Newbie looking for advice on a welder

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Hey guys, my name is Rich and I'm new to the site. I'm looking towards buying my own welder and am in need of some advice. I've been researching quite a bit and want to get some recommendations from the pros. I am looking to purchase a MIG welder, I want to get one that will last me if i decide to go further with welding as I am thinking about going to school for chassis fabrication,but I just lack the hands on experience with a welder. I want to get one that is a good all around unit, one I can practice with and use for my own needs. The thickest metal I plan to weld would be boxing the frame in a K5 Blazer. Right now I would prefer a traditional 110v house hold plug, but, it is a not a necessity. Here's the tough part, i would like to spend less then $600. any ideas guys? Also, what are you opinions on the Eastwood 135?    http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-1...5a-output.html I know everyone hates the off-brand units, but will it suit my needs? If i were to stick with the the big 3 brands, what are some models you would recommend?Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Last edited by Richgonn; 11-14-2011 at 02:05 PM.
Reply:I have been very pleased with my Hobart Handler 140.
Reply:This exact question has been discussed many times.  Search and read through the old posts for more detail.The short version is your expectations are unrealistic.1)  Expect to be welding other projects for a long time (a year maybe) before you have skill enough to do any automotive frame/suspension jobs.2) You can't get enough power from a 110v circuit to do any proper welding on anything more than sheet metal.  You really need a 220v circuit with plenty of amps.3) Off-brand units won't be nearly the quality of name brand.  You do get what you pay for.  You'll probably need to double your budget.  You might save some money on used equipment.  Personally I'd only buy Miller, Lincoln, or Esab.  You might get a good off-brand for $600, but you might also be throwing your $600 in the trash and re-buying something that works.  I paid $1000 for a used MM210 with bottle and cart (add maybe another $200 for tips, liner, gas, wire, and other stuff you didn't think about).Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:The Hobart and Lincoln 180s (130 amps real output at 30% duty cycle) with accessories for gas set up go on sale at or below that $600 price quite often.  Ocassionaly, you may see an used unit of Craiglist/Kijiji for arund the $400 mark.  Miller is local welding store only... few if any sales and not much on Craiglist.I'd avoid all the other off brand stuff - just asking for headaches now and later.Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:look at the thermal arc 181i..  mig/dc-tig/stick/spoolgun..  new $800, later on you can buy the other accessories as you can afford them..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:I would suggest not having to buy two welders. If you do not purchase the correct welder the first time around, you will be frustrated and will find yourself purchasing a better one. I recommend that you beg, borrow or steal the additional funds to purchase a quality welder the first time. I own a MM211 and love it. Strive for something in this power range starting out and you will be happier :0). Just my 0.02.[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6KJFArdCiU[/ame]Good luck to you and be safe,YakdungLast edited by yakdung; 11-14-2011 at 02:59 PM.
Reply:As someone that did go with the "cheap" solution first and fairly quickly turned around and bought a Miller 211 I would echo what others have said.  I wish I had just sucked it up and committed to buying the right equipment from the start.  Now I sold off the inexpensive welder to someone else (and yes, I realize some irony there but I sold it to him for a lot less than I put into it so I wouldn't feel too guilty).Also, the 211 is a great and versatile welder.  Really easy to use and it's done a solid job for me.
Reply:The Miller 211mm or the Hobart Handler 210 are both MVP (multi voltage plug) running on 115/230Vac.It simply a best buy for hobbyist, only the more advance user may come short on duty cycle and look for a bigger unit. If your serious about this go for one of the big 3, if your short on cash find a used unit from the big 3, they are easyer to resell then "ricee" one. So many brand new unit been use 2 or 3 times collecting dust in garage out there,I bet your gone find a good deal in a blink of a eye.Miller MM211Esab Mini Arc 161LTSEsab Handy Plasma 380Duck tapeTy- rapKool-aid
Reply:i bought a HH 187 this summer at TSC for less than $600 this summer.  it has served me well.  definetly not on par with the mm211 mentioned above, but not nearly as expensive either.
Reply:Good morning, Richgonn.I did buy a good first welder, a Miller 140AS, and after a year I sold it and bought the Miller 211AS. It is like having the 140AS and welding on 110v, but very easy to change to 220v when you need it. I agree with almost everyone else, buy the best welder you possibly can and you probably will not regret it. There are good buys on Craigslist, if time is on your side.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com