Recommendations for an inexpensive welder

[usetaboost]

Not looking for junk, but don't need a 220 either. Just something good for a 2 stall garage to take care of small projects. I don't see myself welding anything more than 1/8in at home.

 

[dynoman]

Miller 135 , 120v with co2/arg tank , not a fan of flux core welders. How much you want to spend ? Mine was about $700 new with tank .

 

[usetaboost]

700 with a tank isn't too bad, but I was hoping not to spend more than 500 if possible. I looked at century welders, just because I was told they were made by Lincoln. Sounds like they're kind of hit and miss. Some have feed problems that end up needing fixed, others tend to work fine. Must be the monday and friday runs at Lincoln lol

 

[dynoman]

That $700 was at least 5 years ago . but I haven't had a single problem with it and my son has gone through many spools of wire & tanks of air. Good quality machine.

 

[usetaboost]

Probably about the same price now. There's a few nice millers out there for 6-700 bucks I wouldn't mind investing in. It's a lot to spend right off the bat though.

 

[charlief1]

Most of my project has been done with a Hobart unit Jesse. The one I started with was a 110 unit and mow we've got a 220 unit. Have had very few issues with either of them. Are you planning on flux core or a MIG unit? I'm not a fan of ARC unless you've got a lot of welding that's fairly thick but in most cases a MIG/flux core unit will do great. I've been pricing TIG units but just haven't pulled the trigger on one yet.

 

[buddy]

I bought a Lincoln 180 from Home Depot about 6 months ago. It's a great welder, 220 gas or flux core, I think it will weld up to 3/8 with flux core and .035. I believe I paid $650. There is also a Lincoln 180 I think it's called the 180 dual that is 110/220 if you have an issue getting 220 where you are. I

 

[buddy]

One things for sure is that even though now you only plan on welding up to 1/8", there will be a day where you want to weld thicker and you'll wish you got a bigger one.

 

[earlbrown]

I bought a Harbor Freight MIG a few months ago for a little over $100. 110V and for around the house it works just fine. It's a pain still having do deal with slag since it's flux core, but for the money I'm happy with it.

From what I read on the internets, the trick is to get that cheep welder than put Lincoln wire in it.

 

[Phoneguy]

I bought a Harbor Freight MIG a few months ago for a little over $100. 110V and for around the house it works just fine. It's a pain still having do deal with slag since it's flux core, but for the money I'm happy with it.

From what I read on the internets, the trick is to get that cheep welder than put Lincoln wire in it.

I picked up one of those for around $79.00 this past spring...couldnt pass it up. It does ok for what it is, lots of slag.

Bryan

 

[charlief1]

I picked up one of those for around $79.00 this past spring...couldnt pass it up. It does ok for what it is, lots of slag.

Bryan

Unless you're doing something delicate, turn the heat and feed up high and it will look like you used an arc welder. The slag builds up just like 1 and is easier to get off.

 

[earlbrown]

huh huh, You said 'easier to get off'



huh huh


huh huh

 

[charlief1]

huh huh, You said 'easier to get off'



huh huh


huh huh

I'm sure you're used to getting of easy Earl. The KY stock went up this week and your hand was busy I'm sure.

 

[earlbrown]

I moved away from Kentucky when I was 11.


and spit works just fine. LOL

 

[Rafs-T-Type]

I usually find the guy at the muffler shop to be the cheapest welder . He'll pretty much weld anything for $30.

 

[Mike E]

Hobart Mig welders are a good value. Virtually the same a a comparable size miller, but cheaper. If you have a TSC (Tractor Supply Co.) they usually have them on sale. The HH140 is a really nice 110V welder. http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/hobart-handlerreg;-140-mig-welder

 

[83hurstguy]

I've had good luck with my Eastwood 220v MIG so far. Haven't ran a lot of wire through it, but it has welded really nice for what I've needed.

 

[psycho6cyl]

i purchased a lincoln welder 110 that be used with or without gas. i love it. for the small simple to little bit more projects works well. millers are great if its part of job or everyday use. other than that id stick w lincln or the hobart is a decent one i think..

 

[groumoutis]

A small Lincoln or Miller will work fine. Even on semi thick 3/8-1/2 inch stuff but the steel will need pre heated since the welder doesn't have enough ass to put enough heat into the weld. I weld a lot at work. I don't like flux core wire but that is just a preference. We use 80/20 gasses at work and it is what I have grown accustom to.

 

[aminga]

Firepower makes a welder that might meet your specs. It's the same company that makes solar brand battery chargers