Welders
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
You should be able to do everything you need with the 135 amp welder. The 110 volt is very handy. It is perfect for the lighter patch work and will do a good job on 1/8" and 3/16" frame stuff.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,000
Likes: 9,897
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I runone of the Miller 135's and I love it. I rarely have to weld larger stuff (1/4" or more) so its not a problem. I wanted a decent 110V wleder and I liked the fact that both the amperage and the wire spped setting were 100% adjustable instead of a handful of preset settings.
If you have to run your 110V welder off of an extension cord make sure that you use a heavy duty, high quality cord (lets not go into how I know this).
I think I paid about $500 for the welder, gas bottle, wire, etc. Look online at places like;
http://store.weldersplus.com/
http://store.weldingdepot.com
https://weldingsupply.securesites.com
just FYI, I think Hobart and Miller are the same company. I believe Miller bought out Hobart a few years back
Bobby
If you have to run your 110V welder off of an extension cord make sure that you use a heavy duty, high quality cord (lets not go into how I know this).
I think I paid about $500 for the welder, gas bottle, wire, etc. Look online at places like;
http://store.weldersplus.com/
http://store.weldingdepot.com
https://weldingsupply.securesites.com
just FYI, I think Hobart and Miller are the same company. I believe Miller bought out Hobart a few years back
Bobby
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Good post John.
I use mostly Lincoln MIGs. A 135 and a 175. For the money the Lincoln 135 is a sweet little welder for bodywork, exhaust, shock brackets and stuff like that. Basically what Fatfords said on the amperage decision. Framework is asking a lot out of the 135 though it probably falls within the 135 capabilities. I put my Volare clip in with the 175 and a stick welder in a few spots. One of my buddies at the shop uses our 135 hard, too hard actually. He's made a bunch of Jeep bumpers to sell and it hasn't broken yet.
For the best coverage with a smallish budget, I would get a 120-135 MIG and a small stick welder. My welding capabilities are strictly novice so that works for me. Flux core looks like garbage in my opinion. Get a bottle.
I use mostly Lincoln MIGs. A 135 and a 175. For the money the Lincoln 135 is a sweet little welder for bodywork, exhaust, shock brackets and stuff like that. Basically what Fatfords said on the amperage decision. Framework is asking a lot out of the 135 though it probably falls within the 135 capabilities. I put my Volare clip in with the 175 and a stick welder in a few spots. One of my buddies at the shop uses our 135 hard, too hard actually. He's made a bunch of Jeep bumpers to sell and it hasn't broken yet.
For the best coverage with a smallish budget, I would get a 120-135 MIG and a small stick welder. My welding capabilities are strictly novice so that works for me. Flux core looks like garbage in my opinion. Get a bottle.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 741
Likes: 0
From: Katy(Houston), Texas
Hi Fatfenders. What type or model stick welder do you use and what is the range in cost for one of those. The thickest thing I will be working on would be a front clip eventually and also adding mounts for a 9 inch rear. After that would be body patches which the 135 would handle from what Im reading.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Don't recall the model number on the stick welder. Just a little Lincoln you would find for about $200 at the farm supply store. Other guys here can give better recommendations on a particular model I'm sure. But I have used the specific Lincoln 135 MIG you are referring to and recommend it. You are correct, the 135 will do most of what you need.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, OH
I have a Hobart Handler 140 110v
I paid $459 shipped.
Its a great welder. I have used Millers and really like them but I couldnt find a deal on them. They were always in the $650 to $700 range.
Hobart is owned by miller now and all the parts tips etc are available through Tractor Supply. I think Tractor Supply just had these even cheaper.
I dont have a 220v hook up so I went with the 140 and it does everything I need. Engine mounts to frame work. I just have to make sure everything is clean and V my joints on the big stuff.
I paid $459 shipped.
Its a great welder. I have used Millers and really like them but I couldnt find a deal on them. They were always in the $650 to $700 range.
Hobart is owned by miller now and all the parts tips etc are available through Tractor Supply. I think Tractor Supply just had these even cheaper.
I dont have a 220v hook up so I went with the 140 and it does everything I need. Engine mounts to frame work. I just have to make sure everything is clean and V my joints on the big stuff.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I also went with the Hobart 140. I didn't have 220V available at the time, so that helped make my decision on size. I also liked the features that it can use .025-.035 wire without any adapters and uses the standard 8" wire spools carried by most welding supplies and DIY centers. It also came with everything to use shielding gas without buying an additional $$$$ accessory attachment. I agree with FF that fluxcore is a poor substitute. It was < 500.00 delivered to my door from Northern Tools. Hobart/Miller regularly sweetens the pot by including a free welding cart or accessory kit.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Does Century still make MIGs? I had a Craftman and friend had a Snap-On that were actually just Century brand welders. Not an endorsement though, as we had them repaired more than once. Rectifiers I think? And as far as cheapo welders go. IMO they can be a decent value for light bodywork. But if you start treating it like a production welder, you better hope you can get parts and service, because you will need it soon.
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