looking to go bigger

admin

I've been playing with my little 90amp and its been doing good as my tacking iron and welding up with the stick,  I have some larger projects coming my way that include a fair amount of 1/4" and I am seriously considering going to a 220volt mig/flux machine. I do weld alot with flux wire because I am outside welding. I work alone, not in a production shop, just working as I go, and on smaller jobs the 90amp has done fine, but it really doesn't do 3/16" without alot of patience, and I think I am ready to move forward. I am looking at the Hobart 190 and the Lincoln 180 because I can get them locally, millers look good but just not alot of local support. I am definitely on a budget of under 800 if its new, and the hobart locally is $699 and the lincoln 180(c) is 750, I think I can go to lowes and get a 180(t) for less but not sure what the difference is beside the infinite power control feature (which I am not sold on, sounds like more to break IMO)any help for a newb?Hobart Handler 190 Century 90amp on FluxCraftsman 200amp buzzbox
Reply:I don't have experiance with either off those models but you realy can't go wrong with either of those brands. For what it's worth which isnt much Id get the Hobart. From what I understand the 190 is just the updated version of a 187 which is a proven model I've never heard anything bad about.
Reply:Hi, Millers  211 is a awesome machine. Its 110 and 220 volt. Heres a thread from another site and my local suppliers website. They have great prices!http://www.weldersupply.com/products...es|Mig+Weldinghttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=63270     I prefer MILLERS, good luck in your choice.
Reply:Yeah, don't buy your welders at Home Depot or Lowes.  Yes, they have enough to be dangerous, but the bigger machines have to be shipped in anyway, might as well go online.  Online you can add Miller and ThermalArc to your list.As for infinite power vs. tapped power.  Tapped is definitely cheaper and more common on the lower end welders.  Infinitly variable wire speed and voltage is not really an issue as far as reliabiliity.  At some point you are talking professional grade machines with much longer projected life span than say what a hobbyist will put on it.With MIG, two things.  Must feed wire smoothly (run-in control is kinda nice) and must control voltage.  Others might disagree, but in my very limited experience, it seems the welders with flatter voltage vs. current curves tend to weld smoother (less spatter).Seeing as you have Internet connection, somewhere relatively nearby there will be a gas supplier that carries things like CO2 and argon for welding.  They will either be  welding distributor or know someone in the area who is.  Now relatively nearby might mean 25 miles.  But I assume you have a McDonalds or Subway.  Where do you think they get their CO2 for the soda machines?As for your budget.  Keep in mind that your 230V machine is going to need a plug + receptical + wire + breaker.   That's not free.  If you step up your budget to something like the Miller 211, you will be able to use it at 110V as well as 230.   Factor about $1100 for that one new (good luck finding that used).Personally I'd be looking at Craigslist - there are various tools to expand your search radius.  Your zipcode + 100  miles for example.  Figure $50 in travel expenses and 4 hrs of your life.  I scanned your area just to see what came up and their is of course the ridiculous - guy wants $3500 for a Miller 251+ spool gun.  Locally there was a Miller 251 the guy was asking $900 - ad ran for a couple of months.  If the welder is in good enough shape, that's when your reach down in to the bottom of your wallet and find that extra $100.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:+1 on stupid local pricing. I already have a 30amp and 50 amp plugs, I have the 200 amp stick welder  I have co2 tanks and all the pieces already, the part of my drive I work on has a prevailing wind between the buildings and I work outside alot, its just less hassle to run flux for my situation with larger projects.I dont need 110 and 220 welder I have a 110 already... if my budget was 1000 would you be convincing me to go 1200? my budget is 800, not 900, not 1000. I am not a professional welder and having a 900  dollar welder with no with no warranty over a 800 dollar welder with a warranty when either will do more than I need doesn't make sense either.i dont mind going used on something that works good and is serviceable, and I dont mind paying the extra 100 at the LWS, I just want to know if its WORTH it. I would rather buy a machine that I can get parts and serviced locally, as in within 5-10 miles. so when I need it to work its resolvable, no sense spending money on something harder to get parts for locally. the local lincoln place only carries the 140c and 180C and then up into the big boys, and I think for them its to justify the higher cost over BBS pricing, and if the option is worth it then I am into paying for it, if its a neato feature, then not really a worthwhile cost. maybe calling myself a newb isn't fair, I've been welding for a fair while, I am a newb to wirefeed, and got one on a trade and found it nice for tacking and quick small welding projects, not looking to change my whole deal, just get into wirefeed for bigger projects.Hobart Handler 190 Century 90amp on FluxCraftsman 200amp buzzbox
Reply:pick one then go to ebay and see what you find.
