Originally posted by MTNGUN
View Post
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
Which Import Mig welder do you have?
Collapse
X
-
I'll be watching this closely... I've been thinking about a small, home-shop type MIG welder to augment my Syncrowave 350. It's not often I find something where I think I'd prefer MIG over TIG or stick, but every now and then something comes up.
What about consumables? Might be worth comparing the cost and prevalence of tips, nozzles, liners, etc. for the units you're looking at. I'm not sure how things have changed, but I seem to recall the early Harbor Freight wire feed welders used an odd-ball tip so you had to buy their junky tips instead of using a standard 1/4-28 tip. I've always favored Miller because they've been dependable and parts were easy to find. It's a shame to hear that the local service centers are so unhelpful these days...
Comment
-
I have been happy with my Hobart Handler 180 (have had it about 10 years now). I've no idea why, but I could immediately lay notably better beads with it than I could with the Lincoln it replaced.
I got lucky and got a killer deal on it from Tractor Supply. It came as a package with the welder, a cart, bottle (IIRC), regulator/flowmeter, a big spool of wire, an auto darkening hood, and gloves.Location: North Central Texas
Comment
-
Originally posted by wierdscience View Post
How many hours do you have on it so far? I already have a Tig machine and a stick welder for backup, so don't need the redundancy, but the price is close to the Miller so not out of the question.
Comment
-
I have been very happy with the Miller 211 I got about 8 years ago, but I'm an amateur so maybe I don't know what I'm missing or how to be critical of it."A machinist's (WHAP!) best friend (WHAP! WHAP!) is his hammer. (WHAP!)" - Fred Tanner, foreman, Lunenburg Foundry and Engineering machine shop, circa 1979
Comment
-
Originally posted by Joel View PostI have been happy with my Hobart Handler 180 (have had it about 10 years now). I've no idea why, but I could immediately lay notably better beads with it than I could with the Lincoln it replaced.
I got lucky and got a killer deal on it from Tractor Supply. It came as a package with the welder, a cart, bottle (IIRC), regulator/flowmeter, a big spool of wire, an auto darkening hood, and gloves.I just need one more tool,just one!
Comment
-
Originally posted by wierdscience View Post
Yup,and I generally like the Miller stuff I have at work, though none of it is newer than 2005. Biggest reason I am hesitant to buy Miller this time, is their service centers local to me have two standard answers-
#1 "The board is shot, it would be cheaper to buy a new welder"
#2 "4-6 weeks"
Comment
-
Originally posted by DennisCA View PostA Kemppi, from your POV it would be an import.
Tom - Spotsylvania, VA
Comment
-
I have an HF Titanium 170 which is dual voltage 120/240 and I am impressed with how well it welds with flux core, as I don't plan on getting a gas tank. All the inverter machines I have run are way smoother than transformer machines due to the higher frequency and lower ripple DC they put out. It appears nicely built and the wire feed mechanism is all metal but I have no ide of course how long it might last. I don't weld a lot so it should be fine.
Comment
-
Originally posted by junkaddict View Post
I had a Diversion 180, just out of warranty, bad board, $1200. I opted not to fix it, and not to buy another Miller. When the mig dies, it will not be replaced by a Miller either.
https://www.controlrepair.com/manufa...-electric/2096I just need one more tool,just one!
Comment
-
Originally posted by garyhlucas View PostI have an HF Titanium 170 which is dual voltage 120/240 and I am impressed with how well it welds with flux core, as I don't plan on getting a gas tank. All the inverter machines I have run are way smoother than transformer machines due to the higher frequency and lower ripple DC they put out. It appears nicely built and the wire feed mechanism is all metal but I have no ide of course how long it might last. I don't weld a lot so it should be fine.I just need one more tool,just one!
Comment
-
I also use Kemppi welding machines. I have two, a MIG and a TIG. The MIG is really handy because of the way it is built. It is built on a two wheel truck sort of frame. So standing up it is easy to adjust. It is not so expensive either. I have the 253r Kempact machine. Three phase 250 amps. It has a really nice arc and welds like a dream. As much welding as you do Wierdscience I would think you would buy a good welder and not a cheapo Chinese import. Of course my Kemppi welders are imports as they come from Finland and I live in Germany.Location: The Black Forest in Germany
How to become a millionaire: Start out with 10 million and take up machining as a hobby!
Comment
-
"Which Import Mig welder do you have?"
I dont know? Hobart. Is that there??
What that fuk does import have to do with this place man!
I have an old Hobart TIG Machine.
I even went the third step and got or made the HF peddle. Yes, dial in frequency. I changed it from too high of a voltage to something safe,
And usable. JR
Comment
Comment