Purchase Advice Wanted

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OK, I've decided to buy my first welder.  I am looking to buy a smaller Mig unit; something that will run on 110v.  I have a friend that is a professional welder and he says I need to spend the $1000 and buy a Miller brand.  This was more than I wanted to spend.  I was looking at the Hobarts, Lincoln Electric, and Clarks.  I have found them to run aroung $500.  I don't see myself ever welding more than a few days per year.  I want to build a few kennels and occasionally weld an exhaust bracket or fix something around the house.  Do I really need the Miller?  Can you all recommend a welder?  I don't see myself ever welding much over 3/16ths of an inch.  The kennel I am hoping to build will be out of 11ga. tubular steel.  Your advice will be appreciated!Nitrex
Reply:You get what you pay for right?I just ordered my first welder 3 days ago. Lincoln PowerMig 180. Yes it is more than I wanted to spend, but I like to buy tools every 25 years not every 2 years. I see it as an investment that my son will be happy to one day own one day.I almost bought the Lowes version but after tons of research and soul searching I went with the quality product that I know will be supported 10 years down the road when I need a part for it.???My feeling is that you/I will use the machine more than we initially think. Get what you want!Ryan
Reply:My first MIG was a 110volt unit....it was ok for lighter stuff and would hold it's own with FC, but I soon needed to MIG weld thicker stuff....I now have the HH210.....if I had it to do all over again I would have started with a 220 v unit....the HH187 is a nice unit and can be had for not much more than $500.....keep an eye out on CL and other classifieds as some times people will listen to that friend that told them to get the high $ machine and they don't need it and after it has collected dust for some time they sell it for a loss....Good luck,Mike
Reply:Mike has some good advice.  There are LOTS of deals on good used machines on Craig's List all the time.   You can get that expensive Miller for alot less than the $1000 you're thinking.   Actually, you can get a NEW one for alot less than that too.  My neighbor bought a Millermatic 180 for $700 brand new a few months ago, from the local welding shop even.  Shop around!MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Google is your shopping palhttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=hobart+handler+187Manufacturers sites are great for specing equipment but never pay the list price (MSRP).Anything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT
Reply:I have a Hobart 125EZ thats fluxcore only in 110. For the home and hobby welder it is great and parts and consumables are no problem.Hobart and miller use a lot of the same parts on these machines.In my area tsc stores and farm+fleet stores have the best price on these.If you want to weld heavy stuff and aluminum and that kind of thing you'll have to go 220.pro-level dumpster diver                                     Hobart 125EZ
Reply:If you seriously want to stick with a 110volt machinehttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...+with+Auto+SetThey are great for bodywork and exhaust. I picked up a Lincoln 110 just for bodywork several years ago.Anything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT
Reply:A google search lead me to Ebay where i bought my Lincoln Pro mig 180, same as 180T, bran new in the box w/ warranty shipped for for a total of $475 and it works great. They also have a Lincoln 175 HD that usualy go for under $500 delivered. just watch who you buy from, over 100 feedback rating with more than 98% positive should be ok to buy from. Oh and make sure its new in the box and not refurb or used unless you want to take a chance on saving a few bucks.
Reply:For all the jobs you mentioned a 110 volt mig will be prefect for you. With a little practice and experience you can even do a little more. Will may find you will be bitten by the bug and will want a bigger welder but that could be down the road away for you. As to the welders you mentioned, in my opinion Miller and Lincoln are the top two. I think if you look around you may been able to find a good deal or a good used one. I have an old Lincoln SP125 plus which works very well. I also have an old Miller firefly 130 that I bought new well over ten years ago, and still works great today and has been used pretty hard. I have read lots of goods things about the Hobart and Clark but never tried one. The one thing I will say about welders is that I find the better quality machine you have the better it is to learn on.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Thanks for all your advice.  I really need to stay with a 110v.  The garage will only handle that much poser and I don't want to rewire the house!  Also, I saw that Northern Tool has 135amp Mig (w/ gas) for aroud $350.  Anyone ever used one?  The reviews seem to be favorable. Thanks,Nitrex
Reply:You don't need to rewire the whole house to add a single 220 outlet.  If your breaker panel happens to be in the garage it's pretty simple.  I suspect you easily do it yourself do less than $100 and that's with pulling a permit and having the work inspected.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:House and Garage where built in 1951.  There is no way to get 220 in the dettached garage without building all new service to the house and garage.  The electrician thought it would cost me around $1000 for the service upgrade and another $500 for rewiring the garage.  I need a 110 welder or I might as well forget the whole idea of having a welder.Any thoughts on the Northern Tool 135amp?Nitrex
Reply:For what your wanting to do take a look at the hobart 125ez.Very easy to use for beginners and the fluxcore can be used outside in not so perfect conditions.The people that have them luv them.And you have support.3/16'' is no problem for these.pro-level dumpster diver                                     Hobart 125EZ