First welder recommendation

[Trav]

I put it on a low cart with quick disconnects for the regulator, the thing is so light and portable you can take it to jobs and run it on house current if needed. For sheet metal it does great on 120v but for heavier stuff the 240v works very well both on auto set.
Hobart is owned by Miller and the big difference is the weight and the Miller has an all metal wire transport system. I have 2 hoses and guns one with 0.24 and the other with 0.35, it makes it easier than swapping liners.

The only thing I added were the quick connects and solid copper ground clamp instead of the el cheapo steel one.

 

[137_Trenton]

If I was going to be getting a new welder for home, I would take a hard look at the ESAB lineup. In particular the ESAB Rebel EMS 215IC. It's capable of GMAW/FCAW, and SMAW (stick)... and will even run 6010 electrodes. I got some arc time on one at a friends place when I was visiting, and must say it's a great machine and would do everything you need for small home fabrication/repair jobs. If I had the need, I would certainly buy one for myself... but if I buy anymore toys the old lady won't be all that happy with me haha.
As far as learning... it would be best to either find someone who knows how to weld and is willing to teach you, or take a class somewhere. With short circuit MIG welding, it's easy to make a pretty weld, but it's also easy to make a weak weld if you don't understand how the whole process works (such as people who like to trigger the gun, or turn down settings and do a whole bunch of different weave patterns just so they can try to produce a weld which looks like a TIG weld)

 

[spasm3]

I also went with an 80cf bottle of c-25. I know its tempting for a hobby unit to get a short 20cf bottle. But price wise it was better to go bigger, and i probably have enough gas for 5 years as my projects are mostly small.

 

[Trav]

I have a larger one 220 I think and 2 smaller 60 (not sure, its about 36 inches tall) that is big enough to work with but still easy enough to take to a job, the other 60 is pure argon.

 

[kstanf150]

Stick or wire weld ??

 

[tig1]

Astro 14... First, you need to have a teacher to show the fundamentals. With that said, in your case I would pick the Miller 200+ amp mig welder which is a 220 unit, as you have 220 available. This machine will be able to do anything you will ever need for welding. Miller welders are outstanding and will serve you well for many years.

 

[Black_Thunder]

Hobart 140 or the 190. Both affordable. The 190 being 220 and the 140 is 110.

Hobarts are good run of the mill welders. They are a cheaper miller welder made by the same company

 

[Traction]

I have a new Miller 211 with auto-set, and it runs on 120, or 240 volt for heavier stuff. Very light, and easy to use. Just set the dial to the metal thickness and weld away.

 

[another Todd]

I have welded on occasion for 35 years. I do not consider myself a welder but I can weld descent enough. I have owned a buzz box AC DC stick welder, a 165 amp mig, a 140 amp mig, a gas powered Lincoln stick welder and my latest is a $150 inverter stick welder from amazon. By far, the inverter welder has been the easiest stick welder to use. It uses 120 or 240 volt, starts an arc easily and has a VERY stable arc. I still have the two mig welders, but use the inverter stick welder almost exclusively now. At $150 you cannot go wrong, I did however change the electrode holder, as the supplied one was kind of junky. Just my experience, YMMV.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted by another Todd
I have welded on occasion for 35 years. I do not consider myself a welder but I can weld descent enough. I have owned a buzz box AC DC stick welder, a 165 amp mig, a 140 amp mig, a gas powered Lincoln stick welder and my latest is a $150 inverter stick welder from amazon. By far, the inverter welder has been the easiest stick welder to use. It uses 120 or 240 volt, starts an arc easily and has a VERY stable arc. I still have the two mig welders, but use the inverter stick welder almost exclusively now. At $150 you cannot go wrong, I did however change the electrode holder, as the supplied one was kind of junky. Just my experience, YMMV.



How does that d/c inverter stick welder compare to say a Lincoln ac 225 ( red tombstone) stick welder?