Anyone have a 110v-115v-120v welder?

B

BobD

New member
If so what kind?



I'm in the market for a flux/gas mig welder and right now I'm leaning toward Lincoln or Hobart. I was just curious as to what some of you might be using to get some input.
 
You will be fine with any really. It all comes down to "technique" and learning the correct ways to weld. I use the miller 135 a lot at my shop when I don't use the 220v. What will you be welding?
 
I have a lincoln 140 machine. Any of the 3 big names will work fine. I would suggest Hobart since they seem to be the cheapest. I would also suggest if you think you will be welding any thicker metal to setup to a 220 machine.
 
I've decided on the Hobart 125. I found a few 1/2 off and will be grabbing one next week. Plus Miller bought Hobart so parts are easy to find.



I was REALLY thinking of one of the Chicago Electric welders but I was not too fond of the live wire all of the time, the better ones are only live when the trigger is pulled, or the plastic parts on the inside. For what I'll be doing the Hobart should be good.



I just plan on using it for some custom motorcycle brackets and exhaust. I'll let everyone know how it goes. I learned to weld a long time ago, I've just never used a 110 machine before. So hopefully I can get good welds from it since I have welding experience.
 
Jokeman said:
You might wanna step up to a 140. A little bit more money but you can burn a little thicker material.
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I looked at that welder too but it was a bit more than I wanted to pay. I really won't be doing much over 1/8"-3/16" anyway.
 
I ordered my 125 Ex last night. Was $209 shipped. I'm hoping it come this week so I can play with it this weekend but it'd have to ship today to get to me by Friday.
 
Also just got a small welder, about the same size as the one you have. It has the ability to use gas, what type of gas do you use? First time welder, thanks for the help
 
whis9 said:
Also just got a small welder, about the same size as the one you have. It has the ability to use gas, what type of gas do you use? First time welder, thanks for the help
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The one I'm getting is strictly flux core wire. No gas. I've been reading a lot on gas for migs though and the gas mix depends on what you are doing.



This is from Hobarts learning center:

4. Use the proper shielding gas. CO2 is good for penetrating welds on steel, but may be too hot for thin metal. Use 75% Argon/25% CO2 for thinner steels. Use only Argon for aluminum. You can use a triple-mix for stainless steels (Helium + Argon + CO2). (Refer to Diagram 2. Penetration Patterns for Steel)



Complete link:

Welding 101, Welding Tips and Hints, Welding Glossary - Hobart Welders
 
Danase said:
The one I'm getting is strictly flux core wire. No gas. I've been reading a lot on gas for migs though and the gas mix depends on what you are doing.



This is from Hobarts learning center:

4. Use the proper shielding gas. CO2 is good for penetrating welds on steel, but may be too hot for thin metal. Use 75% Argon/25% CO2 for thinner steels. Use only Argon for aluminum. You can use a triple-mix for stainless steels (Helium + Argon + CO2). (Refer to Diagram 2. Penetration Patterns for Steel)



Complete link:

Welding 101, Welding Tips and Hints, Welding Glossary - Hobart Welders
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Thanks I appreciate it
 
I've got to say, I love this welder. Got it Friday and started welding with it Saturday. It's so easy to use and weld with. The trouble I'm finding though is were to get steel from. I need to make a few brackets for my motorcycle and my local Lowes and Home depot don't have the size material I need. I'm hoping to hit up fastenal this week and hope they have what I need.
 
wagonproject said:
Glad you like it.



I get a lot of my steel from Alro Steel. Is there one close by you?
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Thanks! Never heard of them but they is one within about 40 minutes of me. The thing I'm finding is most of these places have regular 9-5 hours and no weekend hours so I'm having trouble getting to them.
 
King Nothing said:
What about checking with a local machine shop?
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We really don't have many around any more. It's weird here in and around Detroit. We had a TON of small machine shops all supplying the big 3 and when the economy and car industry tanked they all went under. I'd say, wild guess, 80% of the small machine shops went under in the last 4 years in this area. And the ones that are still in business save ever drop of scrap steel for the scrap yard. I did find one via Craigslist in Detroit who said he'd sell me scrap for $0.20 a pound but I'd have to come in at like 2 in the afternoon and I'm always working.



I'm waiting to hear back from Alro, I might just call them, and this Friday I'm going to hit up the local Fastenal since I'm not working and can actually find time to run out there.
 
Here are some welds with the Hobart. this is before I cleaned up any splatter and I ran out of wire so it's not done yet.



They are not the prettiest but they'll do the job.



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