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I'm trying to decide on which MIG I want to get for my garage. I only have 115volt in the garage, and this will not be changing because the garage lines are run underground and local bylaw stipulates that this is the way it's going to stay unless I want a 1500 dollar fine. shock:


In any case, I don't really have any plans to weld quarter inch so I'm not too concerned. In fact, I'm a lot more interested in welding the thin stuff. (Yeah, yeah, get a TIG they say, except I'm not a barrel of money)


I've been looking at the major brands, Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, and most of the 115v MIGs they make have an amperage range from 30-XXX.

There are two MIGs I've been looking at specifically. The Hobart Handler 140 is 25-140amps. This is nice, but the disadvantage is that I have only four settings for voltage.

I've also been looking at the Miller Millermatic 140 With Auto-Set.

Thoughts?

check into the HTP line, after much research, that is what I bought.
uses miller tips etc, so I can get tips and such at home depot/ lowes over the weekend if I need to.
Many features not found on the miller/hobarts of the same size.

WARNING the htp's are heavy due to the windings in the transformer being copper NOT aluminum like the miller/hobart.
(consequently the duty cycles are better at the same ampereages)

http://www.htpweld.com/products/mig_wel ... g_140.html

this is the one I got, a little more expensive, but I got a stout welder.


Rob

I would try the old Lincoln SP 100. You can get 100 amps if you change the outlet and cord to 30 amp plug. It will run both flux cord or gas.

Good Luck

The material thickness that you most often weld will not only determine the process that you choose; it will also determine the voltage of the unit you need. For instance, if you plan to weld over 1/8" material the majority of the time using a MIG process, it is recommended that you invest in a 230v system. The higher amperage range of this machine can better handle your welding needs in a single pass and you won't have to waste time with second or third passes. Examples of heavy materials can be such things as frames to tool benches or maybe even a fence.

If most of your welding will be performed on material less than 1/8" thick, a 115v MIG machine is probably your best bet for economic reasons. For flux-cored welding, a 115v machine will generally allow you weld material up to ¼". A 115v unit is less expensive and will well suit your needs. When choosing a machine, look also at the amperage ratings of the machine - you don't want to overburden a machine by continuously welding at an amperage higher than what is recommended.
Check this welder out.
http://www.millerwelds.com/education/ar ... cle98.html

When comparing welders, look at duty cycles too. Two MIGs rated 100A may be very different, if one has a DC of 20% and the other 65%.
The 25% will spend more time in the automatic cooling cycle, i.e. power off, and force you to wait it out.

They can advertise high max amps, but at the cost of low duty cycle.

Try to stick with quality name brands, and listen to what others have experienced, before deciding what to buy.

Other than that, the key factor is: get the biggest you can run.

Jan

Look at repair and parts avaiability. Linclon, Miller and Hobart are ususally easy to find parts for and most welding shops either can repair them or have vendors that repair them. Not all other brands are as easy to get parts for. I run a couple of 120vac Hobarts. They are good but one thing I like about the Miller and (maybe the Lincoln) is the infinate heat control. The Hobart as four settings and that is it.

I prefer using a gas shield rather than the messier shielded wire. I think I heard that the shielded wire can weld a little deaper though. You still will have to chip slag away.

Hope this helps.

I say bring it on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpfUEIc4XNg

Raymondo wrote:
There are two MIGs I've been looking at specifically. The Hobart Handler 140 is 25-140amps. This is nice, but the disadvantage is that I have only four settings for voltage.

I've also been looking at the Miller Millermatic 140 With Auto-Set.

Thoughts?

Raymondo, I'm a rank beginner at welding, so my views may be suspect

Both of the machines you listed are nice machines. I use to have a 110 volt flux core only welder. I have since moved to a Miller Challenger (bought it on Ebay for a very nice price).



It has the fixed voltage selector, but, it doesn't seem to bother me. Then again, if I had to do this for a living, I would probably be singing a different tune

pete

David58bug wrote:I say bring it on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpfUEIc4XNg

I LIKE IT !!!!!

pete

Dont buy a welder that has fixed power settings.They are never in the sweet spot and you end up slightly hot or slightly cold and then you have to play with the speed to try and compensate and yadda yadda its torture get one that has infinite adjustability for the amperage and wire feed or you will be sorry in the long run. If you look on fleabay you can get some great deals, get a used major brand like a miller rather than a new chinese piece of crap for for the same money. Problem with ebay is shipping is gonna kill you so look in the classifieds for something local people are selling welding equipment all the time.