How is this for a home garage trio?

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Torch Set, Buzz Box, HH140...........is what I am thinking ultimately. Tweaking on trailers, lawnmower blades, sheet metal, nothing big really. Could I be well served by this?
Reply:That's a good start and a good all around kit. Be aware that the addiction will get you and you'll be looking to add to the "gang".GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Not bad. I'd opt for a bigger my myself. If you want a 110v capable mig for portable use, I'd opt for one of the dual voltage units like the HH 210 or Miller MM211 myself.Even with a tig machine, a stick only machine, several torches, a 110v mig and a 230v mig, my 230v mig is what  I grab 90% of the time. My little 110v mig only gets used on occasion for thin sheet metal, and that's when I'm too lazy to change the wire in the bigger machine..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 would skip the Hobart 140 and go to a 120 /220 volt machine. The Hobart 210 MVP or the MILLER 211. The 211 is in the current Miller REBATE program that ends this month. http://www.millerwelds.com/landing/build-with-blue/
Reply:Beer Cooler.....what the hell are you thinking.Arcon Workhorse 300MSPowcon 400SMTPowcon SM400 x 2Powcon SM3001968 SA200 Redface1978 SA250 DieselMiller Super 32P FeederPre 1927 American 14" High Duty LatheK&T Milwaukee 2H Horizontal MillBryan
Reply:Once you have the skills with those tools there really is zero you can not accomplish.Buy extra hoses, tips,wire, sticks, bigsczz hammers,clamps,leads, grinders, wheels, etc etc. You're ready !Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:There are a couple of reasons for the HH140. Mostly due to budget, portability, and the fact that I can do the thicker stuff with Stick or O/A until budget improves.
Reply:Originally Posted by wbsurfer1968Torch Set, Buzz Box, HH140...........is what I am thinking ultimately. Tweaking on trailers, lawnmower blades, sheet metal, nothing big really. Could I be well served by this?
Reply:I think that your list is a very capable setup and I have the torches and a buzzbox and have thought about buying the HH140 a number of times. But the suggestion for dual voltage MIG is a good one, if the budget allows. However, I would personally go with just a 110V MIG simply because they show up on Craigslist used at reasonable prices fairly often. I have yet to see a dual voltage machine used at a good price in my area, but many areas of the country are more tool-rich than here, so YMMV. Going with a 110V only machine vs a dual voltage does not really reduce your capability if you have the buzz box, but it might be less convenient if you like MIG welding. My intent would be thin metal (less than 12 ga) and tacking with the 110 MIG, so I'd keep 0.023 wire in it. If I had to change wire to do thicker metal with a dual voltage machine, I'd probably just grab the stick welder 90% of the time, so that reduces the value of the dual voltage feature for me. But I like stick welding better than MIG when burning through isn't a concern. Why? No good reason. I just do. If I was trying to make money, my story would change instantly, but since it's a hobby for me, I'll do what I want, as long as it's safe. If you prefer MIG, the dual voltage feature might be more valuable to you than it is to me. Bottom line, it's your decision, either way you'll be able to build a bunch of cool stuff, it's just a matter of how you want to do it.
Reply:Originally Posted by ElektroschweisserMy intent would be thin metal (less than 12 ga) and tacking with the 110 MIG, so I'd keep 0.023 wire in it. If I had to change wire to do thicker metal with a dual voltage machine, I'd probably just grab the stick welder 90% of the time, so that reduces the value of the dual voltage feature for me.
Reply:I tend to agree with jumping over the 140 and going bigger, its only a couple hundred extra now rather than having to pay full price for the new larger machine later and selling your old one at half of what you paid for it. (just did that)
Reply:You'll buy the 140 and be happy. THEN !     You will say, I should have got a larger 220 machine. IF YOU REALLY WANT a 140 or any 110 volt machine look for used. They are many to be found by me at least. If you call about one and ask why it's being sold ,you will hear, BUYING A BIGGER MACHINE !Buy once cry once as they say.
Reply:Cain't turn up amps you don't have. I go dual voltage MIG. It's cheaper in the long run and more versatile in the short run!
