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portable MIG welders

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Chris

12-28-2003 19:52:42

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I am looking for portable MIG welder for small projects that would be too much for the stick welder.I am looking at the 120 volt Hobart Handler 135 and the Lincoln SP 135T. What some of your opinions on these two machines? Thanks in advance for your comments.

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12-30-2003 18:04:07

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Re: portable MIG welders in reply to Chris, 12-28-2003 19:52:42

I've got a Lincoln SP-100 that is one of the first ones and it's done a great job for me over the years. I knew it's limitations as a 110v input machine when I bought it but I use stick for most material over 1/8" anyway. I use the flux-core wire most of the time as you can get more heat with it (no cooling effect from the gas) and it's good on rusty and painted surfaces. I do find myself using it on heavier stock than I originally intended because of the flux-core wires' capability. I use shielding gas for touchy stuff like motorcycle frames where weld quality and appearance are paramount. I can load the SP and my Coleman 5000w genset up in the ATV trailer and take it anywhere I need welding power for gates, etc..... .my 2�

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ken whaley

12-30-2003 16:15:23

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Re: portable MIG welders in reply to Chris, 12-28-2003 19:52:42

chris
just go to hobart miller board and post your question. they even have guys that will give you opinons on lincoln esab an others. PS tell them Dulknife sent you

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Chris Brown

12-29-2003 15:06:20

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Re: portable MIG welders in reply to Chris, 12-28-2003 19:52:42

I was given a century 80 mig last christmas,2002. I thought it would be a total P.O.S. But it is not bad.It will weld exhaust pipes great.In a year I've burned up "5" 2lb spools of flux wire.I didn't think the machine would have lasted that long.It was a gift so I can't complain about a $150 welder. It does have to be pluged in directly,it wont run off a drop cord.

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12-29-2003 07:53:10

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Re: portable MIG welders in reply to Chris, 12-28-2003 19:52:42

I was looking at the 135 as well but went with the Lincoln 175. probably little difference in the Hobart/Miller/Lincoln quality wise but I am just a Lincoln faithful. I agree with T-Bone, go with the 230V vs the 120V, if you will ever be weldnig heavier steel. I have stick machines and use my MIG only on milder or thinner steel but is nice to know if I want to weld thicker iron with it, I can. The price difference isn't that much, better to spend a little more now than have to go rebuy later.

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Jay

12-29-2003 07:40:42

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Re: portable MIG welders in reply to Chris, 12-28-2003 19:52:42

I got a Hobart 135 for Christmas (convenietly left the Tractor Supply flyer with it circled on the table). I was originally looking at the 175, but then I saw what other people were using.

I have a lot of friends that use their 135 on a lot of heavier stuff than I ever will and they say that it's everything that they need. They like them. They will weld up to 3/16 in a single pass using the flux wire or 1/8 with solid wire and gas. And with proper preparation and mulitple passes, it can do way more.

Besides, for deep penetration, I still have my stick welder.

BTW - Tractor supply had the 135 Handler with all the gas hookups, guages, etc. (not the tank), AND an auto-darkening helmet for $399 shortly after Thanksgiving. I've been told that they run that special a few times a winter. The 175 with everything plus a cart and helmet go for $699 on special. Still one great buy.

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TimV

12-29-2003 06:58:17

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Re: portable MIG welders in reply to Chris, 12-28-2003 19:52:42

Chris: I have a Hobart Handler 135, and it's been an excellent little welder during the 4 years I've owned it. You can't go too far wrong with any of the Hobart, Lincoln, or Miller (which owns Hobart) products. All are decent, well-proven rigs. While I'll bow to T_Bone's well-proven expertise in the welding field, I would submit that the 135 is plenty for small projects, such as sheet metal work and light fabrication. A 220-class machine is nice, but also entails finding a 220 socket to plug it into--not always an easy task, particularly if you want this machine to be portable.

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T_Bone

12-29-2003 09:38:52

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Re: Re: portable MIG welders in reply to TimV, 12-29-2003 06:58:17

Hi Tim,

I really don't have a problem with the 100's, 135's and the 175's other than there limitations.

When I bought my Lincoln SP-100 there wasn't a SP135 or 175 choice available. My Sp-100 does very well for it's intended use, welding 16ga water tanks to which it has done very well.

On the other hand now that I'm done with those projects, it would be nice to have a 200amp machine to weld my next project , a horse trailer. My son is going to get the SP-100 and I'm off to buy a Miller Matic or a Lincoln as then I will have a machine that can be more useful to me and the intent of my original post. Had I bought the correct machine first, I would not be buying another machine now.

At todays prices, it's easy to spend the extra $600 now and just buy one machine that will do it all.

T_Bone

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TimV

12-29-2003 10:17:40

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Re: Re: Re: portable MIG welders in reply to T_Bone, 12-29-2003 09:38:52

T_Bone: I certainly hear where you're coming from, and I agree with you that when it comes to welders, too big is better than too small. However, I was basing my reply on Chris's comments that (1) he wants a portable machine, and (2) he already has a (presumably) 220 stick welder. I've got the same setup--my 135 for small jobs and a Lincoln AC225 crackerbox for larger ones. I'd LOVE to have a 600-amp, 100% duty cycle machine setting in my shop on the off chance I have to weld the Brooklyn Bridge back together someday, but somehow I don't see that happening... I certainly didn't mean to disparge your advice--on the contrary, I'm always eager to listen to what you have to say; you've got a lot more welding experience than I ever will have! On the other hand, I think Chris could get by with a 135 without having to spend the extra money, and this way he can use the machine wherever he has a 110-volt socket, which isn't the case with the 220-volt machines.

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T_Bone

12-29-2003 06:27:07

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Re: portable MIG welders in reply to Chris, 12-28-2003 19:52:42

Hi Chris,

I would strongly consider getting a 230v Mig machine. The smaller 115v machines just don't have enough amps for general welding 1/4" material. 200amps plus is a good home shop size.

As far as brand, Lincoln and Miller both build a great welding machine no matter what the weld process.

Do a search on this website as there's been alot of info written about welding and machines.

T_Bone

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Van

12-28-2003 20:46:21

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Re: portable MIG welders in reply to Chris, 12-28-2003 19:52:42

I have a Handler 135 that Ive had for four years and I love it. Next year I plan to get a 220 volt model, will either get a Hobart or a Lincoln. The Hobart is the consumer line of equipment.

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