What have you done to your Tacoma today? 1st Gen Edition

Just buy the Miller it's more expensive up front because it's a better machine. Besides when you have questions or need parts where's China Freight going to tell you ah um ah we too lo bang ding ow here's a free flashlight for your troubles

 

You're right about HF. Their stuff is just too damn tempting to buy at that price range. I'll admit half of my tools are Horror Freight. Their sandblaster is pretty nice.

I knew exactly what you were talking about, a local news station here in the Bay Area aired that during the Asiana flight crash at SFO. I saw it live when they aired it. Captain Sum Ting Wong, Wi Tu Lo, Ho Lee Fuk, and Bang Ding Ow.

 

That welder has plenty of power to weld that bumper together. You just need to back off on the wire speed and travel speed. Let the welder build up some heat for the wire to penetrate.

You can do this.

Maybe start on welds that are not visible from the outside and learn on them.

 

Yeah? I felt a little discouraged when the chart on the door only went up to 1/8 inch thick steel.

I had a feeling it wasn't penetrating enough which is why I stopped after that one weld.

 

Nearest one to me is way up in Richmond, I'll give em a call.

 

Go check out Hobart weld shop's website. You can find refurbished units there for significantly lower prices than new, all accessories included. I would do this http://www.hobartweldshop.com/factory-refurbished-hobart-handler-140-mig-wire-welder/ Avoid Chinese welders like the plague, as sourcing spare parts locally can be a bitch. When you need a part, you most likely need it right that instant. You can get miller/hobart parts at any welding supply place. Plus when your learning, you can't blame the machine for mess ups when running good equipment.

 

I didn't know about those refurb units, I'll have to take a look.

 

I would personally spring for a millermatic 211. Can do 3/8, run on 110 or 220 and has the auto set. I have the multimatic 215 and have used my dads 252 and older 211. All great machines and the auto set and ability to run 110 or 220 are major selling points for me. And auto set makes it easy to learn. The 211 can be had on cyber weld for 1000 with other promotions.

 

From what I gathered on weldingweb.com when I participated in that form (long story but those guys are dicks to newbs) those units are mostly returns from tractor supply. I weld for a living and I wouldnt hesitate to buy one. I hear shipping is reasonable too.

 

https://www.northerntool.com/

Bought my Hobart Handler 175 from there many years ago, can find some decent deals and free shipping.

 

Up by my area. See if the have and used millers.might be worth the drive.

 

I run a lincoln 180 dual and it works great. I've never needed to run 220V even with my SAS, using flux core. If I were to use gas I would have needed it a long time ago.

 

All good machines, but we still need to learn to weld first. That Lincoln unit will work just fine for learning the basics.

I actually think it's perfect for a first machine. If you like mig welding and are sure that it will be a usfull skill for the rest of your life, you can sell easy and get most of your money back. You now have seed money for your next unit.

I see no sense in spending a grand plus then finding out you just don't weld anymore. Now you sell and only get 1/2 your investment back.

You got a great starter welder. Once you master this machine, a 240v machine will be magical.

 

I completely agree as I started on a 110v flux welder making firepits, but I think that buying a $400 machine would still be a better option than getting the work done elsewhere. Buy it, take some time to run some (a lot) of beads and tackle the bumper in a few weeks. And if he buys a good name brand American machine I.E. Hobart, Miller, Lincoln(To some extent) He should be able to get 80-90% of his investment back if he wants to sell it.

 

Wondering if I should finally break down and get an impact driver. Looking at the Milwaukee mid- (2861) and high-torque (2767) impacts. Anyone have either / a recommendation? I feel like the mid-torque will be enough in most-if-not-all situations but I don't want to buy two. Of course, then there's size - am I going to want the smaller size of the mid?

@IDtrucks

 

Any would be good.

nice. Didn't know they have had refurb units. Thats cool!

Get both.

I loved having a smaller 3/8'' impart and then the bigger 1/2''

 

Oopsy

 

Found a basically brand new Hobart Handler 190 MIG 220v on OfferUp for $500, think that would be a step up from the other ones I linked?

 

Can't go wrong with that. part would be easy to find at your local welding store. Not a bad deal at all.

 

I'll see if I can pick it up. Thanks for the help.