|
|
I've decided that it's time to for me buy a my first mig welder, but I don't know what size or make to buy and I'm hoping that you folks could make some suggestions.Id like a welder that can handle projects like building a lumber shelf unit, making a small trailer for my yard tractor, a tool cart, shelving for my shop and maybe even do some sculptures. Someday after I get some real training and experience, I could see myself restoring an car, pick-up truck or possibly restoring an old travel trailer, like an Airstream. I'd also like to be able to weld aluminum and stainless steel, if possible. I don't ever see myself welding professionally, this would just be a hobby. What size welder would I need to accomplish this? I hate buying throw away equipment.Originally I was thinking about buying something like a 180 Amp welder, but they are all 220V and I may not always have 220V where I'm welding. In fact, my first must-do project will require me to weld 2' extensions on to the posts of my chain link fence, so I can raise the height. This will put me 250' away from any AC power, so I'll have to rely on my generator for power. Unfortunately, my generator only puts out like 12.5 Amps at 220V. Is that enough power to run a 220V welder so it can weld 17 gauge pipe? Is it possible that at the settings needed to weld 17 gauge pipe that it wont draw over 12.5? My feeling is that it wont so Im afraid that would push into a 110 volt welder. If so, can a 140 Amp welder do all that I "think" I want it to do?I've been searching around on the web and there is a ton of info out there, almost too much and a lot of it contradicts, so its very confusing. I was told that Miller is the best (also most expensive), with Lincoln and Hobart close behind. Then there is a whole bunch of other welders like Eastwood, Weldmart, Longevity, etc. that all seem to be Chinese made. I've read and watched youtube reviews on many of these and they all get glowing results, which I find suspect. Are the higher end welders worth paying double the price? If anyone owns or has any experience with the Chinese welders I'd like to hear that to.
Reply:Sounds like you need a welder that can run on 110v or 220v depending on where you are. With that in mind, your options are limited.The Miller 211 MVP would be a great choice. http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00245Hobart makes a pretty nice one too. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...9230_200479230Others can suggest additional machines.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:I think Gravel nailed it. The Miller 211 is a great machine.
Reply:My Hobart 210MVP is a machine that can run on 110 or 220 voltage (see also the Miller 211). Just looked up the specs in the manual and full draw using 110v is 20 amps. Also per the door chart, 16 gauge steel calls for the #5 setting using fluxcore wire (the next to lowest 110v setting).What is the max amp load using 110v for your generator? It sounds like it is in the 3000w range, and if so, then the max amps should be around 25 amps...EDIT: Gravel beat me to it.Lincoln Electric Square Wave 200Hobart 210 MVP Hobart Spoolrunner 100Hobart 250ci plasmaLincoln AC 225 buzzboxOxy/acetylene kit
Reply:My little cheapo Powerwise generator is rated at 3500 Watts and can do 25 amps at 110V. Its actually made by a Chinese company called Jiangdong! I've had it for years and it always starts and runs fine. It really came in handy during Sandy, as we were out of power for about 7 days. I've already used it to run tools and it works fine.I was already looking at the Hobart 210 VVP, Miller 211 and the Lincoln 180 dual, but they are all pretty pricey. I'm not saying I won't pick one of these, but are there any other 110/220 volt dual powered mig welders out there?
Reply:The Hobart 210 is just as good as the 211 and close to $300 cheaper than the miller in my area. I know, the miller has infinite voltage and auto set. Big deal I've used both and there isn't anything in the miller that makes it cost $300 more or weld any better.I own the 210 it's been a great machine.Just my 2 cents from my humble experience.
