called "Project Farm". He does good testing and comparisons. Worth a look. I am certain he did a welder comparison. Every bit of my welding equipment was bought used on eBay or Craigslist. And, pay very close attention to "duty cycle", too.

 

[kpsp50]

Anyone have a PrimeWeld welder, esp the PrimeWeld 180? How do you like it and how long have you had it?

I have one, had for meny years. Many spools of wire have run through it. Both flux and solid. And aluminum never an issue. It also has stick leads come with it. I have a welder generator i use very little anymore I also have a miller mig I think it's over priced but good the PrimeWeld is my go to welder. I get nothing from PrimeWeld just my satisfaction of knowing it's a fair price and good quality for the price no other machine comes with a spool gun and a flow meter that I know of but could be wrong. 110 and 220 volt which is a plus. Check out their web site call order and you'll have it within 3 days good shopping and God bless

 

[5030]

Look up PrimeWeld you can get the 180 mig which is 110/220 volt, flux core/gas, stick and also comes with a spool gun for aluminum welding all for $500 with a 3 year warranty shipped to your door good luck

'Shipped to your door'.... 3 year warranty... problem is, being an IGBT machine if it fails you get to ship it back (at your expense) and the primary reason when I run multiple HF welding machines and plasma cutters. If the fail, you take it back to your local HF store and they give you a new one. Much simpler and no hassle, plus HF's plasma consumables are very reasonable compared to say Hyper Therm (and I have one of them as well).

Not in order of revelance, I own Lincoln, Hobart, Everlast and HF machines and I own and operate a machine and fab shop so I always buy my equipment with longevity as well as guarantee in mind. I have employees using it, not just me.

Not a weekend welder at all.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

Good advice here. Learn to "stick weld" first, a Lincoln "tombstone" 225 AC/DC is what I'd recommend or a similar welder. MIG is great, but they don't like dirty metal, but If I had to pick a single good all round welder it'd be a "Stick" welder for general farm use. I've know several guys that ran before they walked and bought a MIG first and when presented with a stick welder because the MIG wouldn't weld it were dead in the water. I'd get a stick welder and try learning the "hard way," trial and error, then take a class at the local community college or trade school if you don't catch on right to start with. Do some reading on metal thickness and rod size. "My" rule of thumb, what ever diameter rod you're using, is the amperage to start with. A 1/8 inch rod is 0.125 diameter, set the amps at 125A, if you're burning through, weld/move faster or lower your amperage. Match you rod size to the metal thickness. Google around on YouTube, it'll help.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

LOL, you learn to do wit

I have no idea how folks get by with a 110volt welder!

You learn to do what you have! I have a VERY old Miller 120V 135 MIG, I use the piss out of it for a lot of things, usually 12 gauge metal and lower. But in a "pinch" I've been know to heat some "real steel" with a torch to red hot, turn the amps and wire feed up and get the job done. I have a Miller 252 with a spool gun and some TIG welders and a "tombstone" too. I use the 135 for most small jobs.

 

[paulsharvey]

So, scanned responses down to maybe 5 or 10; so someone probably brought it up.

This isn't 1980, you don't need to choose mig vs stick vs tig. I have a 4 in 1; DC stick, Flux core "mig", MIG, and TIG (no ac no hi frequency). It weights maybe 20#, is roughly 12" wide, 18" tall, and 24" long; and is 120/220V, and capable of running on a 110v/20amp recept or a 220v/30amp; all with included pig tails; for something like $270.

Yes, mine is a Vevor; but there are a dozen companies offering 3 in 1; 4 in 1; 6 in 1.

 

[paulsharvey]

I dont doubt Miller, Hobart, Lincoln, but your partly paying for name; partly for parts support, and likely a longer service life. For most people, a welder that will do more than 50# of rods or 100# of wire in its life is fine. Production shops, that's different; one of those might be asked to do 1000s of pounds of rods.

Couple hints; spend the money saved on the "box" on things like clamps, a "bar stool" height work bench, extra wire/rods, and a cheap, but not the Cheapest, auto dark helmet. I like MIG gloves for arc, as you have good movement; cotton/denim long sleeve pants, close toe leather boots/shoes, and atleast "should" have long sleeve cotton shirt. We have all probably welded in boxers and flip flops (or atleast I have), but slag/splatter in a flip flop/croc makes holding the bead hard.

Grinders; I have and like a Rigid 18V cordless, but there is no replacement for a proper plug in one too; I like Makita.

Rods/wire, and practice. Here's my thought; I'll take a guy with a HF/Amazon multi process machine, that's ran 25# of wire/rod over a guy that spent everything in a Miller, and didn't have money to practice.

Once you get it; play with it; weld some bolts to plates; do some butt joints, some lap joints, and don't worry about some of it being ugly