Welder recommendations

Hello to all,

Some of you guys here might own your own welder. Any and all metal fixes I have taken to a nbor, but now it's time to get my own welder after owning my ranch for 31 yrs.

My main applications would be fixing existing broken things [like BBQ pits, metal fence, farm machinery/implements, etc]. I am sure if I brsuh-up on my welding skills, I will engage in many other metal-based projects if I had one.

Looking for make and models of welders that would fit my needs. I know you get what you pay for, and not looking for really cheap products, but do not want to bust the bank either. If you have any questions, pls let me know?


Thank you in-advance for your help & suggestions!

 

If you're open to what I consider a quality offshore brand, look at the Prime Weld brand.
They sell from US and have US based customer support. Have had really good luck with them.
I have their MIG180 as well as one of their TIG machines and a plasma cutter.

Here's the MIG:
https://primeweld.com/products/mig180-mig-welder-with-spool-gun

 

Check out HTP

MIG Welders, MIG Welding Machine, MIG Weld Equipment | USAWeld.com – HTP AMERICA INC. - USA Weld

I've got their TIG and they make some great stuff.

 

Stick welder is all you need for a mobile ranch setup. Most any big name will do just fine, just make sure if you’re working on thicker material you have a proper setup.

 

This is great information guys, exactly what I was looking seeking. Really appreciate it!

Buzz, can you pls expound on what you mean proper set-up and thicker material? I get that one welder might be good for certain app's and not others. Just trying to get a baseline - thanks

 

I went through this a few years back but was insistent on getting a US-based mfg since that's all I see in industrial plants (Lincoln, Miller, or ESAB). Ended up with a Hobart MIG which is essentially a rebranded Miller, support out of Wisconsin, and common replacement parts at Tractor Supply. I had to call into warranty after a lightning storm fried the control board and it was a great experience.

 

I love my Hobart 140. Depending on your generator, the Lincoln 110v migs aren’t bad but they’ve got a short duty cycle.

 

Thanks JRS - Do you have a model# of your Hobart? Also, since you've invested in a MIG, what other things did you need to buy and any other purchases over the last 2 yrs? Trying to avoid getting the MIG/Stick welder, then finding out i need these 3-4 other things...

 

Are yours 120 or 240? thank you cantex

 

I tend to go with the biggest offering, but also wanted it to be cart mounted, so went with their Handler 210 instead of the standalone 240. That way it can also do (if I remember correctly) 1/4" aluminum with the spool gun.

I'm assuming you're working indoors and not in pasture. If you're going to be outside and powered from a generator, then go stick. Better shielding performance.

Necessities: PPE (hood, respirator, jacket, gloves), bottle, table, magnetic fixtures/c-clamps you can designate for metal work, nozzle gel, spare tips, flap disks, wire cups

Consider: whatever other tools for the things you want to work on. I like a small pneumatic punch and 20 ton press with finger brake.

 

I misspoke. I’ve got the Hobart Handler 190 which is a 240v. Sorry about that. The Hobart 140 is a 110v.

 

I got a multi-process one off Amazon a few years ago. Have used it several times and its been great for my home light duty stuff. I did but some bottles so i can use shielding gas but you can mig with flux core wire with no gas. Ive also used it for arc with 6011 rod and it worked pretty well. Have not tried tig with it, its not a true tig w pedal, its a touch and lift to staft arc. Came with everything needed to get started.


My model discontinued, current model, worth a look.

 

Thank you bprose

 

@Bprose brings up a great point, the multi-process are also good. @tstex, you've gotta decide on which path you want. Sacrifice TIG features and get an all-in-one inverter unit, or get more robustness in the MIG with a transformer, but then still have to pick up a stick and TIG if you want/need those processes.

