Welding Machines

[BroncoJo]

I think I am quickly out growing my welding machine and am starting to look for another one. Being that I'm not very experience I'm interested in everyones opinions.

Right now I have a 180 amp Lincoln and welding 1/4 inch is one the edge for single pass and multi-passes with the lower duty cycle gets annoying.

Of course I'm on a budget and want something that will last, the two I've looked at so far are:


Hobart 230 ironman ~$1600
http://www.tractorsupply.com/welders/mig-welding/mig-welders/hobart-ironman-trade-230-welder-1024544


Millermatic 252 ~2100
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00218


I'm thinking the Hobart would be more than enough, however I like really like how the millers power settings are more adjustable. Any thoughts? Also if anybody is interested in buying my machine shoot me a pm.

[KrazyKarl02]

Doesn't Miller make a 212 that is in between those? That is what we have at work and we have only hit the duty cycle one time when we were making some pretty large weldments.

I have a Hobart 187, and in doing my axle swap, it sucks, I hit the duty cycle a lot welding with it.... Up until now, just doing things like cage, driveshafts, etc... it has never been a problem.

[BroncoJo]

The miller 212 would be about the same price as the Hobart 230, I'm not sure how they compare though. My initial thought was to go with a miller 212 because I have used them before.

[JB]

I need a welder too. Looking for 110 and to not spend anywhere close to the two you posted.

If I was looking for under $1000, simple, basic, reliable...what might I look for? I really dont want to even spend that much really. $500-800 would be better, butImight be out of touch.

[BroncoJo]

I need a welder too. Looking for 110 and to not spend anywhere close to the two you posted.

If I was looking for under $1000, simple, basic, reliable...what might I look for? I really dont want to even spend that much really. $500-800 would be better, butImight be out of touch.


Buy my machine lincoln 180 hd pro mig (or something like that). Works great, but it's not 110.


If you just have to have 110 now I would seriously look at the millermatic 211 because 110 sucks. The 211 will work with 110 and 230 and could probably be had for under a grand
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00245

[JB]

give me a number. I can add 220 to my panel

[TexTJ209]

The newer Millers have some cool features, like a Multi-voltage plug that'll work in 110, 220, etc. Kinda neat.

Cyberweld.com has pretty good prices from what I've been told.

[sam_hodnett]

I have used just about every brand of welder there is, and Personally I would go with Miller every time. My dad's welding shop uses Millermatic 251s and they do everything we need, and we do some pretty heavy duty stuff, I have never used a bigger hobart, just the smaller ones, but I have heard that they dont live up to Lincoln or Miller... Oh and we traded all our lincolns in for millers, My dad said he doesnt regret it one bit

Edit: Where did you get 2100 for the 252? the website says 2700 but if it was between the 252 and the 212, you are going to lay down a hefty investment, so i would go with the bigger one. It will do thicker stuff, and is more adjustable

[BroncoJo]

Online store and one in town have the 252 for $2100-2200


JB you have a pm coming

[Shaggy]

Jb why not start with a cheap arc welder?

[KrazyKarl02]

Jb why not start with a cheap arc welder?

Because arc welders suck my ass.

JB, most 110 volt welders are going to have a very low duty cycle, so welding anything with them will suck ass.

If you could get a 110 volt stick welder and would be a double suction on ass situation....

[Shaggy]

I like my portable arc welder. I wouldn't mind getting a mig but won't until I can get a big one.

[sam_hodnett]

Ok, my vote is still the 252

[BroncoJo]

Ok, my vote is still the 252

Will your vote help me pay for the 252?

[sam_hodnett]

no, but there is no way i would buy a hobart if i could have a bigger, better miller for 500 bucks more, I think of it as an investment... BTW, how is my bender working? im guessing it is giving yall a workout

[BroncoJo]

no, but there is no way i would buy a hobart if i could have a bigger, better miller for 500 bucks more, I think of it as an investment... BTW, how is my bender working? im guessing it is giving yall a workout


Hell ya, except for sparling he can't "get enough traction" yet to pull it

[Sparling]

I bent tube fine when I wasn't wearing boat shoes.

[eight]

Man up and get something that'll burn 7018s.

[JB]

Just bought my first welding machine. Just a Hobart 140. I need some lessons

[KrazyKarl02]

Start by making something that doesn't matter, like a welding cart

[Sparling]

bull**** welding carts don't matter.

[BroncoJo]

First thing I made was a welding cart, then a welding table

[TdmayfieldIV]

First thing I ever welded was eds shock tabs the day before TTC

[Sharpe]

bull**** welding carts don't matter.

Someone's feelin froggy today

[JB]

Got a free cart with the machine, but it sucks

[robertf03]

I think an overhead projector cart would work well

[TdmayfieldIV]

Whatever you make, put 4 turning casters on it and make it smaller than a school bus.......................Travis

[Fredo]

Buy a welder big enough to have wheels and a mount for the bottle already.

[Fredo]

Just bought my first welding machine. Just a Hobart 140. I need some lessons

I scrolled up after firing off that post. Congrats. The 140 is a good little welder to start with. I would just get a scrap piece of plate and start running beads down it. Then, when you get the rythm and look of the weld going your way, start trying to do overlap welds and butt welds. Clean steel is your friend.

[Seth]

Use the chart.

