I was looking into getting a 110 wire feed so I can practice welding my own projects and I need some advice on what to get. I was looking at a Hobart 135 and then I saw one of those bargain welders at Harbor Freight Tools. What's the difference between the two and would it really make a difference for someone like me, not much experience. I don't plan on building a competition buggy.

The HF stuff is junk. Buy the Hobart and when you ready to move up it will be a easy sell.

From my experience, I first owned a 110V Miller with the optional gas. It worked OK for sheetmetal repair, but that's about all I could stand it for. As soon as I could afford it, I sold it and bought a 220V unit.

I'd suggest skipping the smaller unit, and getting the larger one. My .02

If your going to buy a welder, just step up to the plate and buy a good 220v Miller and get it over with. 110's work great for small projects and sheet metal. I use a 110 miller for my small stuff and a 220 Arc welder for the heavy stuff. If I were to do it over I would just buy a good 220 miller....

yeah go with a 220 unit

I got a clarck 220V yeah its no Caddy but it does the job on thick material

no complants

Originally posted by sandman
I was looking into getting a 110 wire feed so I can practice welding my own projects and I need some advice on what to get. I was looking at a Hobart 135 and then I saw one of those bargain welders at Harbor Freight Tools. What's the difference between the two and would it really make a difference for someone like me, not much experience. I don't plan on building a competition buggy. buy at least a 220 i have a couple spares im mite sale esab 250 airquip dip pac 250 $1200.00 205-594-5098 intrested?

Hey I talked to a guy that has a Lincoln 220 stick welder for $150. Who thinks I should get it, or should I get a wire feed?

For 150 you cant go wrong. It is harder to stick weld but once you learn that the wire feeds are easy.

wire feeds easier. you'll get more out of learning stick first IMHO

I used to arc weld and gas weld in high school and did really well. I think I might get the bitch and try my hand at making my front spring hanger.:smokin:

Just sold my 110 Lincoln for $250 (mig) and bought at Miller 175 for $650. Wish I had the $$ for the 210 but this is a really nice unit and it weighs about half of what the 210 weighs. Skip the 110, you'll be glad you did.

Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, Esab

Stick with those brands Only.

SeanP

Another vote for Miller 175. I've got one and I love it. Just ran out of mix tonight...

I got a crappy 220 and regretted it from the start. I recently bought a Miller 210 and couldn't be happier. Hold out for the 220 welder and get a decent one like a Miller 175 or 210.

I went with the cheapest (but good brand) 220 model - a hobart 175. I love it. Go ahead and step up to a 220v model.

does the Hobart 175 have enough power?? Farm and Fleet has that for like $500 or $550, is that a good price for it?? i have a Craftsman 220v Arc, but am looking at some migs. how much is a Miller 175 usually??

You guys looking to save money dont forget used. Not as sexy as buyin new but you can get some awesome deals.... like mm200's for the same price as a 175 new etc

Originally posted by Vu14TJ
does the Hobart 175 have enough power?? Farm and Fleet has that for like $500 or $550, is that a good price for it?? i have a Craftsman 220v Arc, but am looking at some migs. how much is a Miller 175 usually??

I just butt welded 12"+ of 3/8" plate with my Hobart 175 and it kicked ass. Mid $500 range is what you can get one on the internet delivered to your door with no sales tax. The Miller 175 usually runs more around $630-650, but it is a more heavy duty and infinite voltage adjustment. I'm very happy with the Hobart for hobby truck building, but would be tempted by the new Miller 175 at that price. :smokin:

I have the miller 210 and love it. One of these days I'll go dig up some 1" plate and see what settting 7 really does.

Miller's heat and cycle ratings have got to be conservative. or so says running the welder at setting 4 or 5 for 50 minutes straight without it skipping a beat. (though.. the gun, your gloves and everything else start getting kinda warm)

Originally posted by paniolo


I just butt welded 12"+ of 3/8" plate with my Hobart 175 and it kicked ass. Mid $500 range is what you can get one on the internet delivered to your door with no sales tax. The Miller 175 usually runs more around $630-650, but it is a more heavy duty and infinite voltage adjustment. I'm very happy with the Hobart for hobby truck building, but would be tempted by the new Miller 175 at that price. :smokin:

Just what David said - it's a great little welder. I *think* mine was $550 shipped to my door w/ a free cart.

I'm gonna have to disagree with everyone on this. I use a Weldpak 110 for all my welding. I wish I had some pics of the stuff we just did for some spring mounts. As long as you do a root pass and a cover pass, you'll be fine on large material. That is what I have always done, and haven't had any problems. Have had the metal break away from the weld like 1/2", and the weld held.

Flame away if you want, but for a beginner I say 110. Good unit to start with.

Erin

Originally posted by willymutt


Flame away if you want, but for a beginner I say 110. Good unit to start with.



Can you weld with one? Yep. Will it work? Yep. Will you want more power eventually? Probably. Can you get a used 220 for bout as cheap as a new 110 unit? Yep.

True, but if you don't want to buy used, then what.

Erin

You NEED to own a new one? Did ya buy your Willys new? ;) If you're the type that needs new save up. In the end you'll have something that you can use more, and something that if you dont use you can sell for more $$$. If you really use the thing you'll spend less in the end. All Im sayin

I'm not the kind of person who needs new, but maybe some people are. If I had a garage of my own, and could find a used 220V close, I would buy it. Being as I use a friends garage and he has the 110V, that is what I use and have come to depend on.

I just had to get my opinion in. Just having some fun while I'm at it.

Erin

:beer:

Go used.
Save the money.

Ya, stick is definitely harder, but everyone likes a challenge!
if you can get a good used stick welder for cheap, go for it. You'll learn better, and with the extra money you can buy yourself a kiddie pool full of chocalate pudding.