XtremeDime

iTrader: (16)

Im pretty new to welding but I need one, mainly for exhaust piping. I also dont know **** about welders. I dont want to spend hundreds on a welder so I found a couple local on craigslist. Tell me what you guys think:

Hobart Handler 150 Mig
http://anchorage.craigslist.org/tls/1821615644.html

Chicago Electric Power Mig
http://anchorage.craigslist.org/tls/1797588628.html

Thanks!

fieroguru

iTrader: (1)

Hobart is made by Miller and is a decent welder for the $$$. If all you are welding is exhaust pipe, you probably do not need a 220V unit. The downside to them is the available power outlet where you need to use it.

I finally broke down and purchased a 10/3 extension chord for my 220V Lincoln so I can use it anywhere in the garage.

Silverback

hobart

XtremeDime

iTrader: (16)

Some **** came up and I never even got a chance to call em. Thanks for the responses though guys

Im trying to do this rather cheaply since this will mostly be for small jobs, on 16-22 gauge generally, so I dont want to spend 1k on a welder that Ill never use to its fullest. What about these?
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...Id=10053#specs

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

Theres also a Lincoln and Craftsman fluxcore welders, which I guess should be fine for exhaust work. It just wont look so pretty right?

Daryn

iTrader: (19)

lets me put it to like this...... take your max budget. and get a welding machine thats $500 more. i would get a hobart 180 or the new miller 211. if i were to get another MIG it would be the 211. they go for about 1000 on ebay.

trust me bud, i got a lincoln weld pak 140HD ( good for 1/4" steel), its a lil over a year old now, and im starting to do alot more welding and fab work, i wish i had one that was good to atleast 1/2 or more capacity.

DanasixT

I recently purchased a Lincoln 180 as a refurb unit. I got it for a hair under $525 through ebay. The refurbs are inspected by Lincoln before they go back out. Worth a shot to try to find one.

nostixs

just bought a miller 180 and luv it its awesome paid 745 brand new and have no complaints.

Gordon0652

iTrader: (4)

Hobart if Miller is no choice.

davidws6

iTrader: (36)

+ 1 on Hobart or Miller . Don't go cheap or you'll regret it.

merim123

iTrader: (11)

i sold my lincoln weldpak i bought from home depot and now am looking at the hobart 187 through amazon. free shipping and low 600s.

1972nova

iTrader: (13)

I have the handler 140 from amazon and it does amazing work with 110v

merim123

iTrader: (11)

where are you finding this machine for $745 new?

1972nova

iTrader: (13)

x2 I would of opted for it

jasond26

iTrader: (22)

I bought the millermatic 211 and love it. I currently only have a 110v outlet but like that I can hook it up to 220 for larger projects. I got the spoolgun as well for aluminum projects. I have never welded before and only bought it for my turbo project. I thought I would sell it afterwords but I enjoy it so much that I want to tackle more projects. I love it.

cody161

iTrader: (18)

In a welder you get what you pa y for! It's amazing the differences there are between a nice 220 name brand welder as compared to a knock off 110 welder. It will likely spit, pop, and frustrate you more than it's worth. The name brand 110 volt welders are nice as well and would be a good starting point for someone to try their attempt at new projects. Final thing, get the best welder you can afford. If you can't afford to get atleast a name brand 110 volt I would wait and save up. Try this site it may help you out
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

Silverback

As has been said, hobart and miller are the same company, my HH135 (older version of the HH140) shipped with miller logo on the gun and a few other parts.

Honestly, for most people looking for a 140 or 180 class machine I'd suggest saving your money and go hobart over miller. The miller machines get really nice in the bigger machines, but they try too hard on the smaller machines and they're hard for most people to deal with, they have more aggressive wire speed tracking that makes them weird to adjust and learn on, it kind of causes counter intuitive results when you change settings.

The newer lincoln machines in the 140/180 class are also nice (powermig or whatever they call them), but i hate the older machines like the SPs, nice power supplies but the wirefeed was like something rube goldberg would build.

alexplantman

What he said!

sixpack_2_go

iTrader: (1)

has anyone tried the eastwood mig welders yet( http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-1...5a-output.html )? they sure do advertise the crap out of these things, but i don't know how good they are. you might look in to them

Mikey 97Z M6

iTrader: (37)

I know this an older thread, but for anyone out there considering a home welder, take a look at the Clarke welders. I've had my Clarke 180EN MIG for over a year and I've put a couple 10lb wire spools through it. I've welded/fabbed everything from a 10pt rollcage, exhaust work, custom sfc's, custom lca relocation brackets, a hitch for a motorhome and everything in between. It's been a great home/recreational machine for the money and worth looking into. It's not a Lincoln or Miller, but it's much,,,, MUCH better than a chicago electric or other "cheap" brands.

My .02...

Mike

MUSTANGBRKR02

iTrader: (91)

My Miller Diversion tig should be here in a few days and I wouldn't buy a cheap welder. You really do get what you pay for with these.