Basic questions ??

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Hi. I have been reading a lot of posts here on the forum and it looks like I found the right place to be.I am a part time/home garage repair guy that works on lawn and power sport stuff only. I'm looking to buy a welder to do my own weld jobs as opposed to having someone else weld for me as I have for the last years. My welding jobs are mostly mower decks, cracked ATV frames and such. Nothing too heavy of material so I think a 110V unit should suffice. My first choice within my budget was the Hobart 140 at my local Tractor Supply in town. While web shopping, I now have come across others that peaked my interest. My questions are... 1. Who makes the units for Northern Tool industrial, Welding Depot's MM series and Eastwood's MIG's? Where are the Clarke's built?I like the fact Hobart advertises "USA" but some of the web deals on other larger units like WeldingDepot's MM180 (230V) are less money than Hobart's 140 (110V) unit.2. Is this a simple "you get what you pay for" thing? If I had a bigger budget, The Lincoln Easy MIG 140 would be on my bench now. Great product reputation but over my budget.I just would like some educated, real world information before I write the check.Thanks in advance for all and any replies.E."You can let things happen to you or you can make things happen for you"
Reply:I'd go for the mm180 for less than the Hobart 140 any dayG
Reply:Welcome EJW   U R at the right place.  Many WW members have a lifetime of real experience to draw from. A?  What is the material U wish to weld?   Decks might be alloys of Aluminum maybe? ATVs frames are a whole other fish... safety issues and material is also a ? I would suggest you get some pics of various jobs in progress and post them.  Members with knowledge will be most helpful on specific questions or problems.   Also whoever welds for you now apparently has it dialed... talented and is affordable,  so I'd keep his talents available and learn to weld for the satisfaction. Generally UR right, $ = quality and  Red and Blue are very popular on this forum.  Several other US brands also have a good following.   good luckLincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:I'm a fairly new welder myself and I'd like to chime in on this.  In my limited experience a Lincoln ProMig 180 will do the trick just fine if you're willing to buy the gas (which is all you have to do since it comes with everything else).  Light metal like mower decks are just what MIG was made for and you can also use the Flux Core wire if you don't want to go with the gas setup. Right now I'm using my ProMig 180 with the MIG wire for all the light sheet metal stuff and the flux core or my Everlast stick welder for the heavier jobs.  Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck and keep us posted.SteveLincoln Pro Mig 180Everlast PowerARC 200
Reply:Thanks again to all for the replies.PapaLion,All the decks I've had to have welded were steel. Same with the ATV frames. I know other materials are used in the manufacturing of these items but I think it would be on most newer machines. I can honestly say I don't see too many newer machines as the newer, cheaply made stuff tends to just fall apart before they ever have need for repair. I live in a southern county of western New York which is mostly rural with some farms left so I get a lot of older lawn equipment and ATV's to fix. I never thought to take any pictures of the work I do. I am supposed to be getting a 60" steel deck that may need welding as the owner hit something with it last fall and said he would bring it over this spring to have me reattach the loose pieces. The shell of this deck might be as thick as 1/8". Gord, I have 100 amp service to my work garage. I also use 230V in the garage which I run my compressor off of. I don't have any reservation about going to a 230v unit as long as it's within my budget. My neighbor is an electrician and he wired the garage when I reworked it so I can check with him on what wire size he used and amperage capabilities.Steven,I will be welding mostly inside as my work is on small stuff so using a shielding gas would not be an issue. I've been supplied with some free .030" flux core wire that my co-worker got as samples from the welding supplier he uses for his own needs so I'll probably start out with that.ThanksE."You can let things happen to you or you can make things happen for you"
Reply:Originally Posted by gordfraserI'd go for the mm180 for less than the Hobart 140 any day
Reply:EJ,save yer pennies and hold out for a 240v machine- Hobart, lincoln, Miller 120v machines are good but you will hit the wall on their abilities and a 240v machine is twice the machine of a 120v machine but not twice the money.HH187 would be a good choice along with the Lincoln 180http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...8799_200328799$649.00Ed 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:Most people assume that the MM180 would mean Millermatic 180, which, in this case, it doesn't. Although I've never used one, I've always heard great things about the Hobart 140. I have a 187, and I can say, that its an amazing machine. I'm very happy with it, and it is American made, and comes with a 5 year warrenty. I got mine from TSC, and with a roll of wire, and tax, it was $727.[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009