Help me pick a mig welder

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Im 15 Years old , currently taking Welding at school and I absolutely love it. I want to buy my own Mig Welder to practice at home.Help me choose, here are the three im really looking at, I know there small but thats my price range as of now.http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...duct=MIL500527http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...uct=LINK2689-1http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...uct=LINK2473-1 Just let me know which one you think would be best for the price , Thanks.
Reply:Any of those are decent machines as they are all 230v machines. That Hobart is a bit overpriced. I saw Nothern tool had the HH187 for about $680 yesterday IIRC. I've never been a Lincoln man myself. Nothing against them, just not what anyone I'm familiar with  near me uses.  I've used the Hobarts and they are a nice machine for the money. Of the three, thats the way I would go..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:i like the hobart because it comes with the cart + can weld a little bit thicker metal then the others, but im just trying to get the best deal possible.
Reply:if your lucky , that 187's till on sale at Atwoods for $549 or 559 i saw few days ago. If moneys no biggie of the three , i'd buy the Lincoln 180C        thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3
Reply:The cart wouldn't sway me one way or the other honestly. You can build a real nice cart with the money you save by shopping around a bit. Maybe put it towards the gas cylinder for that machine, or a good AD hood. Materials to build that cart can be picked up almost for free if you keep your eyes open on trash nights for an old bed frame or a gas grill you can recycle the tubing and maybe even the wheels from..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:thats a great idea, By the time I buy one of these machines I will already have plenty of practice Mig welding at school so making my own cart would be a great job to do once i get my machine,My dads work already gave me free gloves and jackets , but I am definitely going to buy a nice auto tint hoodLast edited by JCwelding; 10-13-2011 at 12:02 AM.
Reply:Tons of good learning projects you can do. There's been any number of threads with suggestions for class or school projects that might interest you. The cart, welding table, material rack, various shop tools, fire place tools, plant hangers, candle holders, coat hooks, wine racks, shooting targets, BBQ grills and smokers and on and on...Start keeping your eyes open for metal you can use for projects and to practice on. A neighbor of mine is in to collecting steel scrap and selling it. I'm often amazed at what he trash picks on garbage nights. I've picked up all sorts of useful steel from him that he's found. Break it all down and store it neatly so you know what you have and your parents don't get too pi$$ed at the mess. Come Christmas you can surprise them with things you made. A plant holder for mom maybe, Coat rack from horse shoes for your sister perhaps, rod holder stake for dad... It's easy to get  tools and equipment if your parents see a use to what you are doing.Last edited by DSW; 10-13-2011 at 12:06 AM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:since you are just looking at 180 class machines, how about a dual input voltage machine that can still be used when you are not near a 220v outlet?
Reply:heres a couple good machines http://www.google.com/url?q=http://s...ed=0CCMQqxIwAQ  or the 211 with dual voltage capability  makes it much more portable if needed for small stuff http://www.google.com/url?q=http://w...ed=0CC8QqxIwBA you can also ask your miller dealer to check the remanufactured list may be able to pick up a machine for less with same warrenty i think lincoln does remans toLast edited by umahunter; 10-13-2011 at 05:18 PM.350P 30A spool gun cut master 51  syncro 250 other stuff " take a dog off the street and make him prosper and he will not bite you sad the same cannot be said for man" i didnt use punctuation just to piss you off
Reply:umahunter is that mig welder much better then the 3 i have up there. I did notice it is 100 dollars more but is it worth the extra 100 dollars that I would spend on one of the machines i posted?
