I smoked my 25+ year old Mig Welder tonight Who likes what? seems like the old Ford vs. GM thing.... I need a 115/120V machine, nothing more...
Have had a Lincoln 100HD for about 8 years now, does everything I've needed to do car wise. But the new millermatics are a breeze to use(settings wise). I got to try out a 212 Auto set and it does up to 3/8". My lincoln only does up to 1/4" but it's 115V vs 230V on the Miller 212. The only thing that has ever gone out of my Lincoln was the drive roll, but that was because of a user error It was only $35 to replace and Airgas had it in stock, so that's always nice.
My old welder is a Canox Fire Fly, Canox is a Canadian welding supply company, so it's likely a re-branded machine, I've never been able to find out who really made it but some say it's a Miller. I bought it from my friend, who bought it from the body shop he worked at, it's done it's share of work over the years... I'm leaning towards a Millermatic 212...but I've become a cheap a$$ the last few years..and if I could get something just as good for less money, I'd be happy...
I have one of each in my body shop. My guys always grab the Lincoln first. I've used both also and I like it better too.
My Lincoln was only $250 at home depot, then the MIG conversion kit was another $230. They're cheap compared to Millers as you already know.
If money is no object, go with the HTP 140 -- it is one tough machine that has awesome duty cycles. Cost about a grand but worth it if you use it a lot and want it for the next 25 years ... http://www.htpweld.com/products/mig_welders/mig_140.html Otherwise, for a budget 120V machine, I really like the Hobart Handler 140 - about $400 when it is on sle around here
Ive beat the crap out of my weldpac, left it out in the rain, left it sitting out where I sandblast,its always outside, the flip up cover is gone, so the wire feed is always exposed to weather, its always full of sand. I just hit it with the air gun and it just keeps on going. If I can destroy this thing I will definitely buy another, put it on a cart and keep it indoors. I cant remember how old it is. If I have over 1/4" to weld, I just grind the edge and fill in the valley running bead over bead. I know folks say not to do that with 120 migs, but WTF, if I can do it with a 240 stick welder....why not? PS. I sand blast the bead and grind a little to smooth it out before I run the next bead. Works great for me. I use .030 flux core wire without a bottle on sheet metal,(Cheaper 30.00 to fill my bottle plus the wire). It does require alot of concentration and a light touch. But it gives me more control and better vision than that nozle cover thingy that I always lose. Ive never maxed the duty cycle no matter how hard I try.
I'm sure it would Man, I am torn...Lincoln welders are really reasonably priced, and they have a wicked reputation, but Miller has "Auto-set" which I think would be really cool...but then again, it's not like I don't know what I'm welding...I guess I'll be making the rounds of the welding suppliers on Tuesday (Monday is a holiday for us)
I wasn't sure if it was Presidents Day or not, Family Day is something new for us since 2008....either way, it's an excuse to take a day off, unless the phone rings and someone has no heat... On another note, TSC (Tractor Supply) has Lincoln 140's for $499.00 and Hobart 140's for $299.00, seems like a deal to me, I might go have a look after coffee tomorrow....
If you are looking for a 110 welder the Hobart 140 is a great welder for the price. I ran one of them until I upgraded to a Miller 210 and love it.