Reply:You will need a much more generator to power a real 220v welder. I bet that generator would power my mig 90 amp mig, comfortably. Thing is generators dont power welding machines very well at all unless grossly over sized.I tried my mig which only draws 1600w on start up and around 1500w once running on my small generator rated for 1900w and it couldnt do it, but it holds a 22amp load running 2 space heaters just fine, which is quite a bit more than what its rated for.Welding fence tube, with a mig on a 3500w generator should work fine.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
Reply:Hey BeerBrewer, Just my opinion here so ill try to let you know it. I have a Hobart 210MVP at home w/a Spoolrunner 100 spool gun for aluminum and a miller 211 at work. Both are dual voltage units and both are fantastic units. They both use the same consumable, ie contact tips, nozles, feed rollers, and so on. That means parts are no problem for either one. My big thing is they are very very good on customer support or at least i know first hand Hobart is. A guy named Bill at Hobart helped me one time and he was johny on the spot let me tel ya. Ok, both machines are very similure but i think my Hobart actualy has a little better wet out on the puddle than my 211 at work and the difference in price is a selling point for me. The spool gun allows me to weld aluminum and i have enjoyed being able to fix things previousley off limits. You will enjoy the dual voltage for sure and when the power is needed go to 220v and you can weld 1/2" steal projects. One thing for you to remember is mig welding outside really needs to be flux core wire or a sheltered/calm environment for straight wire. I know you think these machines are high but trust me you will not have to buy another one if you take care of it. I am a farmer and do it your self guy and have welded all the things you are talking about with out any probelms except getting use to the mig process. Buy one of these an you wont look back. Oh your fence posts project will be no problem for your generator as long as you stay on tap 5 or 6. Dont breath the fumes on that galvanized stuff as it will really make you sick. Drink lots of milk after your inside for the evening as the calcium helps flush the poison out of your system. A resparator is best used though and i too need to live buy my words here because sometimes i dont. Also HTP on Ebay is a good wire and source for supply's. Good luck.....Fireman BillHH 210 MVPMM 211 Spoolmate 100Lotas LTP5000D PlasmaOxy/Accet (Victor)Wards AC/DC buzz box30 ton old hyd pressA few brand name toolsA bunch of cheap toolsA wife to worry me and4 dogs to supervise me
Reply:@ BeerBrewer - A BLUE dude through and thru. However, the Hobart 210MVP is an awesome rig. Many cats here run 'em and love 'em. A Miller 211 or Hobart 210 MVP would be perfect for you. MIG-centric."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Millermatic 252, flinch when you push add to cart, never feel you didn't make the right choice again. 120 Volt welders are pretty limited in what they can do. I can hook up a 240 volt temporary outlet in about 5 minutes and use mine anywhere there is electricity even off grid with a generator.
Reply:As stated, Miller 211 ,Hobart 210 MVP, and the Lincoln 180 dual, Pick one .
Reply:Originally Posted by BeerBrewerI've decided that it's time to for me buy a my first mig welder, but I don't know what size or make to buy and I'm hoping that you folks could make some suggestions.Id like a welder that can handle projects like building a lumber shelf unit, making a small trailer for my yard tractor, a tool cart, shelving for my shop and maybe even do some sculptures. Someday after I get some real training and experience, I could see myself restoring an car, pick-up truck or possibly restoring an old travel trailer, like an Airstream. I'd also like to be able to weld aluminum and stainless steel, if possible. I don't ever see myself welding professionally, this would just be a hobby. What size welder would I need to accomplish this? I hate buying throw away equipment.Originally I was thinking about buying something like a 180 Amp welder, but they are all 220V and I may not always have 220V where I'm welding. In fact, my first must-do project will require me to weld 2' extensions on to the posts of my chain link fence, so I can raise the height. This will put me 250' away from any AC power, so I'll have to rely on my generator for power. Unfortunately, my generator only puts out like 12.5 Amps at 220V. Is that enough power to run a 220V welder so it can weld 17 gauge pipe? Is it possible that at the settings needed to weld 17 gauge pipe that it wont draw over 12.5? My feeling is that it wont so Im afraid that would push into a 110 volt welder. If so, can a 140 Amp welder do all that I "think" I want it to do?I've been searching around on the web and there is a ton of info out there, almost too much and a lot of it contradicts, so its very confusing. I was told that Miller is the best (also most expensive), with Lincoln and Hobart close behind. Then there is a whole bunch of other welders like Eastwood, Weldmart, Longevity, etc. that all seem to be Chinese made. I've read and watched youtube reviews on many of these and they all get glowing results, which I find suspect. Are the higher end welders worth paying double the price? If anyone owns or has any experience with the Chinese welders I'd like to hear that to.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1As stated, Miller 211 ,Hobart 210 MVP, and the Lincoln 180 dual, Pick one .