Reply:JC,The New Handler 210 comes with MVP (multi volt plug). I've got the older one with only the 230v. and I have yet to find something wrong with it. it will accept a spool gun if you ever get into ali. Shop around. Keep an eye on CL and Ebay etc. you don't have to buy brand new. just buy quality.  the MVP IMO is probably worth the extra $100 if you plan on doing work in different locations. You're 15 so who knows what kind of shop space you'll have when you're out on your own. Finding a place with an extra 230v plug isn't as easy as you might think. Plan for longevity. I got into welding when I was your age. and haven't looked back. Just remember, you're going to get more return from your investment if you buy one that will last you longer. No point in getting the 230v only if you aren't sure you're going to be able to use it in 3 yrs.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:I thought it through and I am almost positive i want to continue to weld throughout highschool then attend college for welding. I definatly think i will get my use out of it. but if you have any machine recommendations please post a link of it below!Im honestly going to just be doing small projects for practice and what not and make a few things or fix stuff for neighbors etc. do you think one of the above machines is good for that or you think i should just get a smaller one like this : http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...uct=LINK2471-1here is a smaller one with MVP : http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...duct=MIL951375Last edited by JCwelding; 10-13-2011 at 11:03 PM.
Reply:Avoid the 110v migs if you are serious. You will quickly out grow them. The MM211 you posted is an excelent machine. Probably one of the best all around hobbiest machines out there. Big enough on 230v to weld up some decent thickness steel and run alum with a spoolgun, yet you can also use it on 110v power for lighter stuff and be mobile. Even after you move on to bigger and bigger machines, you'll probably still keep it for the portability and the wide range of options it will allow you to do.If you end up being serious about this, whether as a future job or just as a serious hobby, you'll probably end up like many of us and collect machines. There's really no one machine that does it all well. There are several that do a several things very well, but usually they are higher priced industrial grade machines like Millers XMT's or Dynasty's. Looks like you are starting out on the right track. You're looking at good upper end starter machines that will grow with you. The next step up would put you into the lower end shop machines. More money and more power, but you'd give up some of the nice options that MM211 has like the ability to run on both 110v/220v power and the ability to put it in your car or truck and take it over to a friends house to say fix a mower deck or work on the body of his jeep.Also keep in mind there's a lot of other tools and equipment you'll want to pick up also as you move along. Clamps ( you can't have too many clamps), grinders ( I think right now I've got at least 6 I use regularly), saws of various sorts ( band saws, chop saws, torches, plasma cutter, recipricating saws, jigsaws, circular saws, carbide metal saws...), drills and bits, and then all the specialty tools, tube benders, brakes, presses, ironworkers, lathes, mills... the list is endless. This hobby can get expensive fast. ( but them what hobby doesn't if you are serious?).No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Due to there lack of power, a 120 volt input unit like the Lincoln 140C will become a disappointment very quickly.If the additional $200+ price tag of the 200 amp dual voltage units that some on here are pushing you towards is a major strain on your budget, just go with one of the 180 amp units you were originally considering. Hobart has upgraded the Handler 187 (added circuitry to run a spool gun) that you're looking at it is now called the Handler 190. There are still a few Handler 187 out there, and they are generally available at a discounted price.http://store.cyberweld.com/hoha190migwe.htmlI use to own a Handler 187 and currently own a PowerMIG 180C. One advantage the Handler 187/190 has over the Power MIG 180C is the fact that the it produces more top end output power.  Meaning with solid wire the 187/190 is a better 1/4" unit then the 180C. Due to it lower top end  power level, for critical solid wire applications the 180C is best used on 3/16" and thinner.BTW, the reason I no longer have the 187 is because my friend was wanting a 180 amp unit and at this point in time he can afford to buy a new unit, so since I also own an ESAB Migmaster 250, Hobart Ironman 230, Millermatic 210, Hobart Handler 210 MVP, I decided tobe a nice guy and sell the 187 to him for a cheap price.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:I vote for the mm211 hands down. I know its a few hundred higher than you lookin at, but its a great machine with balls when needed.I've used mine on 20ga tubing up to 1/2'' plate. I love thats its not a tap machine and it has a ton of adjustability with the wire speed and voltage. They come with a nice gun and metal feeder. Just an all around great little machine. Ive got 150lbs of wire through mine and still welds as good as day one. This machine cost me 1050 but has paid for its self several times over with local metal fab work
Reply:I love that MM221 but im really hoping it isnt gonna be to much, im expecting it to be anywhere from $850-$1000 hopefully not much more then 1000 otherwise i might have to settle for the Lincoln 180C or the hobart
Reply:I have a 187 that I got brand new, and although its very rare for me to do any wirefeed welding, when I do, boy is that thing sweet!! Id buy it again any day.[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:[QUOTE=ThorsHammer;563547]JC,The New Handler 210 comes with MVP (multi volt plug). I've got the older one with only the 230v. and I have yet to find something wrong with it. it will accept a spool gun if you ever get into ali. Just picked up the new Handler 210MVP off of ebay.  Delivered this week. Will set up and try it out this weekend.  $700 plus shipping.  Pretty much the same unit as the Miller 211, but is a tapped machine and doesn't have auto setLast edited by oldwino; 10-14-2011 at 09:48 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by LanseI have a 187 that I got brand new, and although its very rare for me to do any wirefeed welding, when I do, boy is that thing sweet!! Id buy it again any day.
