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View Full Version : Advice: Need to buy a new MIG welder



BlackGMC
03-01-2007, 06:29 AM
Well I think I am going to buy a new MIG welder. Mine is not cutting the mustard any more. I would like to keep it below $500 and on a 110 circuit. I all ready have a gas bottle. So I was looking for some advice. The thickest I will be welding is ~1/8. So could guys let me know what yall use, brand and amps etc...

I was looking at these two so far.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200127024_200127024

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200306073_200306073


Thanks in Advance

rocketrod
03-01-2007, 11:12 AM
I ordered the Hobart 140, shown in your second hyperlink, from Northern and I am very happy with it.

BlackGMC
03-01-2007, 11:13 AM
What is the thickest you have welded with it?

rocketrod
03-01-2007, 04:04 PM
18 gauge, but I haven't had it that long. I am getting ready to smooth my firewall, replace a passenger side floorpan and and patch the driverside rear frame rail.

Goatman
03-01-2007, 04:35 PM
I have the Hobart 135 and have built and entire truck bed with it, including the floor plates, which were 11 guage (I think). Not exactly ideal for that kind of work, but it works...


You understand that the Hobart machines hae plastic internals (gears) while the Miller/Lincoln's have metal, corect? That is the only difference between the machines.

BlackGMC
03-01-2007, 05:29 PM
Thanks for the inputs but after doing some research I am going to go with a 220 welder. I am looking at a Lincoln 175. It is more expensive but I am sure it will be worth it in the long haul. I am looking at the Home Depot Weld Pak 175.

http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.asp?p=9631

What do yall think?

Camaro Zach
03-01-2007, 05:49 PM
Good choice going up to 220v input. The 175 looks like a decent machine. Just whatever you do buy the biggest machine you can afford because there will always be something bigger that needs welding and you will be wanting more power. Also check out ebay, I purchased 2 of my welders and my plasma cutter from some of the welding stores on there. Prices are much lower than retail, have free shipping, no taxes, and ship factory direct with all warranties.

BlackGMC
03-01-2007, 06:13 PM
Just whatever you do buy the biggest machine you can afford

That is what I have been reading. so I decided to step it up to the 220. I will probably do some shopping on ebay soon, since it seems they have better prices. I am going to put in a 220 plug in my garage so I gotta go buy some stuff to put that in. Luckily my fuse box is in the garage so I am just going to mount a plug below that. Thanks for all the advice, and to all those you contributed to all the welding threads I have been reading for hours.

mikey
03-03-2007, 10:38 PM
Miller matic 185 got 2 at work at least 15 years old no probs at all in a very busy body shop.

Tyson A
03-03-2007, 10:59 PM
Look into the Millermatics. I've got a Millermatic 185 its about 10 years old and I have never had a problem.

Gordz32
03-05-2007, 07:47 PM
MILLER ALL THE WAY, 185 is a nice machine

BlackGMC
03-06-2007, 07:37 AM
I ended up going with a Lincoln 175. Sorry I really could not afford the Miller 185, besides I got a good deal on the lincoln. Oh and I looked at welding carts, damn those things are like $100 and they are cheaply made, I was kinda disappointed, so I bought a $20 dolly (hand truck), cut it in half and added some scrap angle iron i had laying around and made my own damn cart.... Kinda ghetto, but my tool budget was depleated this month.....