Which Welder to get?

[Chad126]

Alright folks,

I know that I am going to get a variety of different answers on this one, but here goes...

I am finally going to break down and buy a welder. I want a MIG wire fed, simply because my TIG work looks like a pile of $***. The typical thickness I would work with would be 3/16" stuff. Max would likely be 1/4". I want to use a tank for my flux. What is the MINIMUM size unit I need to be looking for. I'm looking mainly at the Lincoln, Miller, or Hobarts.

However, I am a novice welder, so any inputs or correction is GREATLY appreciated. I've seen some good work on here, so I know several of you are experts.

Thanks in advance.

[SGragg]

I’m no expert, but I do own a Hobart Handler 140; 120V, can weld up to 1/4” thick, but duty cycle is limiting. I don’t use it much, but nice to have when I need it.

[Jeff in Pa]

Have a local Vo Tech school where you can take night classes? If you're having problems with TIG welding, maybe you need some some professional instruction.

I have a Hobart Handler 187 mig welder ( 220VAC ) and a Hobart Combo welder ( stick / TIG welder )

Practice makes perfect but one needs the basics to make good welds.

Jeff

[hyperlightboards48]

I have a Hobart 210 it has the option to run it off 220v or 110v. It’s a good option if you do not have 220 currently but think you might outgrow 110. Now that I have 220 in the garage I never use the 110 option but it’s nice to have for portability.

I know a couple people with the Hobart 140 and they have no complaints. The 140 would do 95% of the welding I do. I don’t think that a spool gun is a possibility on the 140 but your tig would most likely be a better option for aluminum.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by Jeff in Pa

Have a local Vo Tech school where you can take night classes? If you're having problems with TIG welding, maybe you need some some professional instruction.

I have a Hobart Handler 187 mig welder ( 220VAC ) and a Hobart Combo welder ( stick / TIG welder )

Practice makes perfect but one needs the basics to make good welds.

Jeff

I agree with Jeff.

As far as the question goes; It's obvious you are new to welding, or a novice as you state. Probably best to go with a mid price range welder. Personally, I'm not a fan of Hobart welders. But I admit I haven't used one in years. I hear they make a better machine than they used to. I'd go with the Lincoln. I am not sure of the model, but around the 125 amp range is where you get into a welder that is capable of shield gas. As far as welding is concerned, you can probably get away with one that runs on 110V, but you won't be very satisfied with it. Better off getting a machine that uses 220V. Or one that can use both. Honestly, you don't need to buy new either. There are usually several good machines on c-list. I'd look for used.

Just as a note, all MIG welders are wire fed.... so that is kind of redundant. Also, gas isn't "flux", it is shield gas. You are saying you want a welder capable of using shield gas. Just trying to help you out with some terms so you are more knowledgable.

[OldSkull]

TIG welding is the most difficult process to master, the most easier one is MIG, it's like using a glue gun, but if you don't know how to "read" your puddle you will never succeed. With this said I suggest you find a place around your neck of the wood who give some formation, we have this kind of program here (75hr MIG formation for $200) and I'm sure you can get something similar on your side of the fence. Start with that and like Jeff already state PRATICE! Your teacher will help you making the right choice getting your first MIG.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by OldSkull

TIG welding is the most difficult process to master,

That's a fact.
Which kind of begs the question, why you own a TIG as a "novice"? I suggest selling it. You can use the money for a torch or for the new welder.

[OldSkull]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

That's a fact.
Which kind of begs the question, why you own a TIG as a "novice"? I suggest selling it. You can use the money for a torch or for the new welder.

Jon "Luckily" (AKA: If we are lucky) It's a stick welder with a DC "scratch" TIG kit similar to my Esab Mini Arc 161LTS....Good little inverter to learn stick welding FIRST then try some "chicken pooping" TIG welding.

Otherwise he can sell his POS Dynasty to ME!

[taylorjm]

I'm in the same boat. I did some stick welding 20 years ago, and it wasn't with the fancy machines they have now. This was the old fashion AC only machines and some 6011 or 6013 rod I think. That took some real skill to keep feeding the rod and keep the puddle right while moving at the right speed. I could get things to stick together, but they weren't always pretty. Always wanted to try MIG. I've heard it's easier and more versatile than stick. The 220/110 machine sounds nice. I have 220 in both my shops, but there could be times I would need to take it out to the dock or something where there's only 110 available.

There's no way I would even try TIG. I've watched guys doing that and there's way too much into that. Getting the right ceramic cup, tungsten rod, right gas and filler rod.

[ol'George]

Where there is a will there is a way.
In '59, I started with cutting torch and victor 100 welding torch.
Some years later I added a 295 amp AC Wards infinite control stick welder.
I used that for at least 35 years, my son now has it.

I learned to weld with anything someone put in my hands.
A fancy expensive machine, does not a welder make, practice does,--
and someone to coach/advise you.
I can tig, and mig but my favorite is still a stick for anything over 3/16".

Mig is nice for body work to minimize warpage , but for a lot of sheetmetal I still use the victor gas torch with a 000 tip, you can run beautiful seams with no filler rod,
or weld rusty tin cans, try that with mig.
Tig is a necessity for aluminum or special tool steels where tig is required.

A fellow can learn a lot on the 'net, that I didn't have in my day.
It was many years before I got an AC/ DC machine,
then added a portable welder/generator.
Keep practicing and get all the votec training you can.