Reply:[quote=oldwino;563958] Originally Posted by ThorsHammerJC,The New Handler 210 comes with MVP (multi volt plug). I've got the older one with only the 230v. and I have yet to find something wrong with it. it will accept a spool gun if you ever get into ali. Just picked up the new Handler 210MVP off of ebay.  Delivered this week. Will set up and try it out this weekend.  $700 plus shipping.  Pretty much the same unit as the Miller 211, but is a tapped machine and doesn't have auto set
Reply:thanks guys for all the help in choosing, im most likely going to either get the mm211 but if airgas wants to much i will buy a handler 210Mvp off ebay!
Reply:why not just get the 211 off ebay 1014  and free shipping from indiana oxygen ive bought 2 machines from them with no problems  http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.co...TIC-211/Detail350P 30A spool gun cut master 51  syncro 250 other stuff " take a dog off the street and make him prosper and he will not bite you sad the same cannot be said for man" i didnt use punctuation just to piss you off
Reply:I would get anything HOBART/MILLER before I would buy that Lincoln 180t/c.  I think in the longrun you will be much further ahead...I used to think Lincoln was a topnotch company, but recent events have left me to believe they are moving on the level of the Chinese junk sold on Ebay....Pennywise and Pound foolish.
Reply:Buy yourself a Lincoln Electric Power Mig 180 Dual (K3018-1). It uses 120v and 230v and it's built really sturdy.
Reply:Don't forget about the ESAB Caddy Mig 200i.  can be had on ebay for under $1000 new delivered.   ESAB make good stuff too.      Thermal arc may be another brand to considerTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250Originally Posted by intergalacticaBuy yourself a Lincoln Electric Power Mig 180 Dual (K3018-1). It uses 120v and 230v and it's built really sturdy.
Reply:Originally Posted by JCweldingthanks guys for all the help in choosing, im most likely going to either get the mm211 but if airgas wants to much i will buy a handler 210Mvp off ebay!
Reply:I'd buy the hobart, I have the handler210 MVP and I like it and it's also made in the USA which is a major plus for me., Tractor supply has very good prices on these migs. Originally Posted by JCweldingIm 15 Years old , currently taking Welding at school and I absolutely love it. I want to buy my own Mig Welder to practice at home.Help me choose, here are the three im really looking at, I know there small but thats my price range as of now.http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...duct=MIL500527http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...uct=LINK2689-1http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...uct=LINK2473-1 Just let me know which one you think would be best for the price , Thanks.
Reply:And it's not made in the USA like the hobarts unless they recently came back and I don't believe they did. I say buy USA made products. Originally Posted by intergalacticaBuy yourself a Lincoln Electric Power Mig 180 Dual (K3018-1). It uses 120v and 230v and it's built really sturdy.
