I am looking to get a welder for my garage. The last time I welded anything it was 10 years ago and it was a stick welder. I did alright with that, but obviously I want something as fool proof as possible. I will be basically doing sheetmetal work and some minor fab stuff later on. This winter I need to weld all the seams and clean up the engine bay. I assume that I want a MIG, but that new Miller TIG looks interesting too. What are people using and having luck with?

 

I have had quite a few. I currently have a miller 250 and for automotive fab work, it is too big. I would love to have my miller 175 110v back, it was perfect for just farting around the shop. I tig at work, but for automotive hobbyist, a small mig is just fine.

 

Miller doesn't make a 110V 175Amp. You sure it wasn't the 145 Amp version? Suppose you could have had a dual voltage model, but there's no way it would put out 175Amps on 110V power.

I have the millermatic 175 and I love it. Only complaint is that finding 220V power can ba a bit of a pain... or a blessing. Have had a few people ask me to come over and weld something for them... I ask "You have 220V power nearby?" they say "No".

 

Diversion 165? I've been thinking about grabbing one myself. Can't beat it for ~1230 shipped and it's getting some really good reviews. I guess it's basically Dynasty guts with the stick crap removed which I would never use anyway. Of course there are always the hardcore "I-have-no-life-outside-of-fusing-metal" people that claim it's too small or basic, but the hard truth is that 95% of home users will never use half of that machine's capabilities and therefore don't need.....and won't ever need anything more.

I've not personally used anything but mig, but my neighbor is a former instructor that does mil-spec, x-rayed shit that will mentor for beer, and I have an unlimited supply of scrap Al to experiment on.

 

Any opinions on a T/A 185 vs a Miller Dynasty 200DX? I'm just wondering if being able to run it on 110v is worth the extra $1400....

 

Shoot, I don't remember. It was the biggest 110v at the time, maybe a 135. Either way, I liked it better than my 250. I just turn it down and use small wire, but it is a waste.

 

Miller 212 is a nice unit, but if you want something smaller with a similar duty cyle, look into a Miller Passport.

 

Thanks guys.

 

what ever you get, get a miller! if the budget allows you get a 220 mig. you can usually get a nice set up with bottle for around $750-1100. also check around your area for a used one on local classfides or craigslist.

 

+1 Miller, bought a 135 kit 8 years ago for around $350 new, cart included, hasn't missed a beat and the supplies are as close as a Sears or Home Depot which is great when you run out of wire at 3pm on a Sunday!

 

I have a Lincoln 3200HD. 110v Mig
It came with a regulator and hose and such for gas. I rarely use it. But, when I do, it works great.

 

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=256722-1703-K2480-1&lpage=none


This is what I have, reasonable price and works great! This one will also accept the 10lb roll of wire. My advice is to get a Lincoln or a Miller, don't try and save a buck by buying a cheap imitation because it will screw you in the long run.

 

same boat here. bought the miller due to price/being able to transport it. i wanted the 255 but funds werent there. i am plenty happy with mine. hasnt done me wrong yet. only complaint i have of it is the wire feed cord keeps coming undone/pulling out. i just get in the habbit of cheking it before each time i use it. just finished welding up a plow frame for my truck, worked mint.

 

I use a Hobart Handler 140 for most things. Wire feed, gas shielded, 115v for ease of use anywhere.
http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/wirefeed/handler140/

I see the list price in the $600 range but I know I paid $4-500 for it at a Tractor Supply Company

 

forgot to mention, when i need the 240 at my house i use a 50' entension cord i made out of nice 10-3 wire. added the appropriate ends to it and plug it into the dyer outlet on the opposing wall of the garage. works good for me.

 

Another Hobart 140 here... love it.

 

Miller Syncrowave 200 Tig here, absolutely love it. As for a MIG I use a little Lincoln Weldpak 3200 HD, works great on smaller things.

 

I would recommend a name brand unit if going with 110v. I have used a couple off brands and they didn't have enough power to do much.

 

just be sure to get a little bigger then you need, the extra power is always nice to have

 

I love my Hobart 180. The thing rocks. I built a 12,000lb 20' tandom axle trailor with mine. It uses 220. And Hobart = Miller jsut different badging...

Will