What welder to get

[LouisianaZJ]

looking at 230v Mig box
up to 1/4-5/16" PL, 36 ksi
stating out with flux core, but will eventually use gas

budget for the box & gun is $1000 shipped

what's good. Im leaning towards Miller, but is the Lincoln worth the higher price?

Im kinda a newb, did a few passes with my buddys 110v, but this will be my first welder.

what isa decent AD helmet?

[markr]

The same question on a local board just a few days ago!!

http://midwestjeepthing.com/Forums/t...ies=17&M=0&S=1

[CurtP]

Miller
Lincoln
Hobart

In that order.

But hasn't this been covered here before? Fucking newbs

[dangerousdave]

miller all the way. I have a arc welder by them thats 25 years old and it still works like a champ.

[bshows73]

I personally hate miller welders. Every unit I have ever used as had a short duty cycle and after an hour or so of welding the heat starts to fuxuate. My personal favorite is Esab welders. Out of the many machines I have used they have the best duty cycles out there. My list is
Esab
Lincoln
Hobart
Miller
This is based on heavy shop use and npt normal garage welding.

[Skyline]

I bought my Miller mig welder used for $1,000 on Craig's list, in perfect condition. It is a 250 Amp unit which cost more than twice that amount new. I had to buy a tank seperately....but that's still pretty close to what you want to pay. Going price for a really nice 220v welder (new) is really out of your price range...but you can make it happen on eBay or Craig's list.

[chadjans]

I have never hit the duty cycle on my PM215. I am a red guy but to each his own. The miller 175 has infinate voltage adjustment which is nice. My lincoln PM215 is taped.

The circuit boards which sometimes fail on any newer machine are the expensive parts.

[BigDaveZJ]

I got a Miller 175 from cyberweld.com pretty cheap, definitely in your price range when I got it 2 1/2 years ago, but I'm sure they've gone up since then. Been very happy with it.

[BigDaveZJ]

The new Miller 180: http://store.cyberweld.com/mil175witecc.html

[ArloGuthroJeep]

I <heart> my Miller 212...longest I welded was nearly continuoiusly for 30-35 minutes on 5/60 and had no problems

[bshows73]

Our miller lasts about 2 hours before the duty cycle kicks in. I have welded with an Esab for 8 hours with no change in wire speed or heat.

[ArloGuthroJeep]

What miller? To me it sounds like you have an undersized welder...

[BigDaveZJ]

Bryant, well I can definitely see that kind of duty cycle being needed in a shop, I really can't imagine that many scenarios where it would come up for the home fabricator.

[LouisianaZJ]

i dont see welding more than 1 hr continuously in my application.

[Mtn WJ]

I second the order
Miller
Lincoln
Hobart

I have had both Miller and Lincoln welders. They are very comperable but if any of the two have and edge I would say the Millers do. In all honesty buy which ever one you get the best deal on. I have a Lincoln now because my Brother gave me a great deal on it.

Speaking of cheaper do not buy an HF welder. Sometimes cheaper isnt better and its not that they are that bad its more you will not be able to buy parts for it later on. I have an HF gas welder that I use for cutting and brazing and I know I will not be able to replace tips with out a major Inspector Clusoe moment. Sucks when I sold a two stage Forney unit a few years ago to save room in my garage. Stupid Stupid

[OverkillZJ]

I third the order. I love my Hobart, but it is just a Miller with some cheaper components (cheaper power supply, plastic rollers, etc.) Price was right and I haven't had an issue with it, and it even comes with a Miller gun, but Miller and Lincoln are above it.

[LouisianaZJ]

OK I think I will go with Miller- now for specific models...

will the millermatic 180 have enough juice? the DVI2 looks interesting, but dont want to spend $400 more if I dont need to.
http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/spec_sheets/DC12-52.pdf

I will be running off a Dryer outlet if that makes a difference

[ArloGuthroJeep]

Unless you plan on moving around, don't get the DVI2...

[ATL ZJ]

Our miller lasts about 2 hours before the duty cycle kicks in. I have welded with an Esab for 8 hours with no change in wire speed or heat.

Just curious, what specific models? Seems like it would add more validity if the two models that you are comparing are within the same amperage range.

I still like my Hobart 180, but have also enjoyed using Millers and Lincolns. Just spend money on something brand name. All the chinese welders I've used bring the suck, which is surprising given the success we've had with chinese plasma cutters (parker).

[ArloGuthroJeep]

I asked for the model and he kept quiet

[zj95maxx]

Hobart 210's are amazing if you can swing the cost for one

[LouisianaZJ]

gonna order after gustav blows over:

Millermatic 180 MIG Welder with Auto-Set (230 Volt)
[remove] Spoolmate 100 Spoolgun : None
$805.00 $805.00

Miller Welding Glove - Heavy Duty MIG/Stick
[remove] Size : XL (227828)
$21.15 $21.15

Harris Ten Gauge Gasless Welding Wire - 10# Spool
[remove] Diameter : .045
$55.00 $55.00

Miller Welding Helmet - Performance Auto Dark Lens - Black w/storage bag
[remove] $182.75 $182.75

Subtotal: $1,075.00
Total: $1,075.00

[BigDaveZJ]

You gonna build/buy a cart for it?

[LouisianaZJ]

1" tube

[ArloGuthroJeep]

.045 wire? Kind of thick...

edit: Or do you use thicker wire with gasless wire?