Help on a starter welder
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Southern Maryland
ive been welding for over ten years (stick, mig, tig, fluxcore, stainless, mild, aluminum, galvanize..everything) all welding machines have there purpose. for your uses... this quote is perfect. have fun, wear pants!! and dont go cheap on your hood.
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
so true.. never go cheap on gear..
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Great deal on a warrantied, reconditioned Hobart.
http://www.toolking.com/hobartwelders_500500r.aspx
I got this package and the thing doesn't look reconditioned at all, works like a charm. Reconditioned looks like "Box was dented, return it!". Welder didn't have a scratch on it, even the plug looked like it had never been plugged in (no scratches on the copper)
http://www.toolking.com/hobartwelders_500500r.aspx
I got this package and the thing doesn't look reconditioned at all, works like a charm. Reconditioned looks like "Box was dented, return it!". Welder didn't have a scratch on it, even the plug looked like it had never been plugged in (no scratches on the copper)
I've bought reconditioned tools at ToolKing as well. Good stuff. 
I bought a 6 piece DeWalt set from them (XRP Hammerdrill, Sawzall, light, grinder, circular saw, small impact driver, 2 batteries) for like $429 shipped. Good deal, and it was all flawless. I use the crap out of that setup.
I bought a 6 piece DeWalt set from them (XRP Hammerdrill, Sawzall, light, grinder, circular saw, small impact driver, 2 batteries) for like $429 shipped. Good deal, and it was all flawless. I use the crap out of that setup. 
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Harbor Freight welders are a box full of regret. I'd buy used, to be honest (which is what I did). I have no doubt you can find a decent used MIG welder for $300 locally. 3 brands. Miller, Hobart, Lincoln. Buy a used one, and:
1) If you outgrow it, you can likely sell it for close to what you bought it for.
2) If you need a part, you can get them at just about any welding shop (try that with a HF welder). Welders are full of wear items, from drive rolls to tips, and just about every part in between.
Look for a welder that will do MIG as well as flux core (don't get one that is flux core only). MIG gas is worth the expense.
I've seen small Lincolns in the $300 range used on Craigslist. I'd get one of those over a new HF welder any day. I've even seen a couple small Millers in that range, but not as often.
1) If you outgrow it, you can likely sell it for close to what you bought it for.
2) If you need a part, you can get them at just about any welding shop (try that with a HF welder). Welders are full of wear items, from drive rolls to tips, and just about every part in between.
Look for a welder that will do MIG as well as flux core (don't get one that is flux core only). MIG gas is worth the expense.
I've seen small Lincolns in the $300 range used on Craigslist. I'd get one of those over a new HF welder any day. I've even seen a couple small Millers in that range, but not as often.
I've personally owned the following welder before and recommend it up and down...
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...c_180_autoset/
I've also used these (or the actual 180 model before them) and both are good machines... The welders above and below are the ballpark of welders I'd suggest for you and you won't go wrong with any of them.
http://www.hobartwelders.com/product...ed/handler187/
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...t.aspx?p=42422
Purchasing a welder (ESPECIALLY if you use it a lot) from your local welding shop can prove benificial... Most will work to match or get you close on price to internet deals. I've bought all of my welders and plasma through the same place and I've never paid full price for gas, tips, liners, etc since then... Not to mention if something happens to your machine, they'll likely really step up to the plate when you bought it from them. Find the best deal online and walk into your welding supply with $ in your pocket.
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...c_180_autoset/
I've also used these (or the actual 180 model before them) and both are good machines... The welders above and below are the ballpark of welders I'd suggest for you and you won't go wrong with any of them.
http://www.hobartwelders.com/product...ed/handler187/
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...t.aspx?p=42422
Purchasing a welder (ESPECIALLY if you use it a lot) from your local welding shop can prove benificial... Most will work to match or get you close on price to internet deals. I've bought all of my welders and plasma through the same place and I've never paid full price for gas, tips, liners, etc since then... Not to mention if something happens to your machine, they'll likely really step up to the plate when you bought it from them. Find the best deal online and walk into your welding supply with $ in your pocket.
Last edited by crashinaz; Sep 3, 2008 at 06:42 PM.
