Good Beginning Welder?

So I've been looking at a list of projects I want to do to my truck and have come to the conclusion that it may finally be time to add a welder to the tool fleet. Not only do I think that this investment will save me money in the long run, it will also teach me a valuable skill that I've always wanted to learn. I want something that is capable, so I won't have to upgrade it shortly after getting it, but also affordable (I know, reliable, capable, cheap, pick two and it won't be the third). Right now I have my eye on the Hobart Handler 210 MVP

$1,180 Handler MIG Welder with Welding Mig Accessory Nozzle Gel and Multi-Function Welding Pliers

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077NXPX53/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
and the Millermatic 212 https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welders/mig-gmaw/millermatic-212-auto-set-mig-welder-m00456
I'm leaning more towards the Hobart right now just due to the price difference and it seems to have just as good of reviews as the Miller. Any advice or tips would be much appreciated, thanks.

-RVA_TRD

 

Subbed, I'm in the same boat. Would love to learn

 

Check out cyberweld.com for prices.....should be cheaper & free shipping. I want to get back into welding myself - haven't done it since the late 70's in college. Bought a used Hobart handler 140 with cart and tank and some accessories recently. Then, bought a new Hobart plasma cutter. Tomorrow I may buy a used Miller Maxstar 200 str for stick welding. Supposedly the MIGs are easiest to use???

Miller and Lincoln are both USA made - I think. The lower valued Hobarts (inverter types) are now made overseas, I think. Actually, it may be that all or most inverter types are made overseas.

 

MIG is like a hot glue gun for metal... or so I've been told. Easiest to learn with

 

Both of those machines are very good. Go to this thread for questions, tons of knowledge here

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anything-welding.113957/

 

I never welded a day in my life till I picked up my millermatic 141 on Craigslist for $600. It's been the best little investment I've made. Also home projects.

 

I have the Hobart 210 MVP

It’s a great machine! I build rock sliders for a lot of guys local to me in SoCal in my spare time and this machine is a work horse. It’s great because Hobart is Miller’s Sister company so it’s made with a lot of the same parts just costs less cuz it’s not as “fancy”. The power plug on my Hobart even says Miller on it lol.

The warranty is also great on the Hobart and if anything goes wrong it’s easily serviceable.

 

I bought the Hobart 140 just because I didn't have a close enough 220v outlet, and have had it for about 3 yrs now, and like it a lot! You will still find times however that a plain old Lincoln stick-welder works better on heavier stuff. You can find a good working Lincoln stick welder on CraigsList for less than $200 I'll bet! Only thing you won't have is the shielding gas.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LINCOLN-EL...554974&hash=item3ae74b7b51:g:6aEAAOSwHLNZPzho

 

Exactly what I wanted to hear. You just sold me on the 210! Now time to practice my ass off before welding anything on my truck lol.

 

Just checked Cyberweld.....Millermatic is exact same price and the Hobart is a few bucks more. Sorry for the mis-info.

 

Check out Northern tool. Sometimes they have good rebates. Spend $500 get $50 off type of thing

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anything-welding.113957/

 

Hey, recommend not getting one with plastic drive Wire drive base. It is the weak link when you tighten the wire drive rollers. Eastwood not so good .....

 

Ahhhh yeah! This is what I need (not really... cause it requires more money). Been itching to learn a thing or two about welding/fabrication.

Hobart you say?

There are many videos on YouTube. Does anybody recommend a set/series for somebody who has never done the stuff?

 

ChuckE2009 among others. I'm a stick welder, but I think most of them cover MIG as well.

 

Hobart would be my Choice for a Hobby type welder.

Nothing Wrong with plastic drive Housings if your not welding 10 hours a day 6 or 7 days a week.

 

Mig defenitley is the easiest, if you're welding something that won't go through a lot of stress you probably can close your eyes stick your tounge out and pull the trigger and it'll probably be good enough.

 

Good call on the 210. When it comes to welders, bigger is always better. 210 amps will do anything you should ever need it to. Dont let yourself talk you out of it for something cheaper. Buy once, cry once. This also applies to the circuitry needed to run it. Do it right the first time, it will save you money in the long run. Trust me, I know from experience. I ran a 20 amp circuit to run my cheap harbor freight welder, then a year later did it all again to power my Hobart Stickmate 160i. Cost some bucks, but definitely worth it.

 

I though Hobart used cast aluminum for their drive housings?