Reply:I can tell you that the Lincoln 180c is a very good welder for the money. If you are getting it from the LWS try to talk them down on the price or maybe throw in a 10lb spool of wire with some extra tips or some gloves or a cover for the welder. A lot of times if you got cash and buying they want to make the sale they will give in. Good luck, Georgewww.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:I've logged in quite a bit of arc time in on a Handler 187/190 and a PowerMIG 180C. I consider both to be very good units. Between the two I tend to favor the Handler 190. The main reason being that the Handler 190 offers a noticablly higher level of top end power. The tapped voltage design of the Handler 190 also makes it an easier unit to get the arc dialed in quicker on.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:I vote for the Hobart. I almost bought the 187 but wanted the spoolgun so I went with the 210. I never use the spoolgun or top end power of the machine. I going back in time I would rather have the 187 and the extra cash in my pocket. I like the tap. Mig doesn't have to have the volts dialed in exactly. Never regretted tap and would buy another.Hobart Handler 210 with SpoolgunHypertherm PM30 PlasmaHTP 221 Tig WelderHF BandsawHF Auto Dark Helmet
Reply:hi, I just wanted to show you a MILLER 211 for $979.00 AND a review on this welder with the Lincoln Outershield wire. You  stated flux core so I just posted that and results with the 211 which by the way  is the hot setup from what i have been reading and the best buy for the buck.Sometimes savings a little longer will bring you to the next level of a item and maybe worth it.
Reply:180 amp machine on 1/4" in is slow going and pushes the duty cycle. My 175 would do 1/4 but you could kick the thermal protector in 10 minutes or less with. 035 solid wireMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Originally Posted by farmshop180 amp machine on 1/4" in is slow going and pushes the duty cycle. My 175 would do 1/4 but you could kick the thermal protector in 10 minutes or less with. 035 solid wire
Reply:I haven't heard of a 180 ish welder not being able to do 1/4" either, I can see it not being good in a production environment where your at it all day with precuts etc, as far as duty cycle and overload, etc.if a 180/190 welder cant do more than 3/16" either why do they even make them? if that IS a commonly held opinion maybe this isn't worth looking into. would like to hear more feedback/opinions on that comment that it wont do 1/4"most of my welds will be 4-6" strings p up to about and up to 4 at 4" and 2 @ 6". I tend to take my time.Last edited by Ryf; 02-01-2012 at 12:33 AM.Hobart Handler 190 Century 90amp on FluxCraftsman 200amp buzzbox
Reply:Have you considered used?A used old Miller, if the seller can demo it, will probably be all you will ever need.  I bought a used MM200 with spot control AND a working Spoolmatic 1 for $299.  A few hours of time, PPG single stage and a new Bernard Q300 and I have a 250A class machine for undr $550 that will outlast me.  My fan kicks on after around 18" of bead on 1/4" steel and running hot.  There are deals out there.  I'd say go big first and go used Miller or Lincoln.Last edited by Drf255; 02-01-2012 at 06:34 AM.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:i have but most of the used ones are out of my financial area, they want more than a new one, unless its a Clarke or chinease unit. for some reason around here welders are way more dear than they should be, except that everyones broke and squeezing every penny they think they can get.. a fair number of them are "Snap on" etc that are asking more than a than the new ones I am looking  at and they are only 110...I am leaning hard toward the hobart 190 right now, I would rather have new than buy someones problems, and have a warranty. I really can't see it not being more than enough to do what I need.Hobart Handler 190 Century 90amp on FluxCraftsman 200amp buzzbox
Reply:Originally Posted by Ryfi have but most of the used ones are out of my financial area, they want more than a new one, unless its a Clarke or chinease unit. for some reason around here welders are way more dear than they should be, except that everyones broke and squeezing every penny they think they can get.. a fair number of them are "Snap on" etc that are asking more than a than the new ones I am looking  at and they are only 110...I am leaning hard toward the hobart 190 right now, I would rather have new than buy someones problems, and have a warranty. I really can't see it not being more than enough to do what I need.
Reply:I have been searching as far as 80 miles out (covers cincinnati and Columbus) and its fairly ridiculous pricing, there was a good deal on a NIB lincoln 180 but he hasn't responded to texts or calls. if I had 3 phase I would be set there were/are several for in the 500 or less range..there are quite a few 110V and even those are fairly rediculously priced. the more I look the more I gravitate toward the hobart, 190 amps, spool gun ready in case I wanted to later, new for 699 OTD  748.  I hear you on bigger later, but I am not interested in much more than off-road and vehicle / ATV/ utility trailer fab or repair, I dont really see me needing to do aluminum, much less wanting to do structural for myself.I am gonna call and put in a order for a 190 tonight, kinda tired of chasing deals and showing up to find out its not as advertised, wasting gas and time on scammers and nonsense. too much of that now adaysHobart Handler 190 Century 90amp on FluxCraftsman 200amp buzzbox
Reply:UGH so much for ordering a 190, I was told by today it would be in, now today being told "within two weeks" not really loving that plan, at least it wasn't paid for, offered to do a down payment, kinda glad now I didn't, so, a Lincoln 180C might have to be in my future, I do like the aluminum drive assembly on that one, I m going to try one other place via phone about the hobart (its $100 less its worth a call) but I am getting frustrated with the whole thing. I could have ordered ANYTHING online and been welding already by now, but was trying to "support the local economy" so much for that.I am pretty soured about this whole nonsense, I just wana get to welding dangit!Hobart Handler 190 Century 90amp on FluxCraftsman 200amp buzzbox
Reply:If you have a Tractor Supply nearby they have them in stock usually.  I was going through the store last night and they had one for $699.  Rural King also has them in stock almost always for the same price.  Talk with the store manager at either store and they will usually take the price down another $20 or $25.  Possibly get some gloves or such thrown in.