Reply:Skip the buzz box and HH140 and get a TA211i.  Gets stick, tig, mig, and Dual Voltage.  With a torch, you are set.Last edited by Drooopy; 03-20-2014 at 01:21 PM.Multimatic 200Ellis 1800Haberle S225 9" cold sawMM 300;  Spoolmate 30A w/ WC-24TB 302GDynasty 280 DX Tigrunner
Reply:I have a similar kit and have not fully mastered it yet. And yet, somehow, I am constantly fighting the urge to buy a TIG outfit.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961I have a similar kit and have not fully mastered it yet. And yet, somehow, I am constantly fighting the urge to buy a TIG outfit.
Reply:I started with a TAFab181i learned to tig with it.....bought a ck flex loc torch to hook to my lincoln roundtop 250250 and never used the ta again....I just sold it and bought a new miller syncrowave210. I dont need wirefeed...well just dont really want it. Someday ill buy a new millermatic. Maybe. I tig everything. Only time I mig is at work occasionally and at my uncles house unless I drag my syncrowave up to his house. All that being said save a little more money and buy the 211 mvp from miller. Got one at work and have only used the 110v input but when the elec finally hooks up 220 for me ill be ready. 110v just plain dont have the nutz for me.Miller Syncrowave 210 w/CK FlexLoc 150  3/6/14ESAB PCM 1125 Plasma CutterAtlas 12x36 LatheACER 9x42 3hp millHarig 612 Surface GrinderDRINK Machine              welding&fabrication
Reply:LOUIE, LOUIE ! BUY it for the wife for MOTHERS DAY ! The DAUGHTER for BIRTHDAY ! Go for it NOW before THEY QUIT WELDING !!!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by wbsurfer1968lawnmower blades
Reply:lawnmower bladesI wouldn't do that if I were you!
Reply:Hey, wbsurfer1968.Without knowing where your skill set is now, it's hard to say go buy this or that.If you are already proficient with a torch and stick, then this is a good setup, IMO. If, however you are just starting from scratch like I did a few years ago then I would change your list. I would then go with a dual voltage MIG like the MM211 and hold off on the torch and stick. If you do not have a 220v outlet yet you could run it and get started on 110v but have the additional amps later. As mentioned, a lot of us started with 110v and soon sold it to buy bigger. That MIG would get you started on about the same or less budget as all 3 and you could do some great work. You can make some good looking welds in the first 15 minutes and then spend a year figuring how to make them good welds. There is a lot to learn about fitup, joints, penetration, etc. to make good welds. You will be able to do thin to 3/8" with that machine and concentrate on learning MIG skills without trying to learn about all 3 processes.After that, if you have the need you can more easily justify buying a torch set or stick. Personally, I do not want to own and store oxygen bottles from a safety standpoint. Also depending on your location, your insurance may change if you keep oxygen and acetelyne bottles. And again if you are just starting out, you need to allow a good bit of money in your budget for helmet, gloves, grinders, clamps, wire, MIG gas bottle, materials, etc. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Then post some project pictures.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Originally Posted by wb4rtHey, wbsurfer1968.Without knowing where your skill set is now, it's hard to say go buy this or that.If you are already proficient with a torch and stick, then this is a good setup, IMO. If, however you are just starting from scratch like I did a few years ago then I would change your list. I would then go with a dual voltage MIG like the MM211 and hold off on the torch and stick. If you do not have a 220v outlet yet you could run it and get started on 110v but have the additional amps later. As mentioned, a lot of us started with 110v and soon sold it to buy bigger. That MIG would get you started on about the same or less budget as all 3 and you could do some great work. You can make some good looking welds in the first 15 minutes and then spend a year figuring how to make them good welds. There is a lot to learn about fitup, joints, penetration, etc. to make good welds. You will be able to do thin to 3/8" with that machine and concentrate on learning MIG skills without trying to learn about all 3 processes.After that, if you have the need you can more easily justify buying a torch set or stick. Personally, I do not want to own and store oxygen bottles from a safety standpoint. Also depending on your location, your insurance may change if you keep oxygen and acetelyne bottles. And again if you are just starting out, you need to allow a good bit of money in your budget for helmet, gloves, grinders, clamps, wire, MIG gas bottle, materials, etc. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Then post some project pictures.