 

Another satisfied Hobart user here. I had a Hobart 140 for a while (whichever was the smallest unit they offered that could still use gas) but upgraded to a 210MVP. The 210 is a multi-voltage welder, meaning I can hook it up to a 120v standard household outlet (or small generator) and use it where I don’t have access to 240v. Or I can plug it in to 240v in the shop and burn through 3/8” mild steel. It also has the option for an aluminum spool gun which I’ve wanted to get for a while but simply haven’t. On 120v, it will burn through 3/16 mild steel no problem.

The little 140 ran strictly flux core; when I was looking to add the gas kit, they discontinued it. So I upgraded to the 210. I can still run flux core in the 210 if I need to grab the welder and generator for a remote fix in the field, but welds are so much nicer with shielding gas in the shop.

A stick welder, though, will get you far in life. Just don’t plan on welding thinner material with it unless you have some mighty fine skill and a wide selection of rod. For a simpleton like me, the two knobs on the Hobart and some standard ER706-s wire has worked well with 80/20 gas.

I’ve been looking for a good multi process welder for a while, but I’d want something that can TIG stainless and aluminum. Seems that option is well over $1000 for an offshore machine, plus a tri-mix bottle and everything else you need to get rolling with all the new processes. I find a good MIG machine has done 95% of what I’ve needed, so I put my money there first.

 

@blenton was more eloquent. Well done.

 

I am a huge fan of Primeweld. I don't even wheel my Lincoln out anymore haha. I bought a 180/240V MIG machine and I am really enjoying it.

For ranching and repairing equipment though, you might consider a stick welder instead.

 

As in, a dedicated stick welder? (Because you can stick weld with the PrimeWeld 180 MIG.) I haven't tried it though.

Also: it's a 120/240V dual-voltage machine. Have only run mine at 240V.

 

I was thinking that as I typed it lol. I have a Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC machine, but as reasonably priced as the Primeweld machines are, that is probably the best way to go. Best of both worlds.

 

Eloquent? I think you mean longwinded... ha.

 

I have the same welder from tractor supply and it works great for hobby use. All the consumable items are available there. I have the aluminum spool gun and it works ok.

For ranching use just flux core the shit out of it and it'll be fine. If you can't stick weld i wouldnt bother. Mig is much easier as a novice. The hobart 210mvp is a mig that works on both 120v and 240v. Mild steel and aluminum (with the spool gun).

 

I'm a welder by trade. There's lots of good options mentioned here. I would stick with name brands; Hobart, ESAB, Lincoln, Miller.

For my personal machine at home, I bought a Lincoln PowerMig 215MPi. It's probably a bit overkill for your needs, but it will do everything you need and more. It's multi process so you can do wire, stick and tig. It will also accept a spool gun if you ever want to weld aluminum. This machine also has a 120V adapter, so you can run it off a standard plug outlet. The only downside to that is it doesn't run at full power so the size of rod you can run is reduced. Of course, it also has the standard 50amp plug for full efficiency.

Now, if you have money to burn that's a whole other discussion. In that case I'd step up to a Miller XMT 350 or a Lincoln Flextec 350X.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/welding.159144/

I started this one, anyone have any info

 

That Lincoln is more reasonably priced than I was expecting. I might need to save up my pennies...

 

220 vs 110 basically, more power or independent generator system.

 

Keep an eye out for their manufacturer rebate sales. I saved $650 that way.

 

Good morning

read all the replies and viewed the links. Excellent feedback and GREATLY appreciated.

Im leaning to the dual 110/240v that has the adaptability for many applications. I doubt I'll get above 1/4" material and don't (at the moment) have a need for welding aluminum. My primary wk/space will be under a pavilion or garage, so no generator requirements. If i really need to weld 5/16" or more, my nbor has a 240v stick welder.

I would definitely want to buy US made & will pay more. Local support is highly desiresble.

again, thank you VERY MUCH. Great info.

 

Looks like Lincoln is offering a $400 Visa Gift Card with purchase of the PowerMig215mpi, $1000 back from the Square Wave Tig 200 until the end of the month...