basic mig welder

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Hi guys! i am looking at getting a basic 110 volt system. i am only able to get either a miller,lincoln, or hobart. i dont plan on doing any heavy fabricating or anyhting like that just the basic repairs and to make steel hog traps. there may be times when i may want to do larger projects such as utility trailers and such. the larger 220 volt is out of the equation due to the limited outlets and welding locations that i have at my house. The miller 140 seams to appeal to me out of the bunch because of the autoset but if you can suggest a good compromise that would be much appreciated. also i doubt that i will be welding a whole lot of 1/4" steel more then likely 3/16". thanks
Reply:Yeah as soon as I can afford one I will get that HH140. Of course that is after O/A tanks, an Arc welder, bandsaw, clamps, clamps and more clamps, ah ah the list goes on. Dig I mention a gen/plasma/tig machine? Have to settle with my HF90 for now. Good enough to practice with and custmomize my trailer with for now.....guess the kids won't be going to college!Daniel 5:23
Reply:Welcome to the learning Site.  Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, ESAB, Thermal all have good machines and if you take off all the bells and whistles, they will all be in the same ball park, Price wise.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Buy the biggest and best you can afford. Down the the road you wish you had more machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by OldtimerBuy the biggest and best you can afford. Down the the road you wish you had more machine.
Reply:I have a 125ez hobart  110 wire welder and I am very happy with it.It will do everything I need as far as hobbies and projects.Check them out at Hobart weldtalk,lots of good reviews on this size welder.This welder has the single setting dial and is very easy to use.Mine will do 3/16'' material quite handily.Good LuckLast edited by stevinator; 02-23-2008 at 02:16 PM.pro-level dumpster diver                                     Hobart 125EZ
Reply:thanks guys for the many responses. between the one's i listed and the few that you folks have suggested which one has the most accessories for upgrades, better warranty, and overall will give me more bang for my buck? i dont mind spending a little extra "if that's what it takes" to have a machine that will last for years. thanks
Reply:Its better to get a machine that is over powered than barely good enough. the 140 amp range is about the most you can get from a 110 volt machine. Are you going to be doing gas or flux core? When you look at machines you'll see their rating for amps, max material capable and wire types (solid and flux). Flux core will weld thicker but makes more mess to clean up. I'd get a machine that you can get serviced locally. If and when it needs a part and that only happens when you need the machine you can go get it locally (I have to order parts for mine). The other thing to consider is your power availibility. The more extension cord you use the less power that is available. A dedicated circuit installed in your garage for the welder will also keep you from tripping the other circuits in the house (wife gets mad when you kill the power during her fav tv show, lol). Welcome to the forum.
Reply:You didn't mention what your budget was, so this one might be more than you had in mind, but it might be worth consideration. The Miller Passport Plus is an awesome little machine. It's 180 amps, runs on 110 or 220, and is small and portable. It also accepts a very affordable little spool gun if you decide to work with aluminum at some point.
Reply:Originally Posted by freakonthanks guys for the many responses. between the one's i listed and the few that you folks have suggested which one has the most accessories for upgrades, better warranty, and overall will give me more bang for my buck? i dont mind spending a little extra "if that's what it takes" to have a machine that will last for years. thanks
Reply:my budget at the moment is about $800.00. As far as the quality and longevity in which order would you go with "120 volt" miller 140,Lincoln 100hd, hobart 140. still not to sure as to what i want i just need something that will not be requiring alot of replacement parts and has alot of accessories for various welding and of course durability. right now i will be doing flux cored but i would like to have the option if reuired to be able to use gas. Man i am so confused, i feel like a girl in a clothind store "doe this make me look fat"
Reply:Pure opinion here, but since you've ruled out a 230volt unit, I'd go with the HH 140. With a nice $800 budget you could either throw in the tank and gas now or use the extra for an auto hood, gloves,  big roll of wire, few tips, clamps etc.. You're in a fun spot, nice delima you've got.
Reply:trying to stay away from the 230 volt system cause of limited outlets, if you know of any 230 volt extension cord suppliers then that may broaden my horizon or frustrate me even more thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by freakontrying to stay away from the 230 volt system cause of limited outlets, if you know of any 230 volt extension cord suppliers then that may broaden my horizon or frustrate me even more thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by freakontrying to stay away from the 230 volt system cause of limited outlets, if you know of any 230 volt extension cord suppliers then that may broaden my horizon or frustrate me even more thanks
Reply:When it comes to asking about welders, their are so many different opinions and ideas. I agree that a 220v unit would be better but if you want to stick with 110 that not a problem. I only had a 110 mig for 15 years. I pushed it for all its worth and their are tricks to help in the odd occasion. I did have a stick welder though which I would use when the material got to thick. As to what welder to buy. I would look at which dealer is closer to you and has a good service team. I tried out the Miller MM140 yesterday and thought it was a great welder and loved how easy it was to use. I prefer the miller over the Lincoln as I believe the miller has a better drive roller system and connection for the gun. I have never tried a hobart so I can't comment on them. For the most part they are all good machines and will do you well if you take care if it. I would get the one you want. Just because someone else has great luck with their machine doesn't mean you will.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:i have decided on a miller 140 "wont do trailers", now my next question is....is it worth it to spend the extra $$ for the Auto Set feature? and with the auto set can i run all fluxcore wires using the feature? thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by Me!You can make one in about 10 min.Search the board a few post on the topic.
Reply:It isn't difficult to set a welder up right.  Set the 'heat' for what you think you will need and on a piece of scrap pull trigger and adjust wire speed until you get a smooth arc.  If it is sputtering and pushing the gun back wire speed is too fast.  If it is just sputtering the wire is too slow.  Go for a steady zzzzzzzz.  If you arent getting full penetration go up on the heat and reset the wire speed for that steady zzzzzz.  After doing this a short time you will know what to set it on for different thicknesses.  I would avoid the auto set but that is just me.Thermal Arc 185 TigHTP 200 MigCraftsman O/A1942 Bridgeport Mill12 Ton Hyd PressConsew Walking Foot