choosing a welder

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I have a century 110v mig welder wanting to buy a 110-120v stick(arc) welder at a budget of $300 dollars, would like suggestions of what yall think I should go with.
Reply:The Lincoln SP Plus series of 120v welders are decent for their abilities. Be sure you get the one with gas hook up on the back."You can't out puke a buzzard"
Reply:If you shop around on Craigslist or other classifieds sites, you should be able to pick up an old Miller Dialarc or Lincoln Idealarc in that price range. They're both 250 amp, AC/DC welders. However, they're also both transformer welders, which means they're heavy. I bought my 1974 Dialarc for $100, and it runs like a champ. But it also weights 380 pounds, so make sure you have a way to move it around.
Reply:Posting your location may help. Check craigs list as mentioned and consider a Miller Thunderbolt AC / DC or a Lincoln tombstone AC /DC. Depending on your area prices may differ but usually between $ 200 and $300 in Northern Illinois.
Reply:Transformer type 120v. stick welders don't seem to workvery well. I saw a guy stick welding with a Miller Maxstar(inverter type)150@120v. and was surprised how well it worked. Maxstars aren't cheap though. Maybe a used Thermal-Arc 95s?Miller a/c-d/c Thunderbolt XLMillermatic 180 Purox O/ASmith Littletorch O/AHobart Champion Elite
Reply:Thermal Arc 95S would be about the best in your budget. If you can come up with more money, the Esab 161LTS would be a good choice. Millers Maxstar 150 and 200's are also quite good, but a lot more money.Small cheap 110v stick machines really aren't worth it. At best you get maybe 90 amps of output that will let you burn most 3/32" rods at about the mid range of their suggest settings at best. Typically you are limited to 1/16" and 5/64" rods on those small machines. Rods that size are hard to run and not really suited for material any thicker than your small mig can handle. You really do get what you pay for in small stick machines. If you are stuck using 110v input power, the Esab is about the best value when you look at price and output.As suggested if price is the biggest factor, you can buy older used 230v transformer stick machines dirt cheap. I regularly see the AC only ones for $50-150 and the AC/DC ones don't run a whole lot more many times. Usually if you shop smart, you can resell it years later and get back just about every penny you paid for it. I know several people here who managed to find sweet deals on beat up machines who cleaned them up and actually made a decent profit when they resold them. These machines are rugged and dead simple, so chances are they almost always work even if they haven't been well cared for or abused..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:Lots of good suggestions, but most were offering machines you did not request information on.Why do you need a 110/120 machine?No dryer outlet?Do you have an empty space in your breaker box to install a 220 breaker?If you are stuck with 110/120, you really need at least a 20 amp circuit, or you will indeed be stuck with a very low output process.I built this pit using a Longevity Stickweld 140 amp, 120/220 machine.I know, Longevity has kind of a bad name around here, and I have a Longevity 200 amp mig welder I could be happier with, but the little Stickweld 140 does an admirable job.I have to admit, most of this particular project was done with 1/8" 6011, running off of the optional 220 mode.I have though, done some welding on smaller projects, running it off of a 20 amp 120v outlet on my back porch. It is not a dedicated circuit, but there is nothing on it that has to be on while I am welding.Last edited by geezerbill; 02-02-2016 at 09:59 AM.
Reply:I have a 30amp breaker with 110v would it be hard to upgrade to 220 from that? and I live in Arkansas
Reply:The little machine I have should run pretty nicely on a 110v 30 amp circuit,though to get the full 140, you'd need 220.That means you could run any 3/32 rod very well, and 1/8 6011 to a degree, but it takes some finesse to run 1/8 6011 on a 110 outlet.I am clueless regarding wiring. I had a guy install the breaker, and tie in the wire I had run to my garage for my 50 amp outlet.The Stickweld 140 is 275.00 at Amazon, and Longevity will probably price match. I guess where one gets it depends on who has the best warranty.I have read the Everlast Stick 140 machines are pretty good, have the added feature of Lift Arc for TIG, and are identically priced at Amazon.All that having been said, I have 5 machines that run stick or wire and stick, and the best without question, no comparison, is my big, old, heavy(330#) Miller 250 twin.Last edited by geezerbill; 02-02-2016 at 10:59 AM.Hobart Beta-Mig 2511972 Miller AEAD-200LEMiller 250 TwinNorthern Ind. Hybrid 200Longevity Stick 140Longevity Migweld 200SThermal Arc Pak 3XR
Reply:Adding 220v power in your garage is ALWAYS a worthwhile endeavor. But, if that's simply out of the equation, then you could plug in to the dryer outlet. 110v machines are inadequate for pretty much everything, in my experience.