Reply:the problem with my tractor supply, your paying alot for a open box item, they have the one on the shelf, and unless you live somewhere they sell alot, thats the one your buyin, so right off your buying a display model (locally they leave the torches on  ), so theres a 50/50 chance you need a new liner just walking out the door. I am not saying NOT to buy one, just go in eyes wide open about it, you might be better off ordering one into the store with free shipping to store than impulse buying if your store doesn't have one in stock.the other downside to the locals tractor supply (smallish town), one shipment a week, lol, which makes it no benefit if you order one in.I like my local tractor supply alot mind you, but I have always seen it as a mixed bag with anything expensive equipment related being bought thats easily damaged, YMMV at your local store of course. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a compressor or air tools etc. but when you leave out the vulnerable parts of the welders all tangled up and folded, I lean towards a pass.--- update----My local gas supplier/welding supplier just made me realize what a cheap pile he is and why he just lost this sale. I said I wanted a small 220v welder, he said why bother the 140 is the same welder, same duty cycle (not really) and I quote" it don't weld no different and cost $400 more than the 140 I have in stock and neither can weld 1/4" " so what I think happened is he is trying to push me to buy what he has, which isnt what I want. I think his method was "I'll run out the clock and he'll buy what I have". I am seriously depressed about what I have to go with locally, time for a road trip.Last edited by Ryf; 02-07-2012 at 03:15 PM.Hobart Handler 190 Century 90amp on FluxCraftsman 200amp buzzbox
Reply:what are you gonna have that you dont have now  when you spend yer money on awirefeeder? to me the only advantage of wirefeeder is you can do production all day long..you say that isnt your operation..stay with the stick machine..
Reply:you never wanted to do something different? I can DO all the welding I want now, I wanted to be able to do the projects over 1/8" with some err.... convenience, confidence? my 90amp really is a turd on 3/16 (ends up being multipass). I imagine a better 140 would be a big improvement (honestly a weld pak 100 blows my machine away, hands down) but to me a little more money, I could be be much more confident at 1/4" than where I am now with 3/16",i am sure I can stick to arc, but we all know, compared to mig, stick isn't nearly as easy or convenient. as a hobby welder, wirefeed has really made my life alot easier on thinner metal, and general tacking into place. and I'm looking to enjoy those benefits on slightly thicker stuff as well. most all the work I do is on things like ATV's, trailers for said atvs, my mini buggy, etc.. it would be nice to be able to tack in a 3/16" and not have switch to stick, which on alot of things I do that, because I question the little boxes ability.Hobart Handler 190 Century 90amp on FluxCraftsman 200amp buzzbox
Reply:I took delivery on my Hobart 190 this afternoon, just got back from work, thanks for any and all assistance on making up my mind, I did end up getting one ordered  through tractor supply(I called the store and they ordered it to the store for me so not open box), with the three year replacement deal it was close to 800, but I think the added simplicity of the warranty was worth it (in stead of sending it off I just swap it out) anyway, just wanted to put closure on this thread. will be at least saturday before I can really play with it, thanks for following anyway.Hobart Handler 190 Century 90amp on FluxCraftsman 200amp buzzbox
Reply:Originally Posted by Ryfthe problem with my tractor supply, your paying alot for a open box item, they have the one on the shelf, and unless you live somewhere they sell alot, thats the one your buyin, so right off your buying a display model
Reply:well, in southern ohio area, that is how it is. in all 4 of the stores around my area they had only one handler 190 in stock when I called, and the first three I asked said you are getting the one on display, two said it would be on their regular shipment if I ordered it with no real ETA (up to two weeks), the one in Jackson, Ohio said they would have it sent to the store direct and had it UPS'd in within 2 days..the two I actually walked into had two 140's (one was display) and only one 190 (the display)I am sure if you live in an area that they move them they carry more than one, but this is definitely how it is around here.Hobart Handler 190 Century 90amp on FluxCraftsman 200amp buzzboxI am sure you'll be happy with your purchase.  Anyone saying a 140 amp and a 190 amp macchine will do the same should sell welders. Keep us postedMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:I'm sure you will be happy with your 190.  I got my 210 dropped off by the brown truck today.  I'm surprised your TS store doesn't stock these.  The ones here stock them routinely.  Actually I saw somebody purchase a 190 yesterday.  He did buy the display model though as it sounded like he was in a bind.  Couldn't wait until Monday.  They gave him $50 off!!Let us know how you like the 190.