MIG Welders - opinions

[c.d.iesel]

what are your opinions on MIG welder

brands? HOBAR, MILLER, LINCOLN ?

Relaible, parts, support...... quality ?

[BLUNT]

but you have no idea hod bad i suck at welding. i will eventually get it tho. by the time my car is done and i wont need it anymore.

[Guest Anonymous]

I would suggest gettind the Lincoln deff a very good welder. Had mine for over a year very easy to weld even for a n00b like me.

[slash02]

Not sure about hobart, but I bought a cheapo mig welder, it worked fine untill I needed a part, and that was the problem. Next one I buy is a lincoln electric

And as Usual C.D. you have an exellent and relevant image with your posting.

[canadamatt]

I know a lot of guys with Millers and Hobarts; in my opinion you can't go wrong with either (Miller owns Hobart...or does Hobart own Miller?). The shops I have spoken with all seem to stock parts and be knowledgeable about the brand.

I have a Hobart Handler 110v model, used it to do everything on my 02, from the bodywork to adjustable toe/camber on my subframe. Works great, never had an issue with it. If you are looking at something for hobby/garage use, I'd go with the Handler 140. If you want bigger (220v), you can't go wrong wtih the Handler 180. I know someone who uses the same Millermatic (175 I believe) for musclecar restoration work, and its never failed him, he loves it.

Matt[/i]

[dubois]

choose whichever can be serviced easier, maybe there is a reputable and friendly welding shop near you, talk to them, they are probably have a good serviceable used one too.

These things don't break down often, but it can be frustating if you need to diagnost or get the right parts for them.

[Harv]

CD, I think it depends where you are and the availability of parts. Here in Cleveland, everyone uses Lincoln since they are made here. Parts are almost at the 7/11 in bubble packs. I know my friend Jeff in Lenox Ma. was asking me about Hobarts. I'm guessing they are the welder to have in the NE?

I HATE my POS Itialian no name Mig. I can't even find tips for it!

John

[Ian]

I don't think you will go wrong with a welder from the major manufacturers (Miller, Hobart, Lincoln, ESAB). If you want a machine that you can continue using as your ambition grows, I'd recommend a 220V machine. Alternatively, if dollars are tight and you want to do primarily bodywork and light fabrication, a good 110V machine will suffice. However, it is easier to get good penetration on thicker metal with a 220V welder, so I opted to go this route when I bought my machine so I would have more confidence on my structural welds in the beginning. An experienced welder can make good welds with most machines, but I'm not that experienced yet, so I prefer the peace of mind that a 220V machine gives me.

When I was shopping for a welder, I found a shop that would let me try out a few. I used a Miller 135 (110V), 175 (220V) and 210 (220V), and a couple of Hobarts including a 180 (220V). I personnally like the weld puddle on the Miller 210 the best, and decided to cough up the extra money to go for the 220V machine. I've done everything from .5" plate (did require multiple passes) to 20 ga sheetmetal with the mm210 and loved it.

Ian

'76 M2 (partially welded back together)

[c.d.iesel]

...THAT'S MY PROBLEM - parts ?

I bought a MAC Tools MIG welder way back in the 80's

and the regulator died and none available

because the beastie was made in ITALY

and the plumbing for the regulator

is tiny hose and fittings and and and...........

looking for a robust Made In America Spark-o Matic

to last me the nest 30 years

Thanks

[02Nut]

Sticking with a name brand like Miller/Hobart/Lincoln is a good bet. I've worked in production welding shops and I've had the best luck on after-sales service & spare parts availability with the name brands.

I also suggest trying out different units - aside from getting "experience" using the unit, its a great opportunity to determine how much support you can expect from your local dealer.

[Jack]

I have Miller's 135 Mig and Synchrowave 180 for stick and heliarc. For a small MIG rig I like Miller. I looked at both Lincoln and Miller when I bought a few years ago. I chose the Miller because it had metal drive wheels for the wire feed where the Lincoln had plastic. Wire feed reliability is where the rubber meets the road in Mig. I have been very pleased with Millers support and their web site (www.millerwelds.com) has been very helpful to me. Reports on their Passport unit have been very positive. This is the kind of product I like to purchase locally, so I have someone to go to who can get me some assistance if required...kinda like working with your local BMW dealer, CD. There are some items I do not mind buying "off brand". Welding machines... I want a top brand. What are you looking to do? How much are you going to use it? Also, the comment about the 220 machine right. A "real" machine will be 220 but for a hobbyist on automotive the 110 machine has proven to be fine. Do your homework and buy once. Pay attention to the "duty cycle" (the percentage of an hour the machine can weld without overheating) . My 135 has a very low duty cycle but I just work with it.

[bimmerboy]

(nt)