Reply:30 amp 110v circuits are not typical. We'd need more info on exactly what you have to give you any quality information. Preferably wire gauge they used, what wires are in the box behind the outlet  and picts of wiring both at the outlet and at the breaker the wires are hooked to in the panel.I have seen 30 amp 230v outlets in garages for a number of uses. Electric dryers are quite common. A 2nd possibility in older 60's/70's houses might be for a portable window AC unit. My father had an outlet like that in his garage. In his case the electrician later changed out the breaker so he could have a 110v circuit there instead of the old 230v one. They simply didn't use the 2nd hot wire.If your wiring is safe for a 30 amp 230v circuit, you could use one of those 230v transformer stick machines, but only at the lower output settings. Most of those machines want a 50 amp circuit, not a 30 amp one. Usually on 30 amp circuits you can get around 90-100 amps of output before the breaker trips, possibly a bit higher. That will easily run most 3/32" stick rods..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:Originally Posted by 1AgKidI have a century 110v mig welder wanting to buy a 110-120v stick(arc) welder at a budget of $300 dollars, would like suggestions of what yall think I should go with.
Reply:this is a shop and it has one 30 amp breaker for 110 to run a air compressor ( I checked the air compresser is only a 110). I have the ability to upgrade to 220 but at the moment its not likely
Reply:Originally Posted by 1AgKidthis is a shop and it has one 30 amp breaker for 110 to run a air compressor ( I checked the air compresser is only a 110). I have the ability to upgrade to 220 but at the moment its not likely
Reply:Well,If you want to burn some rod on projects like that BBQ/Smoker, you'd do well to have a 200 amp unit, which calls for a 220 circuit.So, even if you're currently limited to a 110 circuit (although the 30 amor one is helpful), getting a dual voltage welder is a good move. That way, when you do have access to 220 outlets, you're able to take advantage.Anyway, if you've not bothered to have something new and would take another $49 in fiat currency, the below listed unit will undoubtedly take care of your stated needs and more. It's free shipping, no State extortion paid by you, and comes with a 5 year warranty. Wheee... this welding stuff is fun!http://www.amazon.com/EVERLAST-Power...POWERARC+200ST Originally Posted by 1AgKidI have a century 110v mig welder wanting to buy a 110-120v stick(arc) welder at a budget of $300 dollars, would like suggestions of what yall think I should go with.
Reply:I was reading reviews on the everlast and people were saying the company had theres for 5 or 6 months when it was broken, I really dont want to have to wait 5-6 months because they screwed up on somthing
Reply:As noted - Thermal Arc 95 and ESAB 161 are both very nice.I've used the thermal arc and own an ESAB 161.$318  http://store.cyberweld.com/tharcstwe95s.htmlDave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:any downfalls to the thermal arc except the 110?
Reply:Originally Posted by 1agkidany downfalls to the thermal arc except the 110?
Reply:Originally Posted by 1AgKidI was reading reviews on the everlast and people were saying the company had theres for 5 or 6 months when it was broken, I really dont want to have to wait 5-6 months because they screwed up on somthing
Reply:you can buy harbor freight welders with extended warranty. something like $50. for gives 2 year warranty. but they sell only simpler welders with less advanced features..for example you can buy $150 120 volt welder AND $200 240 volt tig and stick welder which combined is $350. .basically both welders are so small they can easily go on a shelf just about any where out of the way til needed. buying extended warranty is extra of course..i have both those welders. the $200 tig welder at 145 weld amps i have had 8 weeks and it works very good. it even included a tig torch..the $150 welder 80 weld amps on 120 volts i would not recommend as your only welder. it works ok on sheet metal but when you want to do welding on 1/4" or thicker you will find it does not have enough weld amps. it is ok on sheet metal. you will not ever get over 60 weld amps on any 15 amp 120 volt circuit. dont plan on it as it aint going to happen. and 60 weld amps on 120 volt inverts is more like 50 amps on bigger welding machines. the amp numbers on dial are not too accurate in my experience on 120 volt welders.i have used a 100 amp AC buzz box welders rated 120 volts on 30 amp circuit and it never welded like it ever put out more than 70 amps. like i said amp numbers on dial are not too accurate on many 120 volt welders
Reply:Originally Posted by 1AgKidany downfalls to the thermal arc except the 110?
Reply:Nonsense!If you read the numerous Amazon user reviews for numerous Everlast welding units, you'll quickly see that Everlast units have been scrutinized extensively, and are a safe purchase.Every welder brand has had repair issues or bureaucratic shipping mishaps, it's true.I've dealt with Everlast sales, support, and administrative staff to my complete satisfaction, which included prompt shipment of a unit and a return/upgrade, no problem. In life, to demand complete futuristic certainty is irrational. But the odds of having a good outcome with Everlast are quite good.The Everlast stuff is leaps and bounds better than anything new for around $300, that includes dual-voltage up to 200 amps.But please do let us all hear what you ultimately get and how you like it for your purposes.Otherwise, if you want to dip your proverbial toe into the Everlast water, financially speaking, there is a cheaper model that would undoubtedly be better that your 110v Century unit. It's also a dual-voltage unit, but limited to 140 amps, which your 30 amp freaked could undoubtedly take full advantage of, and it's only $219, which would same you about $100, as there may be a little S/H. And with so little out-of-pocket cost, any needless fear would likely be reduced. But, still, I recommend taking the slightly higher "risk" on the 200ST model.
Reply:Originally Posted by C. LivingstoneNonsense!If you read the numerous Amazon user reviews for numerous Everlast welding units, you'll quickly see that Everlast units have been scrutinized extensively, and are a safe purchase.Every welder brand has had repair issues or bureaucratic shipping mishaps, it's true.I've dealt with Everlast sales, support, and administrative staff to my complete satisfaction, which included prompt shipment of a unit and a return/upgrade, no problem. In life, to demand complete futuristic certainty is irrational. But the odds of having a good outcome with Everlast are quite good.The Everlast stuff is leaps and bounds better than anything new for around $300, that includes dual-voltage up to 200 amps.But please do let us all hear what you ultimately get and how you like it for your purposes.Otherwise, if you want to dip your proverbial toe into the Everlast water, financially speaking, there is a cheaper model that would undoubtedly be better that your 110v Century unit. It's also a dual-voltage unit, but limited to 140 amps, which your 30 amp freaked could undoubtedly take full advantage of, and it's only $219, which would same you about $100, as there may be a little S/H. And with so little out-of-pocket cost, any needless fear would likely be reduced. But, still, I recommend taking the slightly higher "risk" on the 200ST model.
Reply:Yeah,You'd undoubtedly be stuck paying the State extortion when buying through Home Depot.I noticed how that Mark (an Everlast sales and support employee) mentioned in the Everlast sponsored area at Welding Web here, that on Everlast units purchased through Amazon:"But for the first 30 days under their normal return policy. After that it is direct through us. But they have a discount, used, damaged or whatever category from something like Amazon returns. This is not covered under our warranty at all."So, I'm guessing that it's similar through Home Depot.Either direct through Everlast or via Amazon, is undoubtedly going to be the same: 30 day 100% guaranteed satisfaction, including seller-paid return shipping, then the rest of of 5 year parts and labor paid by seller, but not any shipping, which is about the best around.I'll recommend that you use a telephone and call the Everlast sales number. You'll probably speak to Alex or Katia, and then ask them what the total cost of one of their units would be, shipped to your address. Who knows, if you speak nicely enough, they may even round off the figure in your favor. Then return them the favor, and just send them a check or money order, which will keep the taxpayer-subsided Too-Big-To-Fail Credit Card Banks from getting a slight percentage of the transaction, too.Whee.....To date I’ve bought three Everlast welders through member here Lugweld. We are members on another site too. Mark is a man of his word, and he bust his a$$ for his customers! I won’t buy through anyone but Mark!Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:The problem with the importers, one starts with an E , one starts with an L, is the shifty business practices that they have used in the past. I would trust the words of Hilary Clinton before I would trust either of those song and dance acts. Go with tweco, thermal arc or esab units. Those are real companies with real warranties, of course that goes out the window with a used item.
Reply:What will you be welding on?
Reply:I plan to be repairing stuff and hopefully build deer stands once I get setup
Reply:The HF 80 amp inverter is a nice hobby machine at a low price but does not offer dual voltage.  I would echo the recommendation for a dual-voltage machine.  The flexibility for the future is well worth it, and at today's prices it just makes sense.  The Longevity or the Powerarc 140's are good choices for your budget.  The TIG options are up to you.The others like the Esab and Thermal Arc are excellent machines but I believe the price goes up accordingly.
Reply:Originally Posted by 1AgKidI plan to be repairing stuff and hopefully build deer stands once I get setup
Reply:the price of inverter welders is so cheap and you can easily have 2 or more sitting on a shelf when not needed that i do not worry about warranty. i had miller inverter go at 3 years 1 month. still disappointing. any machine no matter how old if it stops working is disappointing. easy enough to have extra backup welding machines sitting on a shelf.i am trying 2 HF inverter welders at $350 for both of them combined price. sure i got a 3rd and 4th spare welder. 8 weeks later HF 240 volt welder $200 working good. the 80 amp inverter 120 volt for $150 is ok just is limited to sheet metal. you will only be disappointed if you think you can do 1/4" or thicker welds with 80 amp machine. it is strickly for sheetmetal and thing is only the size of a brick. i just have it on a shelf till needed..the problem is people buy 80 amp welder (debatable if it is really 80 and not 60 amps) and think they can still weld heavy plate. it is risky and only will give disappointing results. a 120 volt welder will always be under powered. literally a limit on how much electrical power you can get out of circuit maybe 2000 or 3000 watts not like 10,000 watts from a 240 volt welder..just my experience is 80 weld amps on 120 volt welder does not act the same as 80 amps on 240 volt welder. like 80 amps on 120 volt welder acts more like 70 or even 60 amps. you cannot weld heavy plate with 60 or even 70 amps with high quality welds you need more power in my experience. .my only way to measure weld amps is use welding rod all in one use and what amp setting does the welding rod get red hot. with 3/32 6013 on 240 volt welder it takes 90 to 100 amps. the little 80 amp 120 volt inverter just cannot max out the welding rod and get it red hot. it will get 5/64 6013 welding rod red hot and that is all the little 80 amp 120 volt HF inverter can put out. you cannot do high quality welds on heavy plate with 1/16 or even 5/64 welding rod. in my experience you need more powerLast edited by WNY_TomB; 02-03-2016 at 11:10 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by M J DThe problem with the importers, one starts with an E , one starts with an L, is the shifty business practices that they have used in the past. I would trust the words of Hilary Clinton before I would trust either of those song and dance acts. Go with tweco, thermal arc or esab units. Those are real companies with real warranties, of course that goes out the window with a used item.
Reply:Originally Posted by BrianCI just have to get into this, sorry, "the real warranties" you speak of...........have you had the opportunities to 'test out' these warranties? just curious before my next purchase. Thanks
Reply:I have an esab 161 and a thermal arc 181I , both are out of warranty with zero problems. On the esab, I had a small issue with the lift arc tig function. I called esab, and they explained it was a bit different than the Miller machines I was used too. They explained the 90 day return policy and asked if I was satisfied with the machine. I told them that I was fine with it and I would keep the machine. That's the extent of my experience with those companies, but in my research before purchase I was convinced that they were legit.
Reply:Originally Posted by BrianCI just have to get into this, sorry, "the real warranties" you speak of...........have you had the opportunities to 'test out' these warranties? just curious before my next purchase. Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Most complaints on warranty issues on those manufacture sites are removed by them, the sponsor. If you do a search you may find some they missed. Why take a chance. Buy a real machine from a proven manufacture. If you can't afford ir, save until you can. Well worth the wait . OR, do you feel lucky ?
Reply:Originally Posted by BrianCI felt safe with Miller and got let down big time. The whole "brand name" deal isn't what you think it is all the time, granted maybe less chance of a problem , but at the price you pay is it worth it?
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1What happened ? A buddy had a issue with his 4 year old Miller and local supplier where he bought said Miller honored the 3 year warranty anyway. It could be a location thing. There are many of the same statements on the Miller site. As for being worth it, if you make a living with the machines, Miller and Lincoln are hard to beat.
Reply:Some of the companies suggested have a bad track record of poor customer service if there is an issue with their units. They have been known to give people the runaround, ignore emails, PM's , phone calls, etc with a variety of excuses. They have been known to deny warranty claims for defective units even when brand new because the "seller" wasn't "an "authorized" seller and so on. Many of these tricks and delay tactics are to get past things like the time limit on Ebay etc when they can help you if there is a problem. Once past that time period, you are SOL and on your own.One poster suggested dealing with the seller by check/ money order vs CC to get a "discount". The seller would love that as CC companies are one of the best ways to protect yourself against sales tactics like these guys use. You CC company can simply withdraw your payment from the sellers account if you have a legitimate issue with an item. There is zero the seller can do to stop the CC company from doing so. Once past the time period the CC gives however you are on your own again. If you have a problem, deal with it right away. Don't accept their BS that the parts will be here next week or whatever. Let your CC company know right away that you have a problem. The CC company can tell you how long you have until they can't help you any longer. Get the problem resolved before that happens. Don't take the sellers word that they will solve it later.If thinking about buying a low budget machine, I'd strongly suggest you look into the history behind how the company deals with issues. Several have a very bad reputation. Some are known to have sales people post up as "regular" customers with glowing reports etc when in reality they have a stake in the game of getting you to buy the product.  Others reputation of dealing with customers is spotty at best, and some aren't too bad. Keep in mind most of these machines are "disposable" at best. If it fails out of warranty, chances are you will not be able to get it repaired. repair schematics and parts simply are not available. Warranty "work" is often done simply be swapping one machine with another, often at the customers expense for shipping both ways..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 use a longevity too only a different modle but +1 on going through longevity if you decide to go that route. When i spoke to them over the phone they said problem with amazon is that youll have a brand new machine thats already been sitting in amazons warehouse for several years. So its new with an old build date.Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by baja_vdubI use a longevity too only a different modle but +1 on going through longevity if you decide to go that route. When i spoke to them over the phone they said problem with amazon is that youll have a brand new machine thats already been sitting in amazons warehouse for several years. So its new with an old build date.Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Reply:whats yalls opinion on tweco welders? thinking about one of the multi process ones that can do mig tig and stick
Reply:I just noticed that Everlast has most of their units newly marked down, even some of the multi-process units, one of which I've always liked, the MTS 200.And, I never suggested payment by check or money order as an effort to get a discount on any Everlast product. Nope, that never happened.Otherwise, if you do call for a final price delivered from Everlast, it would undoubtedly not be any lower than these latest sale prices, because shipping is included too. But who knows?And, again, the Everlast warrantee is better than virtually all others, by at least two years, I believe. So, if your budget is now more than it was, take a look at this one. It seems brilliant, with adjustable pre and post-flow, rather than automatic, and has advanced MIG features. It's dual voltage too, and 200 amp output, which you'll undoubtedly want if you end up doing several projects or more. And, of course, I'm not a shill for Everlast, just a satisfied customer. Attached ImagesLast edited by C. Livingstone; 02-04-2016 at 06:47 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by 1AgKidwhats yalls opinion on tweco welders? thinking about one of the multi process ones that can do mig tig and stick
Reply:Tweco and esab are respected companies that have been around. In my opinion , a much better choice than those companies that shall remain nameless, yet promise the world.