What Welder do you use?

[thompson1600]

I am looking at buying one of the smaller mig/flux core welders to use for fabricating things for my chainsaws (had to sneak that in).

I have been looking at the Lincoln SP135T and SP135 Plus, as well as the MM135. However, wondering if any of you have suggestions as I've seen a lot less expensive ones at Harbor Freight and even the new Hobart handler 125 EZ (flux core only). This will be my first wire feed welder and used only occasionally as I need to fabricate some tool or repair some of my chainsaw mill equipment.

Thanks

Tom

 

[cuttinscott]

I used the Millermatic 130 for many years with NO problems i like the tap transformer on that series very easy to weld with. Now I use a 300 amp Lincoln PowerMig 255 which a practically stole it was so cheap I had to buy even if its red haahaa
Scott

 

[Paul61]

Tom,

Why Mig, have you considered a Tig unit?
Paul

 

[thompson1600]

The Tig units were far too expensive for a small hobby unit. Plus I could just run flux core wire and not always have to deal with the gas. But I'm looking for all suggestions.

 

[Paul61]

You could probably get a used pro. unit (Hobart, Miller, etc.) for less $$ than a new flux core mig? No comparison in the weld quality & appearance. Most industrial units have multiple input voltage taps which will allow you to run from 220 (single phase). Doesn't sound like you'd need a cooling unit for the torch. I hear ya on the gas bit but, @ least you'd be the guy to go to for Alum. welding

 

[gatkeper1]

If your needs require the use of 120V only welders Miller should be on top.
Millermatic 135
Lincoln SP135 PLUS
Hobart Handler 140
Buy a Mig "gas" welder not a flux only machine.
The only time you want flux is if welding outside in a breeze.
120V welders are great tools but they are limiting to what you can do.
I have both 120V and 240V migs.A 125GL Century Mig and a Millermatic 210.
As well as stick,spot and tig machines.
The Century is set up for flux use and gets used around the farm for small repairs,makes it very handy.
If you are buying only one machine and want veritility consider the Millermatic DVI it is a dual voltage 115-230V 30-175 amp unit.

 

[ShoerFast]

It would take a lot of chainsaws to talk me out of my Oxy-Acc bottles.

I had mounted them in my service truck, you would be suprised what gas can weld.

A lot of the the lower level welders are what you pay for them, you only get one chance to weld something right!

Ol-Lincon buzz boxes can fix everything but a broken heart, my .02 cents worth, dont go too cheep, I have a friend that can Tig 2 gum-wrappers togather, X-rayed perfict!

Kevin

 

[timberwolf]

Don't wast your time with flux core, it won't do a good job on thin metal period.

If you are set up in a shop with 230 volt go for a 230 volt unit. Nice to be able to weld 3/16 or 1/4". A 120 volt unit won't get you there in a single pass.

I would worry about off shore stuff, stay with miller, linc, hobart ect.

I have a 175 amp linc mig and have no complaints for the money. Though a bit more heat control, AC and a pulser would be nice. But that about tripples the price.

 

[romeo]

I agree with Timberwolf. I ran out of gas on a Sunday and bought a roll of Flux wire. Man that stuff welded ugly. I ended up finishing that job with the cracker box. Get a gas Mig with atleast 110 amps, you will be happier in the long run.

 

[NWCS]

Tom: i have one of the early Hobart Handler 120 models and LOVE it, but the new ones just do not compare. with this older model i can make some beautiful welds. comparing Deans much newer handler 125 i think it was, i can not weld worth beans in his. most people i know buying welders these days have gone Miller.

 

[Paul61]

Hobart Tigweld 250 + cooler + a Hobart Porta Mig attachment (Junk)

NWCS.......I've used Millar units in the past, you're right, a little better grade of welder.

just my .02

 

[thompson1600]

Does it really matter whether you have the infitite adjustment of the Miller 135 or Lincoln 135 plus, versus the 4 or 5 level adjustment of the Lincoln 135T? Basically is it worth the extra $150 for that level adjustment?

 

[toolmaker]

I have an SP135T and it is a really nice machine
Runs on 120V current in the garage. Portable too.
The difference between it and the 135 T and the 135 Plus is that the Plus has infinite heat control and the "T" has 4 heat settings.
It will serve you well if you get it
The first project I built with it was to build a cart to hold the welder, bottle, helmet and some other things
When you buy your first bottle, get atleast a size "60" bottle. Better yet get an "80". It will take a lot of welding out of that little machine to use up one of those bottles.

 

[timberwolf]

Some times I have found that the A setting is too little, and the B too hot. It would be nice to be able to split the difference. But I have learned to work with it by changing position, upweld to get a little more heat, down weld to get less, also stickout and drag angle can be used to fine tune the heat a bit.

 

[gatkeper1]

Does it really matter whether you have the infitite adjustment of the Miller 135 or Lincoln 135 plus, versus the 4 or 5 level adjustment of the Lincoln 135T? Basically is it worth the extra $150 for that level adjustment?

Very much ,YES
While you can learn to work around preset levels having infinate adjustments just makes life easier.

 

[CNYCountry]

Infinite adjustment can make the difference between a good weld and an excellent weld.

I will echo others saying don't bother with flux core, it is unbelievable how nice and easy real MIG welding is compared to wire feed flux core welding.

I have also found you need a good circuit to plug into if you are going to use 110. My cheapo Craftsman MIG did a GREAT job of welding sheet metal at my old house, believe it or not (I know, it's like saying I have a WILD THING). The garage at my new house has a crappy enough circuit that I get the ball of liquid steel at the end of the wire that drops in big drops in the weld pool, very difficult to get a good weld. I cannot get the settings set so that it doesn't either do that or burn through.

 

[TwoTurboVolvos]

Here's mine..
Ron

Isn't this an off topic post?

 

[Paul61]

Mine.............



View attachment 34377

 

[16:1mix]

I am looking at buying one of the smaller mig/flux core welders to use for fabricating things for my chainsaws (had to sneak that in).

I have been looking at the Lincoln SP135T and SP135 Plus, as well as the MM135.

Thanks

Tom

Tom,

You can't go wrong with the Lincolns. I have an SP175-plus and I am very pleased with it. The variable voltage (the 'plus' feature) is nice and I would not want to be without it now that I've used it. Just how necessary it is depends on the opinion of the operator but try it and you will want to keep it.

I've used my outfit as a MIG with argon / Co2 as the gas shield so I have little experience with flux core welding. I have some .035 flux wire to use on heavier (1/4" and up) material when the time comes but have used mostly .030" solid so far. One thing I have not done is weld on thin materials such as sheet metal but I can tell from the heavier work that it will work well.

best wishes!

 

[NWCS]

i am very impressed with the Lincoln line, my stick welder is a Lincoln Ranger 9 engine driven. i usually use that at 200 amps doing heavy equipment repair with Air Liquide LA 18 Plus 4.0mm electrode. i was given the 50 pound case of electrodes.. so thats the easiest choice for me