Reply:I really think the torch is the best way to start out if you have no experience, as it really teaches you to watch the puddle and control heat. It is probably the hardest process though to be successful with right out of the gate. Next in line would be the stick welder, also because you have to learn to watch the puddle. I am no expert, but a couple of months with the torch, followed by months with the stick welder made the transition to MIG relatively easy. And I like to think that I can tell from the puddle if I am laying down a good weld or just putting a cold bead on top of the plate. Once again, I am no pro, and this is just based on my experience. YMMV.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:My father loves his HH140 and has done a ton of work around the house with it, including all the steel railings on the wrap around deck. I like your plan, and am part way through a very similar track myself (torch and buzz box). I'd say pick up the mig used, and make sure you get big enough gas bottles for your torch that you can cut/weld anything (tank size limits the gas output of acetylene). Common advice on here is that a 100 mig is great to have around even if you stick with welding and end up needing a bigger machine. If you buy used and don't beat it up, you can probably resell it for nearly the same as you paid if you don't want to keep it.
Reply:I'm part of the bigger is better group. I have a miller 251, sync 250, an old lincoln 400 amp AC machine i got from gramps, SA 200, ranger 305 and a lincweld 225 also from gramps. A friend of mine scored a used MM211 from a guy that needed cash and it has turned out to be an awesome machine. Its loaded with .030 and we have used it for welding in body panels just fine. The 211 is the machine i would recommend as well as an O/A torch to start. Let them make you some cash and then you can justify buying a tig/stick if you find the need.Originally Posted by BD1You'll buy the 140 and be happy. THEN !     You will say, I should have got a larger 220 machine. IF YOU REALLY WANT a 140 or any 110 volt machine look for used. They are many to be found by me at least. If you call about one and ask why it's being sold ,you will hear, BUYING A BIGGER MACHINE !Buy once cry once as they say.
Reply:Everyone wants the big machines but few people need them.  Your OAW set will do everything you need and if you can weld and cut well with an oxyacetylene torch, you will amaze most people and the skills transfer over well.If you are doing a lot of sheetmetal though, there's a reason there's a Millermatic or other small wire feed in just about every body shop. Mainly to save time and headaches.I'd be inclined to say that if people spent as much time and money on welding, than on their welders that there would be much less welding fail threads out there.Best of luck and make sure to show off your good work!
Reply:The BIG MACHINE as you call it also has a greater duty cycle then the SMALL one. With that being said, the big machine will allow you to weld all day non stop at the low amps and not worry about a cool down like .Best trio would really be, MOE , LARRY , and CURLY !
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749That's about as true as it gets.There's very few things you cannot do with a decent (even an AC only) stick machine, a good grinder & a good set of torches. The HH glue gun is good for sheetmetal, etc. Never let anyone tell you you can't make quality cuts with Oxy Fuel torches either. The only ppl that can't are those that don't know how. Plus, you can weld anything with them, solder and braze as well. One of the most versatile welding/cutting systems on the planet.IMHO of course
Reply:Seeing this thread is still alive, I'll add a little.I have a torch set, a Hobart 250 amp stick, and a HH140.Does everything I need.A question. Someone said this. "make sure you get big enough gas bottles for your torch that you can cut/weld anything (tank size limits the gas output of acetylene)". Being as the maximum safe acetylene pressure is 15 psi. How does tank size limit the "gas output of acetylene"? Not quite sure what that even means.
Reply:Originally Posted by pirateSeeing this thread is still alive, I'll add a little.A question. Someone said this. "make sure you get big enough gas bottles for your torch that you can cut/weld anything (tank size limits the gas output of acetylene)". Being as the maximum safe acetylene pressure is 15 psi. How does tank size limit the "gas output of acetylene"? Not quite sure what that even means.
Reply:Originally Posted by pirateSeeing this thread is still alive, I'll add a little.I have a torch set, a Hobart 250 amp stick, and a HH140.Does everything I need.A question. Someone said this. "make sure you get big enough gas bottles for your torch that you can cut/weld anything (tank size limits the gas output of acetylene)". Being as the maximum safe acetylene pressure is 15 psi. How does tank size limit the "gas output of acetylene"? Not quite sure what that even means.
Reply:Not only that... But you will be super pissed when your harbor freight 2liter gets you half way through a job on Sunday night and craps the bed!Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!
Reply:I have the 120v mig, had a big 240v AC stick (that I converted to DC) and torch. With those 3 big items you can do just about anything you want along with all the small tools that go along with prep and clean up.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder