recommendations on new mig

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Hi, I've searched for a while but still undecided on a new mig. I have a Lincoln Handy mig now ans its a good machine but certainly has its limitations. Im torn between 2 migs, the Hobart Handler 140 and the Eastwood 175. I realize these are 2 different animals but for me, its a cost issue. Im an electrician so putting in a 230 ckt isn't an issue. I don't have any plans tomever weld stock thicker than 1/4" (if that thick at all). I hear good and bad things about the eastwood, the only thing that attracts me to it is that its a 220/230 unit with possibly less current draw. I've been researching a lot but can't seem to find many bad reviews of the handler 140. Thanks Jim
Reply:[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]weldingtipsandtricks, Jody, Ututbe has a reviewhobart handlercharl
Reply:Thank you, I'll check it out.
Reply:If I was buying a new mig I would get this type mig or it's   equivelenthttp://www.ebay.com/itm/like/1618789...chn=ps&lpid=82trailblazer 302thunderbolt ac dc machine Hobart fluxcoreAHP tig 200x 2015
Reply:The step up to the Hobart 140 is not really much of an improvement.Current Draw: yes the 240v unit will draw less current through the wires but TOTAL energy consumed is always the same. You get billed for watt hours Hobart 140 using 1800watts of power: 1800/120v = 15ampsEastwood 175 using 1800watts power: 1800/240v= 7.5ampsYou still get billed for 1800watts of used power from the Power company.Since you can wire up your own 240v circuit you save some installation $The benefit of the 240v machine is MORE power and if you look at the price difference between a 120v machine and a 240v machine you get way more power for not that much more money.http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welders-...spool-gun.html$499.00Ed 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:Thanks for the replies. Those 2 units are both $500 which is at my top end since I want to use 72/25 and have to buy a bottle too. I just worry about a "made in China machine). Im sure people have good luck with the Eastwood
Reply:As a reminder even though you won't weld 1/4'' duty cycle should be considered too. A larger 240 volt machine will have a greater duty cycle the the 120 volt. This meaning you can weld longer at the same setting with the larger machine. Many start out with a 120 volt machine only to get hooked on welding and then buy a larger one.  Zoro tools should have their 30% off sale soon along with Farm and Fleet. Posting your location may help members guide you to a known sale depending where you are located. Just be a smart shopper and do a search here on the topic. Money needs to be spent wisely.
Reply:Im in Northern, NJ.
Reply:If you are hitting the limit on you 120v you won't be happy unless you make the jump to a 240v machine. You might want to check out Everlast's line of mig welders. Here is a 200 amp one with a 35% duty cycle for $563 http://www.everlastgenerators.com/pr...wer-i-mig-200e  They seem well liked. I've never used one of theirs, but I hear good things about them. Personally I bought a ultra cheap Harbor Freight 170 amp mig welder for home use and it hasn't failed me yet. So that is a sub $200 option.My "collection":Homemade Stick WelderVictor O/A TorchAC 225Ideal Arc 250HF 90 Amp Flux CoreHF Mig 170Solar 2020 Plasma CutterPower i-Mig 140EHarris O/A torchHF Dual Mig 131140STAlpha Tig 200x
Reply:Should be plenty of black Friday offers popping up next week tooTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Thanks again for all the replies. My Handy mig is only 88 amps I believe so I just thought going to the 140 could do the trick since it's a lot more powerful or at least I thought
Reply:Think somebody on site was selling a Eastwood 175, hobart 190 are around 600 at farm and fleet and tractor supply when on sale