Need advice on first mig welder

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First of all, I'm in no rush. I have access to a Miller at work almost whenever I need it but I am in my second year in my first house and would like to have a workshop setup in the garage hopefully by the summer. This mig will be my first piece of welding equipment.My criteria: 1. Affordable. I have a 3 year old son with another due in September (which is why I'd like to do this by summertime). I'm not looking to spend much more than 500.2. American made. I just dont want anything from China. I will sacrifice capability for an American made welder.3. Flux/gas capableI'm open to the idea of refurbished/used as well. I just want a machine that will last and have parts available years down the road.I did come across this: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...2691_200332691Anyone have any experience with Northern welders? It received great reviews.Thanks in advance.
Reply:Hi Ya Johnny, I myself haven't had experience with a Northern Welder, however the farm down the road from me order one from  their site. When it arriived  he had some problems and came over to borrow my lincoln stick! He went back and  forth with northern for awhile before he sent it back. Since your up in Rochester have you gone to Jackson Welding!!?? They usually have some pretty good deals and even some times have some used and refurbished welders.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Northern edits their Reviews.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by johnny5My criteria: 2. American made. I just dont want anything from China. I will sacrifice capability for an American made welder.
Reply:The new 180 amp Lincoln machine they sell at Lowes is just over 600.  It should do everything you need with a little extra left over.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:That Northern welder is made in china. A Hobart Handler 140 is the one you want, it's even made in the U.S.
Reply:Originally Posted by crawlerYou don't have to sacrifice any capability with USA made welder.  I think some of the best welders are made in the USA.  Buy Miller, Hobart, Esab, or Lincoln and you'll be okay.Stay away from chinese crap such as Everlast.
Reply:Miller XMT 350 and a Dynasty 350 would be nice.
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat BastardMiller XMT 350 and a Dynasty 350 would be nice.
Reply:I was in your shoes a few years ago and I looked around like you are. I wound up and got a Lincoln powermig 255 with a partial spool ran through it for 900 bucks. One of the best investments I think I have ever made. I am a welding instructor, and we have one of the finest labs I have ever seen. We have some very nice mig welders. Not a one of them run as good as mine. Every time I use my machine it surprises me how nicely it runs. You can pick them up used for a good price. Mine only had 20 pounds of wire run through it before I bought it. Look around....
Reply:Hi again Johnny have you looked online to places such as cyberweld, weldersource, etcCo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Originally Posted by specterHi Ya Johnny, I myself haven't had experience with a Northern Welder, however the farm down the road from me order one from  their site. When it arriived  he had some problems and came over to borrow my lincoln stick! He went back and  forth with northern for awhile before he sent it back. Since your up in Rochester have you gone to Jackson Welding!!?? They usually have some pretty good deals and even some times have some used and refurbished welders.
Reply:240v Machine fer sure.Twice the machine for just a few dollars more.I know, blows the 500.00 budget and add a nutter 150.00 for the jug o' C25Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I think some people are afraid of going with a machine that runs on 220. They think that putting a 220 line in is a big deal.
Reply:http://rochester.craigslist.org/tls/990592719.htmlIf this is the HH175 offer 500.00.If it is a 135 don't botherEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by BrianstickI think some people are afraid of going with a machine that runs on 220. They think that putting a 220 line in is a big deal.
Reply:btw, found a refurb lincoln sp135t for 450 shipped. I think I may have found a winner.
Reply:Originally Posted by johnny5Not really, I ran 220 for my electric water tank. Pretty straight-forward. My house was built in the 50's and I plan on rewiring the garage, with a 220 for a compressor but I dont think I really need a 220 welder. maybe down the road.
Reply:Originally Posted by johnny5btw, found a refurb lincoln sp135t for 450 shipped. I think I may have found a winner.
Reply:you got me thinking... but like i said the budget is 500. baby on the way, and with tax 489 would put me above that. do you think that a refurb 135T really isnt worth that? my wife actually found it for me and she is really supportive of this purchase as long as it's under 500 total. it does come with a 3 year warranty.
