i have finaly decided to break down and get a welder.
here are two that i found. just wanted some feedback on the two. i would like the bigger one, but could probably get away with the smaller 135.
do these look like good prices?
anybody have either of these two? any coments on them?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2597725941&category=45032&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2597730844&category=45032&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

They both have voltage settings. Ideally, both the voltage, and wire speed, setting would be infinite - mean you could dial in it more precisely, rather than throwing switches. Search for Damager's questions about this

Yes I have the 135 work good for what I plan on doing just minor wlding onmy frame of my 86 for crack repairs and some sheetmetal work. I like it. I also have used the 130 and it worked good for me as well.

bigger is better when it come to welders

THIS is what you want

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2597940416&category=45032


or a 175, this type of functionality

I bought a lincoln 135 because it plus into the 115. if you have an outlet for the 220 you should probably go with the 175.

I did weld up a bumper for my friends tacoma and we used 3/8 plate. That 135 didn't have any problems whatsoever.

I bought the lincoln at lowes for $427. came with regulator and gas line.

Ifyou can affrod the bigger one go for that. I use a 135 and it does just fine but plan on buying a bigger one soon

Harbor Freight's got the 175 for $599.00

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42338

I've used the chicago electric welder from harbor freight, and I didn't like it at all - thankfully, I only borrowed it, at the time

the one i found is a little it more that that one at harbor freight, but it also has a cart with it.
i think a 220v would be a better idea. i dont mind running another outlet in my garage for it.
does that price look ok? they have free shipping too.

I welded for a good while at a structrual steel fabricator, so I like to think I know a little something about welding.

Without going into theory and bullshit like that, heres the basic bottom line:

Hobart makes fine welders. The 175 in fact is one Im wanting to get. Also, Lincoln and Miller are fine welders, Miller probly being the top pick, but were looking at the 3 top quality welders on the market. (I know, there are others, were trying to keep this short, simple and to the point, and on topic)

The 135 welder runs on 110AC outlet. You will have LIMITED heat out of this, which means you will have LIMITATIONS on how THICK a metal you can weld. You also need a damn good extension cord. None of those shit type Black & Decker extension cords you use with your sawsall, Im talking about putting ends on some damn Romex guy... Otherwise you will not get near the heat potentiol out of it that it can deliver. Also, with any welder, the shorter the cord, the better. The 135 would be well suited for 1/16" metal, so you can make some nifty projects with it. 1/8" should be no problem either, but you will likely max out at 1/8" mild steel with a Romex cord.

The 175 welder runs on 220V. It puts out a LOT more heat. I wont go into theory or details and shit, but take this to the bank and cash it: 150amp welder at 110V compared to a 150amp welder at 220V is NO COMPARISION! (Sp?). Using the SAME amperage setting on both a 110v and a 220v welder, the 220v welder will put out MUCH MORE HEAT. This is why that 175 will be able to weld SINGLE PASS beads on your truck frame with GREAT penetration and a smooth, hot bead! I have run various types of MIG welders, and I can pormise, you will NOT be disappointed with a 175amp 220v welder, the Handler 175 would be your BEST bang for the buck.

A poor man cant afford to buy multiple welders to get one that finally works like he wants, so its wisest for that poor man to save up for the *one* welder that will do it right. If you cant afford the 175, wait and save up!

Now, on to welding a bit: I think the Handler 175 comes gas ready. Thats good news, you WANT GAS! Do NOT think about flux core bullshit, its a nasty and sorry bead compared to solid wire with gas! Trust me, you will be buying a tank and running gas or you will never be happy with your welds.

Gas: You can get the mix for a bunch of bux, or you can get straight CO2, for less bux. IMHO, Ive run CO2 on solid wire and it works JUST FINE. You DONT NEED the mix. (Someone is going to start an argument about this, I just see it coming). Get CO2 and hook it to your welder, your in business! Adjust your gas accordingly, too much and the weld is sorry, too little and the weld is sorry. Ask a local weld shop what they suggest, start with that.

If you have never welded before, welcome! Your in for a treat! The frustration of trying to figure out the wire speed, heat, and gas combination is going to induce a desire for a six pack! Once you get the settings all right, and start laying some pretty beads, you gonna get hooked! Of all the things Ive done, welding is my favorite! Id do it now, but shops in my area dont pay shit, cant afford to go back to welding.

If you have any questions, PM me or post here, I know Im not the only weldor on the forum!

HTH!
Andrew

if you get a 175 that's gas ready, and you want to run straight co2 you'll need another regulator. the ones for 75/25 freeze up.

I have to agree with the bigger is better and go with 220 over 110. I dont even use my 110 welder only my beast 220 welder on my junker.

I bought the biggest Miller that will run on housepower, 251
I welded some 3/8 plate the other day and you are really laying heat
there is no way my old 135 would touch that

i think i am gonna go with the 220v 175.

if you get a 175 that's gas ready, and you want to run straight co2 you'll need another regulator. the ones for 75/25 freeze up.


Good point! I didnt think of that...

well i just bought the 175. :chili:
now i still gotta pick up this week: 10.25 from jafos buddy, gears for it, new driveshaft too. i'm gonna be one broke fawker. :cry

well i just bought the 175. :chili:
now i still gotta pick up this week: 10.25 from jafos buddy, gears for it, new driveshaft too. i'm gonna be one broke fawker. :cry
joun the club. now you're gonna want all the stuff that goes with it. chop saw,band saw,drill press,torches &tanks,plasma cutter,welding table,cutting table,multiple grinders,clamps,vises,lots of metel,hood gloves,jacket,....etc......it never ends

yup, thats what kicks your ass is buying everything else to go with it

I just built a millermatic 251 for 1600$ it is a great welder, plus can handle 1/2 inch steel

joun the club. now you're gonna want all the stuff that goes with it. chop saw,band saw,drill press,torches &tanks,plasma cutter,welding table,cutting table,multiple grinders,clamps,vises,lots of metel,hood gloves,jacket,....etc......it never ends


no kidding, i have been pricing everything else. this is gonna be more costly than a crack addiction.

Watch the swap meets lots of good metal working tools, sometimes cheap.