Anything welding

I just don't see the point. You will adjust your machine be sound and smoothness of the welding process. Looking at a gauge is not going to gain you much.

 

I can solder and braze copper but have never welded.
I'm going to learn.
I just so happen to have a boatload of Amazon gift cards so it would be great if I could find something worth a damn on there.
Hoping some experienced welders can point me in the right direction.... Will install 220v in the garage for this. Want to be able weld up to say 1/4"? Maybe even aluminum? Are the multi-process machines a good idea or do different dedicated machines make more sense?

3 golden internet points to anyone who can find me the right equipment on Amazon.

 

This would be one if my 1st choices.

$1,250 Hobart 500554001 Handler 190 with SpoolRunner 100

Hobart 500554001 Handler 190 with SpoolRunner 100

 

I don't care for multi process machines. Simple always equals reliability.

The multi process units do it all, but sacrafice doing all welding typed very good.

 

As so many factors change the output of a welder at any given time being able to set up by a digital display gets one in the ball park.

Where a display does tend to help is when the welder is changed a few times a day maybe start with .023 wire mild steel then to .035 stainless then .045 dual shield .

Then it only gives you a starting point if your just getting into the craft

Some people get spoiled and are clueless setting up machines without a display.

I take electrical tape cover the display and tell them ok set up your machine now

 

Well now. If that’s not puttin’ the Dis in Display I don’t know what is. I’ve seen guys not able to read a conventional micrometer anymore.

 

If a person has never welded they have nothing to compare the different processes and tend to be quite happy as long as things work . So many are limited on space as well.

The only reason the bigger manufactures went to the all in one machine was because of demand

My take it depends on which models.

If we are talking those in the hobby/ part time use price range I tend to agree lower priced poor quality built in China or Mexico .

I hear this all the time it makes no sense to me Welder works for major Fab shop uses newer good equipment at work wants a multi process machine for at home the cheapest possible . Then you will notice the limits

 

Any reason for the 190 over the 210? Or are you just saying the 190 since it comes with the spoolgun for the price of the mvp?

Bit better duty cycle, output, and the 110/220 options for the 210mvp

 

That one is in my cart. I've heard good things about Hobart and good things about MIG. Have you ever used that exact machine? Impressions?

Having no idea what I'm doing or talking about.... the IDEA of a multiprocess welder is intriguing to me in regard to not being limited in what I can do or try. It would obviously be cheaper and easier to own one welder than to have 3 different ones laying around.
I'm not opposed to china or mexico built things (isn't everything made in china now?) provided they work. I've got some great tools from Harbor Freight that have served me well at 1/10th what a snap-on would've cost but I'm not going to buy everything at HF. I'm as cheap as they come but I'd rather spend $1000 well than $200 poorly. Being cheap means I'm even more upset about wasting money on garbage.

That said.... do you think I'd be disappointed in something like

Weldpro MIG Welder MIG200GD

this? I've researched it a bit and it's got some good reviews but is there a good chance it'll crap out on me or frustrate my learning attempts?

 

Have you done any welding?
General air has mig classes, ~$50 and 4hrs will help you with some of the basics and give ya a few hrs behind a machine.

 

My experience so far has consisted of burning holes in things with an improperly set up stick and then calling in the cavalry to clean up my mess.

good to know about the classes.... I'll have to check that out
I think owning a machine will kind of force it on me. A long long time ago, I bought a snowboard and a bunch of gear. I went out, crashed all over the place, and generally had a miserable time but because I was already invested, I powered through, learned how to do it and had a lot of fun for a lot of years.

 

You won't be disappointed with that unit ,but I doubt you'll even use half of its capability. so it probably would be a waste.

The Hobart WILL last your life time, the Weldpro probably will, too or not.

Think of them in terms of a Tacoma.

The Hobart is 1st Gen 5 speed, 2 wheel drive.

The Weld pro is a 3rd Gen with a huge amount of electronics.

Do you need all those options or do just want them.

These companies know our weaknesses . We like gadgets even if we won't use them much at all.

I'm a skilled welder, I know I don't have enough lifetime to master all the features these machines offer.

 

You lost me at 2WD.... but you got me back again at 3rd Gen

 

Sorry, didn't see your post. Yes, I chose this because the Hypoxia wanted to possibly weld aluminum. It was the best price I could find using the requirements posted by TH.

 

I don't ever consider duty cycle when it comes to MIG welders. I've used many different units, both 110 or 240. I've never exceeded the duty cycle of any.

It is very rare to weld constantly for more than 2 minutes.

 

The only real downside to the Weldpro is maybe Warranty That might mean shipping on your dime to the distributor or manufacture. Outside of warranty a nice paper weight

Hobart you gotta buy shielding gas and consumables local most time it is drop it off for a slight fee it is picked up by the warranty vendor unless your lucky to be local to one.

 

I have a Hobart 210 mvp and I really like it. Been going 4 years strong. Had a capacitor pop but it was covered under warranty and Hobart found me a place nearby to warranty and complete the repair. It has been a little work horse. I weld a couple hours with it almost every day. Consumables are easy to get on Amazon. Definitely a good machine for the price.

 

I’m very much a newb welder at this stage, but I really love my Hobart 210MVP. It will burn 1/4 mild steel no problem, and it’s super simple. Just voltage and WFS, so you’re not drowning in a bunch of bullshit features that you probably don’t need, won’t ever use, and just increase the complexity of the machine. Another nice benefit is that Hobart is owned by Miller, so you’re backed by two of the three big hitters if something breaks.

Also, I’m just wrapping up cam tab and spindle gussets, as well as welding in limit straps, and the 210MVP did it no problem. Most of that was outside welding with 75/25 too.

I think you’re in NOCO as well, so if you ever want to check out my setup, let me know. I have a bunch of scrap you can wail away on before you buy. Once you get the hang of it, you’re gonna be hooked like the rest of us.

 

No Hobart is not owned by Miller but by the same parent Company Illinois Tool Works.

Most likely for Taxes

 

Preheat and beveling was used on high stress components. But putting this little 110 to the test.