[sam_hodnett]

Just bought my first welding machine. Just a Hobart 140. I need some lessons

I'm sure sharpe will give you some lessons of you dangle a keystone in front of him :gigem:

[JB]

Ok, so I bought a bottle of the argon mix and got it hooked up. Dumb question, but do you just crack the bottle open slightly, then adjust at the regulator to around 20? Then what? Does the gas only flow when the machine is on? Or only when I pull the trigger?

[tommy53002]

Correct, just open the bottle then adjust the regulator. The gas only comes out when you pull the trigger.

[BroncoJo]

open the bottle all the way

[tigweld]

you dont need to open the bottle all the way! a 1/4 turn is all that is needed and much safer, economical should something happen to the line from regulator to machine. to adjust pressure the gas needs to be flowing, ie trigger pressed on.

[Shaggy]

So is miller still the way to go or for the not everyday user is Hobart good enough? How does the Hobart Handler 210 compare to the Miller 211? Seems like the Hobart is more powerful than the miller for the same money. I wonder if it is any good.

[85cj7]

I have a lincoln 100-hd that some one can have if they come get it from me. It needs a new gun (magnum 100), liner and a new positive terminal stud but other then that I think it should operate just fine. It is set up for 0.35 flux core but has the gas nozzel installed. I used it for years with no issues. Then it fell off my workbench and I used it as an excuse to buy a new hobart 140 unit. Free to a good home.

[KrazyKarl02]

I think Hobart is fine, Krebs, BDR, and I all have Hobarts and they seem work to work fine. Biggest difference that I know between Hobart and Miller is generally Miller has infinitely variable power and a Hobart will just have like 5 settings.

Someone who actually knows something about welding, like Sam or Creighton should chime in.

[colman]

We have a Hobart 175 and it works great for anything I need.

I'll take that welder. I'll be in dallas on the weekend of the 8th if that's cool. Assuming I'm considered a good home haha

[85cj7]

We have a Hobart 175 and it works great for anything I need.

I'll take that welder. I'll be in dallas on the weekend of the 8th if that's cool. Assuming I'm considered a good home haha

Still have my phone number? If so just send me a text when you're in town and we'll meet up. It's sitting under my work bench and not taking up vital space so I am in no hurry to get rid of it.

[BroncoJo]

Hobart's are just made in china millers, my Hobart plasma uses miller replacement parts. Hobart generally has less features and maybe one notch down on quality from miller.

[sam_hodnett]

Hobart's are just made in china millers, my Hobart plasma uses miller replacement parts. Hobart generally has less features and maybe one notch down on quality from miller.

This.
Hobart welders are essentially cheaper millers that are slightly lower quality. We have millers, but we operate them every day for most of the day. If you are just going to occasionally use them Hobarts are just fine. Evan has a Hobart 210 in college station which has welded a ton of stuff for the club and works like a champ.

If you are interested I still have both of my Miller 251s for sale. Haven't gotten around to listing them locally yet. Both work great and have brand new guns. wanting $1500 each OBO

[AggieTJ2007]

Duty cycle is the most important factor to consider.

General welding on 1/4 mild steel will run about 125-150 amps for the average user. The hobart 211 gives you a 30% duty cycle at 150 amps. Miller 211 is the exact same.

In comparison the Miller 212 and Hobart 230 give you 160 and 175 amps at 60% duty cycle. For welding structural members this will allow you to weld nearly continuously on a vehicle without hitting the duty cycle. The miller will have a smoother arc and better adjustment.

If you can swing it I would buy one of Sams miller 251's. If I had the cash I would buy one for myself as they are really nice machines.

For the record I have a Miller 211 (older 212) and it is a great machine, I have never hit the duty cycle on it and I have run several 33lb spools of wire though the machine without any issues.

[Shaggy]

Where are the 251s located? I am intersted.

[colman]

yea i do thanks. brian is moving back to the us so he will be taking his welder when he buys a house so i need a replacement even if its just till i buy a big one. also iirc these little ones are better for sheet metal work and i need to replace some body panels on a few projects.

[Seth]

If colman falls through I would be interested in the little Lincoln maybe.

We run a Hobart 140, and multiple miller machines (larger mig and stick) at work. Hobart seems to be just fine.

[85cj7]

yea i do thanks. brian is moving back to the us so he will be taking his welder when he buys a house so i need a replacement even if its just till i buy a big one. also iirc these little ones are better for sheet metal work and i need to replace some body panels on a few projects.

it did a great job on 18 gauge patch panels on my '56 chevy.

[sam_hodnett]

Where are the 251s located? I am intersted.

Paris, can deliver to alto this weekend

[Shaggy]

I'm not going to Alto.

[colman]

but ppl who live in houston are....

[Shaggy]

Can you take a picture of it? And are you sure of the condition? I don't want to spend $500 more for a worn out welder even if it is bigger than a brand new 211. If you say it is good I will trust you I just don't usually buy stuff without seeing it.

[85cj7]

Can you take a picture of it? And are you sure of the condition? I don't want to spend $500 more for a worn out welder even if it is bigger than a brand new 211. If you say it is good I will trust you I just don't usually buy stuff without seeing it.

http://www.tamor.org/forums/showthread.php?12452-Millermatic-251&highlight=miller+251

[Fredo]

Can you take a picture of it? And are you sure of the condition? I don't want to spend $500 more for a worn out welder even if it is bigger than a brand new 211. If you say it is good I will trust you I just don't usually buy stuff without seeing it.

Dude, go pound sand.