Reply:Something to think about when powering a welder from a generator is voltage drop. When you strike an arc the voltage can drop until the generator can catch up. This can damage a welder. The reason it isn't as big of a concern on a larger generator is that the engine doesn't have to carry as much load (relative to size).Willie can probably explain this better.A good thing to have is a plug in volt meter so you can see the voltage drop when you strike an arc. It could keep you from repeatedly exposing your welding gear to low voltage.Just a thought....GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Another Vote for the Miller 211. The value can't be beat, its the perfect hobby machine that will not need to be upgraded unless you decide to make a living with it. It welds so much smoother than my old Lincoln 170 did (same as current lincoln 180)Miller 211 MIGThermal ARC 186 TIGHypertherm Powermax 30 Plasma
Reply:Look at the Thermal Arc fabricator series. I believe the 211i may be around the same price as a Miller 211 and you can stick weld and tig DC with it as well. I'm not sure on the dual voltage part of it. They make a 181i as well.Haven't head a bad thing about these machines. Resale value will not be that of millers and neither will be their service. Miller is number one in both of these-and that is NOT arguable.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255Look at the Thermal Arc fabricator series. I believe the 211i may be around the same price as a Miller 211 and you can stick weld and tig DC with it as well. I'm not sure on the dual voltage part of it. They make a 181i as well.Haven't head a bad thing about these machines. Resale value will not be that of millers and neither will be their service. Miller is number one in both of these-and that is NOT arguable.
Reply:Miller 211. Why it over the similar one sold by Hobart? The Miller has an all metal drive system, on the Hobart it's made from plastic. The next reason matters too, the miller can be sold in used condition (so long as you don't back your truck over it) for more money than the Hobart cost in the first place. Miller's are pleasing in that way; when I sold my Millermatic 140 to buy my 211 I actually got $125 more for the 140 used than I paid for it several years earlier. I'm not saying that will happen for you if you buy a Miller, but it's certainly not very likely to happen if you buy some other brand.PS: If you buy a 252 you better buy a small Crain to move it from one fence post to the next. The 211 (and a generator) is about as heavy as anything you'd want to find yourself lugging around a field.
Reply:[QUOTE=ThomWV;4069981]Miller 211. Why it over the similar one sold by Hobart? The Miller has an all metal drive system, on the Hobart it's made from plastic. QUOTE]You are incorrect, a current Hobart Handler 210 MVP has a cast aluminum drive housing on it. The Hobart drive housing actually has more metal on it then the Miller. Attached ImagesESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelSomething to think about when powering a welder from a generator is voltage drop. When you strike an arc the voltage can drop until the generator can catch up. This can damage a welder. The reason it isn't as big of a concern on a larger generator is that the engine doesn't have to carry as much load (relative to size).Willie can probably explain this better.A good thing to have is a plug in volt meter so you can see the voltage drop when you strike an arc. It could keep you from repeatedly exposing your welding gear to low voltage.Just a thought....
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BPowering any welder from a small generator is to be avoided. Generators from HD, TS, HF Northern, Wall Mart, etc. are designed for the singular purpose of prying a few hundred dollars out of your hand. Everything in them is lightly built. Seconds into your first weld you'll have a failure in either the generator or the welder. |
|
发表于 2021-8-31 23:14:55