Reply:My vote goes to one of the Hobart Handlers,best bang for the buck as far as general use.On the other hand if you plan on doing 1/8 and thinner Im seeing and reading the Lincoln line of migs have a softer arc and better control on the lower amps if you are looking for an edge on putting down prettier welds on the lighter gauge it may be worth considering.I plan on test driving a lincoln power mig soon to see first hand if its worth while selling off my Hobart 187 for one.Esab Multimaster 260Esab Caddy160IEsab 161 STLESAB powercut 650Esab 220i tigLincoln Precision Tig 225Lincoln IdealArc 250INE SKYLINE 1500Klutch 140iMEASURE TWICE IS FOR MORONS
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1http://www.weldersupply.com/products...es|Mig+Weldinghi,try here. I bought my MILLER CST 280 from them great  people and prices! I picked mine up in Burlington Wisconsin and you pay Wisconsin sales tax, money saved! I don't know how there online shipping works but it is worth a call.I just called them on a 250 bobcat with EFI and it was at 4,000. good luck, bob
Reply:Originally Posted by Mattamd_xpI bought my Hypertherm Plasma cutter from them and the shipping was free  Not sure if they have the same deal with the Miller, but I was very happy with the experience. Remember you get $75 back in a rebate right now from Miller, so that makes the 211 around a $900 machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by jim cafarelliMy vote goes to one of the Hobart Handlers,best bang for the buck as far as general use.On the other hand if you plan on doing 1/8 and thinner Im seeing and reading the Lincoln line of migs have a softer arc and better control on the lower amps if you are looking for an edge on putting down prettier welds on the lighter gauge it may be worth considering.I plan on test driving a lincoln power mig soon to see first hand if its worth while selling off my Hobart 187 for one.
Reply:Originally Posted by jim cafarelliMy vote goes to one of the Hobart Handlers,best bang for the buck as far as general use.On the other hand if you plan on doing 1/8 and thinner Im seeing and reading the Lincoln line of migs have a softer arc and better control on the lower amps if you are looking for an edge on putting down prettier welds on the lighter gauge it may be worth considering.I plan on test driving a lincoln power mig soon to see first hand if its worth while selling off my Hobart 187 for one.
Reply:The Migmaster 250 with a 10 ft gun/ correct guide tube, will weld as about as low as you need to go.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Originally Posted by Brand XThe Migmaster 250 with a 10 ft gun/ correct guide tube, will weld as about as low as you need to go.
Reply:I was going to add to the C-10 part, but you covered it. My first Migmaster would weld just fine with a 15 ft MT-200 gun with .023 wire. Even using the factory liner, and guide tube. That won't happen everyday.Last edited by Brand X; 10-21-2011 at 10:57 AM.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:MM211 on Ebay for $1005 with free shipping from Indiana Oxygen Company (weldingsuppliesatioc).Millermatic 200Hobart Handler 120Victor O/A & Ramco BandsawLincoln 225 ACSnapOn AD HoodMiller XMT304/22AHypertherm Powermax 1650 G3Lincoln Idealarc DC600 w/Extreme 12 VSMiller Digital Elite "Joker"
Reply:@Dan . Ive been cutting & stretching some 24 gauge harley fenders with my hh210.  I hav to move really really really fast in order not to burn through. Felt like tap 1 was just not low enough... i then tried a 1/4" recessed tip (which is normaly for spray arc) helped alot and i got  alot less burn through , almost like having another lower tap setting , but still leaving much to desire..   Could u please recomend anything else , including  gas or wire brands i can experiment with..   Man , i really wanted the 180C for this , but if my 210 is capable , im all ears.  Been even thinking of playing with 2# roll of silicon-bronze and pure argon like the Europeans do on ther migs , but @ $65 dollars a roll , idk .  Any help apreciated thx.        thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3
Reply:if i were buying a welder today i would look at the thermal arc 181i, its mig/dc tig/stick , it would be either the thermal arc or i would look hard at the hobart 210mvp or go up to the ironman 230... the thermal arc 181i seems like a nice option with the dc tig option it gives you more versaltility and would save you money later on when you were wanting to learn dc tig..  180amp mig is as small as i would go though.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Originally Posted by woi2ld@Dan . Ive been cutting & stretching some 24 gauge harley fenders with my hh210.  I hav to move really really really fast in order not to burn through. Felt like tap 1 was just not low enough... i then tried a 1/4" recessed tip (which is normaly for spray arc) helped alot and i got  alot less burn through , almost like having another lower tap setting , but still leaving much to desire..   Could u please recomend anything else , including  gas or wire brands i can experiment with..   Man , i really wanted the 180C for this , but if my 210 is capable , im all ears.  Been even thinking of playing with 2# roll of silicon-bronze and pure argon like the Europeans do on ther migs , but @ $65 dollars a roll , idk .  Any help apreciated thx.
