not sure what welder is right for me

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I am semi new to welding, that is i have welded in the past a little with my dad's cheap harbor freight welder for a rubicon rack for my jeep years ago. and i took a intro welding class in college. what i want to do is eventually build a trailer for my dirt bikes and other toys, obviously it would take lots of practice before i get there, but i am not sure what welder is right for me. the type of welder i used was a MIG and also did a little stick welding too. from the research so far it seems that a 220V is what i will need for the trailer application and i need good strong welds, also im a muscle car enthusiast so i will need something that will be very versitile. Please let me know of any suggestions and any other things i should be looking for in a welderthank you
Reply:Cheapest route would be to look for a used Buzzbox "Stick" welder and even new models.Lincoln http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...5113_200435113Hobarthttp://www.northerntool.com/shop/too..._384175_384175either one of those would work for your trailer project once you got the arc time under yer beltBUT not too god a choice for sheet metal or thin stock so iffin' body panel work is in your future you should look for a 180amp Mig machine at the Minimum.Best deal going is the HH210 w/ spoolgun at Northernhttp://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2663_200392663Ed 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:If you are buying the new welder, my advise is to choose the Hobart with its smoothly adjustable output.  You can dial it in to exactly the current setting you are most comfortabile with.  The Lincoln output is adjustable in steps, so you can choose the step closest to what you want,The Miller Thunderbolt, if you find one used, is like a Hobart with a different paint job.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:I went with the Hobart LX235 for stick (DC/220V) and love it, very versatile, really nice for fixing messy tractor implements and big equipment trailers.  Watch for sales at Northern Tool or Tractor Supply.The reasons I choose stick over MIG:- I am working for myself - not on the clock so high deposition rates aren't needed- Stick works fine outside - where tractors and gear tends to break down- Rods are it, easy to handle, no gas tanks to buy/fill/run out of at inopportune times, no wire- Burns through rust and crap when you just need to get things going again fast to beat the rain I started my training with an OA welding rig and still use it for the thin stuff.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:Buy a quality trailer! Ur years (in experience) away from being qualified 2 fab a strong,safe,well designed trailer!
Reply:I agree that a noob should not attempt a trailer.  However, if you are looking for a good Mig/Fluxcore welder, the best deal going is the Hobart Handler 187 from Tractor Supply for $549.99.  Can't beat that.
Reply:i completely agree on the buying a trailer for now but i do like projects and think that would be a good one...eventually. thanks to all that replied, i am getting close to what i want to get. right now i think it is between a Miller and Hobart. keep coming with suggestions, i would appreciate all the input i can get
Reply:I am going to suggest the Millermatic 212, I have one, I love it, glad I spent the money on it, it will cost you a few bucks more, but it is a welder you can keep the rest of your life and it should be able to do any of the jobs you are talking about tackling.72 Chevy Cummins Project94 3500HD Welding Rig build Sold NOV 2011
Reply:http://store.cyberweld.com/millermatic210.html cyberweld has a pretty descent price on them.72 Chevy Cummins Project94 3500HD Welding Rig build Sold NOV 2011
Reply:Millermatic 211! It's portable despite it's 80 pound weight. It features Miller's MVP plug so you can run it on 110V if you need to when 220 \ 230V is not available.Just a suggestion... If the $1000 price tag is a bit much, the Hobart 187 is an excellent choice for the price.Measure twice, cut once.Millermatic 211Millermatic 251Miller Dynasty 200DXESAB O/A Set-up
Reply:i have another inquiry, i dont quite understand the 115vac and 230vac. i get that the 230 is that much more volts, but what i dont understand is, if i where to get a 230 welder then would i have to plug it into a 230v circuit? i would be working on projects out of my garage and i think i only have the standard circuit receptacles except for the washer/dryer inside the house. after doing some more research and i think im leaning towards the Hobart 140 which is 115vac and can weld up to 24 guage-1/4in. any thoughts would be appreciatedLast edited by bigwave32; 06-08-2011 at 07:55 PM.Reason: change question
Reply:A 110v mig would max out on 3/16 at best and maybe able to do 1/4" in the best hands.  You should look at the Thermal Arc 161stl inverter (weighs 15lbs), it will run on 110/220v and has lift-start tig for your thin stuff. I've seen them selling for as low as $640 for the basic machine.