Reply:Originally Posted by johnny5nice, but very out of my price range.
Reply:my first welder was a lincoln weldpac 100 with the a mig kitand cart there around 500 i still have it works great
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat BastardI figure if I am playing with your money....Like all man toys BIGGER is better, with few exceptions.
Reply:Originally Posted by johnny5you got me thinking... but like i said the budget is 500. baby on the way, and with tax 489 would put me above that. do you think that a refurb 135T really isnt worth that? my wife actually found it for me and she is really supportive of this purchase as long as it's under 500 total. it does come with a 3 year warranty.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1Is NY enforcing Internet Tax collection? What is your sales tax? Any TSC in the area?The Hobart 187 would be the ticket 599.00 plus tax.I know, over budgetThe 135 is quite a few years old & a 120v machine450.00 + 150.00 or more for C25You are going to be over the $500.00 by the time you buy a jug o' shielding gas might as well buy something worth getting yer arse kicked by the Mrs.That Hobart on CL has everything- asking 575.00 offer 500.00, settle for 550.00You need to get some time on a 240v machine to understand why the push for a 240v unit- any Local shops allow you to fire one up? Take a couple of those bolts you welded up and do it with a 240v machine.You already understand the concept with having a 240v comp.It is a good plan since you are going to be taking a Mig class- after the class you'll have a better idea of what machine will suit your needs as well as hurt yer walletEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Home use: a 110V MIG would be ok.  Just learn on the flux core then when finances are affordable, get the gas & solid wire.  A 135A-140A 110V MIG would be a minimum to start with.  Look on EvilBay, Craigslist for used ones, because your going to need a roll of wire, helmet, gloves & long sleeve either cotton or leather jacket.  If your total budget is $500, you have to account for the consumables too.If you can find an inexpensive Hobart Handler 175, it's 220V & will weld light sheet metal & up to 1/4" - multipass, but doable.  I've seen lots of 100A MIG's on Craiglist for $250 & under, and even a few 220V models around $500.  Sometimes you can make a deal even if it's long distance, just have to trust the other guy & ask lots of questions.I purchased a HH175 as my first welder, only because I knew I would need 220V at some point.  I got it at Tractor Supply on a Xmas special that came complete with a small bottle of 75/25, regulator, gloves, auto darkening helmet, extra lens protectors & a cart for $650.  But that was in 2004.  I don't know if they still have deals like that, but you can check around & see if there are some out there.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1http://rochester.craigslist.org/tls/990592719.htmlIf this is the HH175 offer 500.00.If it is a 135 don't bother
Reply:That's the HH 135.  It should be worth about $400 with everything pictured.  He could keep the gas bottle, as you don't need it immediately, just learn on the flux core.  Then when finances allow, get a regular 80 cf bottle from the nearby welding supply house.  Then you have the certification for the bottles & will build a good relationship with a local supplier.  I've actually seen them on EvilBay for as low as $250, but they were pretty well used.  New HH 140 should run about $500.The HH 175/HH 180 is 220Volt, the HH 135/HH 140 is 110Volt.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Originally Posted by MarkBall2That's the HH 135.  It should be worth about $400 with everything pictured.  He could keep the gas bottle, as you don't need it immediately, just learn on the flux core.  Then when finances allow, get a regular 80 cf bottle from the nearby welding supply house.  Then you have the certification for the bottles & will build a good relationship with a local supplier.  I've actually seen them on EvilBay for as low as $250, but they were pretty well used.  New HH 140 should run about $500.The HH 175/HH 180 is 220Volt, the HH 135/HH 140 is 110Volt.
Reply:That's the ticket, always trying to get better.I think we all understand about finances/budgets.  If you cannot afford it right now, save your money (I know, I know, baby on the way).  But if it's in your ability, save your money & get the 140.  It will be a good starter MIG & something you can learn to get better with.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Originally Posted by down19992000The first pic on there says it is a 115 volt welding package??