mig welder preferences

Dargo · Jan 23, 2009

My vote would be for the MillerMatic 210. Great overall size with a superb arc and ease of use. I actually use it more than my MM 250. I've probably burned 200 pounds of wire with the 210, and about 1/4 of that critical stainless welding. I love it. I've only had to replace 1 .35 tip (less than $2) with all that welding. Make sure you have clean dry air and good shielding gas. Otherwise just follow the chart under the lid for amps and wire speed.

yankeerider · Jan 23, 2009

Keep in mind that Miller and Hobart are the same company. The Miller machines are targeted more toward the industrial, constant use applications while the Hobarts towards the farm and hobbyist who's looking for a solid machine that will not be in constant use. The gun that came with my Handler 210 actually says Miller on it.

Gary Fowler · Jan 23, 2009

IMHO the ideal way to go if you are planning to do some medium heavy fabrication like trailer building is to start with a good power supply like a Miller 250-350 amp AC/DC welding machine with Constant Current controls. With this machine you can stick rod, TIG and add a wire feeder to it to do MIG or FCAW. These welding machines can be found used for $300-400 and if they run a bead on demo when buying, they are likely not hurt as the only thing to wear out is the cooling fan motor. The transformer can burn up, but if it is working it should be fine. They will run all day on 70% of listed amperage and never overheat and the arc is more stable than the cheap 110 V. You will pay more for this set up, but look for used on the internet preferably from an industrial fabricator that is downsizing or going out of business. LOTS of those around now.
You can start out stick rod and add the other equipment as you can afford or need it. Perhaps you may decide that the stick rod is all you need. Lots less consumables to keep up with and keep dry with just stick electrodes. You can add a TIG set up to the Miller welding machine for a couple hundred bucks and with stick and TIG you really can weld anything.

J_J · Jan 23, 2009

Dale, let me add this to what I posted above. If you have welded before, then you have an idea what you want. If you haven't welded much, I would recommend that you attend a local welding class at a local school and let them explain everything, and let use different machines, and then make your decision accordingly. You can get into big bucks real quick if buying new, but if you have time on your hands, look for used. You perhaps might buy a stick welder, but if you like MIG, the MIG add on will cost around $1000.00 plus. You can also get a good welder in a welder /generator. My Miller 250 diesel 10K welder/generator will burn some rods.

Sully2 · Jan 23, 2009

Dirtnut said:
i just bought a Hobart Handler 210 and so far am very impressed. i did some looking & went with this brand because every place i went to had all the accessories. easy to find consumables for it. it has a 5/3/1 year warranty. lincoln was the next one, sears & lowes carried these but didnt have the supplies like hobart did. miller was no where to be found more for industry i think. tractor supply has the Handler 210 for 799.99 right now & tons of accessories. my 2 cents there are many welders out there flip a coin.

I have to agree 100%. I bought the 140 Handler and learned a lot using it along with a VOC class...but then jumped to the Handler 210 and its a tad more than what I have NEEDED...but will cover anything I ever need to weld.
The H210 is a great machine

bobodu · Jan 23, 2009

Was sure disappointed when the bosses brother took home his Lincoln and the company had to buy a welder. That Hobart 180 is a piece of crap compared to the Lincoln.

swines · Jan 23, 2009

You need to be able to buy supplies for the welder - tips, cups, drive rollers, and liners. Whatever you buy, make sure you can get the maintenance items you need. I have both a Miller and an ESAB. The ESAB is probably the best MIG I've ever used for total flexibility and arc quality...however, they are $$$ more than a Miller or Lincoln.

Thermal Arc (Victor, Tweco, Thermal Dynamics, Arcair, etc.) makes nice MIG units also. They're often found in automobile factories. I have an Thermal Arc, ArcMaster 185 TIG unit and it is a great little welder.

The Thermal Arc Fabricator series is competitive with Miller and Lincoln and can usually be found for a bit less. They come with a Tweco MIG gun.

OlderToday · Jan 23, 2009

If you're buying within the next week (Jan 23, 09 - Jan 31, 09), Tractor Supply has a 10% off welder coupon on their web site (sit on the home page and watch the coupons cycle-by)...I kinda like that Hobart 187. $599 minus 10% looks dang good!

charlz · Jan 23, 2009

Keep an eye on Craigslist, I picked up a Miller Vintage (re-issue of the 200) for $900 including a big bottle of co2/argon. Lots of Hobarts etc. on there to. I wouldn't go with a 110 if you are going be welding 'tractor stuff' as most of it is fairly thick stuff.

escavader · Jan 23, 2009

Ihave athe 140 hobart.It works real well.Ihave a old lincoln 225 AMP stick welder i do most of my "real important strength welds" with.Ibought the mig for thinner stuff[like my tractor cab sheathing],and it makes a nice job of it.Got it at tractor supply,i also buy the gas there too.
ALAN