My neighbor is probably tired of me borrowing his MIG welder EVERY weekend to tack some other bit of something to the Little Lambo, and I've got authorization from the boss (wife) to go shopping for my own MIG in the $500 price range, new or used. I actually have gas tanks and regulators left over from a crappy Chinese MIG purchased from where you think several years ago that couldn't take the abuse (or regular use) I was dishing out, so I'm not making that mistake again. But tanks need not be part of the $500 budget (extra tanks are never a bad thing tho!)
I would like to be able to use 110AC as 220 is not always available, particularly trackside. I would like to have a semi-portable rig that I could take track-side if possible.
Suggestions for 110VAC MIG's in the aforementioned price range?
This is localish to me but out of the price range: http://owensboro.craigslist.org/tls/3207179240.html
But something like that that can switch between 220 and 110 would be nice for when 220 is available.
cwh
PowerDork
8/17/12 10:57 a.m.
110vac Hobart Handler. Good, respected unit. 509.00, free shipping.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOOK-Hobart-Handler-Welder-135-175-H-10-Gun-New-Ranch-Sale-FREE-SHIP-/110917551220?pt=BI_Welders&hash=item19d3338474
In reply to cwh:
Not the first suggestion for the Hobart... I think they have a Hobart 140 at about the same price at my local Rural King.
+1 on the Hobart. My brother is as cheap as they come and he researched low-end welders relentlessly, but also didn't want to buy junk. He ended up with a Handler 187. Had it about 5 years now. Works great.
I bought the Eastwood 135 and have been quite pleased with it.
I would just scour craigslist for a used one of the power you want. I just got a used 1500 dollar welder with tank/regulator/huge spool of wire for 900 that was essentially brand new. You can find the 500 dollars ones for 3-4 depending on condition or the 6-700 for 5 or less if you offer about. Used also usually comes with extras like masks/wire/chipping hammers/etc.
A lot of people buy them for one silly project or another and then never use them again, money gets tight, they sell it. Stick with the name brands: Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, etc. and you'll be fine.
Eastwood 135. Also replied to your Chumpy post over on that other board ;-)
Basil Exposition wrote:
I bought the Eastwood 135 and have been quite pleased with it.
Ditto. The Eastwood would also leave some money for accessories you might not already have.
Hobart Handler owner here as well, it just plan works well and TSC is local for all the parts.
That said, there are replacement parts for your cheapo unit as well if you look for them. Might be worth the $40 for a new circuit board and switch or whatever it needs then toss in some flux wire and sell it off. That or maybe toss in some stainless wire and get a bottle of tri-mix or aluminum and argon....
I have a lincoln 140C which has been good. I've heard better things about the Miller's, but whatev. It's a good machine.
I've heard that the "box store special" even from the name brands (think Home Depot Lincoln) are not made of the same parts- think plastic wire drive gears, and parts that you can't get at your local welding shop, but have to mail order from the box store. Haven't verified myself.
OK, after much deliberation and realization that there is stuff I need to weld to the car TOMORROW, I did it.
Thanks for all the suggestions, I think this guy will get the job done, locally sourced, and brand spanking new.