Reply:Originally Posted by DanYep, I was just getting ready to add to this thread, set up with an .023 and C-25 my Migmaster 250 produces one of the best low end arcs (tap #1) I've experiences. .030 is extremely good too with C-10. In both cases I had the unit set up with a 10' gun and the .030 guide tube.
Reply:Originally Posted by woi2ld@Dan . Ive been cutting & stretching some 24 gauge harley fenders with my hh210.  I hav to move really really really fast in order not to burn through. Felt like tap 1 was just not low enough... i then tried a 1/4" recessed tip (which is normaly for spray arc) helped alot and i got  alot less burn through , almost like having another lower tap setting , but still leaving much to desire..   Could u please recomend anything else , including  gas or wire brands i can experiment with..   Man , i really wanted the 180C for this , but if my 210 is capable , im all ears.  Been even thinking of playing with 2# roll of silicon-bronze and pure argon like the Europeans do on ther migs , but @ $65 dollars a roll , idk .  Any help apreciated thx.
Reply:Originally Posted by jim cafarelliThanks you guys Ill give that a whirl next week,I just happen to have my shorter 12 foot profax gun on the migmaster now,funny I never did consider using 023 in my bigger machine just had a mind set the 250 is there for heavier gauge welding(frame work),but I do remember now when I first bought it I welded some 18 gauge with 030 and was impressed with the control on the low end even with 030, I imagine the 023 will be very nice...And by the way the HH187 is very good but from some of what I read on the PM180c had my curiosity..well that good no need to buy another mig,,,Il just test and tune what I have on hand...jim
Reply:I never needed the burn-back with .023 wire on the migmaster.  I will say I doubt any Esab machine will weld as low (with wet out) as the MPI I have now. I do have a roll of SB in .023 but I think should be ran through a spool-gun, being such a soft wire. The Lincoln C-300 is another really great .023 welding unit.(sold) Not all inverters run .023 wire that great. I would have to try the 181 Thermal before recommending that unit for bodywork.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:I have that problem with it sticking with 030 while im tacking but not after a continuous bead,I never did get that module,I should have a year or so ago it seems like the prices have soured on the esab parts so I been doing with out for now.If I weld 18/20 gauge with mig I usally go with little short 1/4 in passes so it should work out well.I know the 180c has only 5 taps so I imagine it has its limits vs the HH187..My LWS tells me the have one to set up in there demo room Im interested in trying it.Seems like you have held on to the 180c for some time I imagine it has been working pretty good.Esab Multimaster 260Esab Caddy160IEsab 161 STLESAB powercut 650Esab 220i tigLincoln Precision Tig 225Lincoln IdealArc 250INE SKYLINE 1500Klutch 140iMEASURE TWICE IS FOR MORONS
Reply:im great with hammer& dolly , but its not cool anymor putting a torch to sheet metal.  Mig & Tig  tackings where its at.  Little tacks at the ends and inbetween , then filling inbetween thoes , air quenching if it starts to get warm and they stay nice and straight , nah much hammering nescesary.  Im tacking the two pieces spliced together ,  tacking every few inches. Then fly across the whole seam with the hh210. thx Dan but im trying not to do any copper strips or other time consuming things , but you got me thinkn about it again. was just wanting to  dial her in and fly. Quick air quench and she's still straight. Ima dial'r in perfect then letya know wat i did.  @ jim , the Lincoln 180C is infinite not tapped , your thinking of the cheapy 5 tap  Lincoln 180HD home depot i think, lol. thanks again        thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3