Recommendation for first welder

I’m fairly competent at TIG. I’ve also stick and MIG welded a handful of times. I think it’s time to get a MIG welder. Any suggestions for a good beginner welder for hobby/garage use? I’m looking for something pretty budget cause I’m in college (no $2000 Millers).
Thanks!

 

I have a miller 140 autoset that's pretty nice. The new version is the 141 which is much more compact. Can be bought for less than 800 if you shop around.

 

it depends what you primarily will be welding. I use a lincoln 125. works for what I need. If you are trying to do cleaner work go with the tig version. also depends what voltage you are using.

 

Hobart Handler 190 or 210 MVP. Both are great for building armor and are around the same price point. You can get refurbished units through hobartweldshop.com and they come with all the same goodies youd get if you bought it new.

 

Check out this thread, lot's of good guys here.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anything-welding.113957/

 

This is a great pair that will last you a long time. The mig had a sale of $999.00. Both are 110/220 and the tig also has ac. I have been a certified welder for 20+ years and my son is about to start learning on these machines.

 

No need for TIG. I agree it looks so much cleaner and is way more versatile but it’s way more than I need right now. Would mainly be welding steel and stainless steel from like 1/16 - 1/4inch max nothing crazy. 110 preferred but 220 isn’t a huge issue just limits me a bit more.

 

$200 rebate on a good ESAB right now. I have ran one of these on a job and they seem well built.

https://store.cyberweld.com/esab-rebel-em-215ic-mig-welder.html

 

Hobby type use you can`t go wrong with the Hobart line.

 

This is what I have. It welds great and will weld all day on 110. I have mine setup with gas I can't stand the flux core wire

 

Go 220/240v. The 110 machines are mostly junk in comparison. Some will do 110 and 240 with fancy plugs or auto linking.

As far as not going to a better welder like a Miller it’s your money but I prefer to buy once and buy quality. You get what you pay for and nothing is free so I suggest buying a good used unit over a new junk budget model at the same price.

 

I really want to learn about these 220/240v machines I know nothing about who makes that brand.

 

Millermatic 211, you won’t need to upgrade any time soon. I see them on CL for around 700.00 and up. Or buy new.

https://m.cyberweld.com/mi211migwewi.html

 

Go to your local weld shop with that student ID and you will probably end up with a great deal. When I was in school the supplier near the school really took care of the students. Buy Miller or Lincoln and you really can't go wrong.

 

yeah I see them in lots of metal fab shops. I know they own tweco and victor and the quality seems high. The sMig electronics seem to work well. The included whips and regs seem to be good quality.

Miller and Hobart have the same parent company and lots of their parts are interchangeable. The newer inverter millers dont seem like anything special and have plenty of plastics(just like the rest). I would look for an older Miller if I was looking to burn all day 5 days a week.

 

Since you are the smartest guy in the room you can tell the world what the voltage is then. While you are at it you can explain 110/115/120v.

 

WOW..... Seriously?

 

A lot of the guys in the shop like the Millermatic 211 MIG welder because you can start basic then upgrade them and then the "On the Road" guys in the Fab shop like the Miller Maxstar 161 STL Tig and Stick welder with the x case because that will run both voltages 120 / 220 yet still be in the ball park under $1500 price range However both limit how thick you can get a good weld on.

 

Understandable.

Unfortunately there is a huge spread in what some of us would consider to be an expensive welder as professionals and what an expensive welder would be for a college student.

Zero judgement zone here, so toss out a number that's in your budget and the guys here can start pointing you in the direction of specific welder models.

Also if you give your location , people might be able to find local used deals too

 

Both will do up to 1/4” no problem single pass which is more than most “hobbyists” would be capable of anyway. I have the Maxstar 150S and a 150STH. Can burn 150A no problem. Very good machines. The 211 I think might be able to do 3/8” but would need to confirm the specs. These will do everything a non commercial welder could ever ask for and be my top choices for both entry level and an upgrade for many.