Welders

[SW86]

I'm finally buying my own welder (sick of bumming around). Id like to know what you guys would suggest. Trying to keep price around 800 or less range. Mig probably. Mainly doing welding for the jeep and possible tractor equipment at work. I'm not looking to go all out as its just a hobby thing but I don't want a piece of crap either.

 

As of now I'm looking at the Hobart 190. I'm open to suggestions, opinions, criticism, whatever... Have at it :thumbsup:

[JeepcoMJ]

A 220 machine is a must for anyone looking to gain skill as a welder.

 

The miller 180 is a 110/220 auto selectable machine. Out of your price range new, but can be found used in good working order for under $1000. We paid $800 for ours. Welds great, swap the plug end on (plugs on, no wiring skills needed), and switch from 110 to 220

 

 

You can't weld any heavy duty things, such as axle mounts, perches, etc. using 110 unless you preheat.

[neohic]

A 220 machine is a must for anyone looking to gain skill as a welder.

 

Agreed.

 

I think you might need to expand a little on your price range a bit. For the price, I really like the Thermal Arc 252i. What's really neat about them is that they're an inverter style welder so they're multi-process capable and they're extremely efficient to run. No other manufacturers have the options that Thermal Arc offers in its size. Think about it... if you're looking to gain skill as a welder, what better way to do that than being able to practice on MIG, stick, and TIG all in one machine? It also has a bunch of options like a hot start, preflow, and crater fill that other smaller machines just don't have.

 

Another bonus to Thermal Arc is that they support education. If you're a student anywhere, you can get in on their educational discount... right around 30%, I think. Their whole line is an awesome bang for the buck.  :thumbsup: