OK, seeking advice

[Yummi]

Thinking about getting a welder.  Background: I am (was) a certified welding inspector 20 years ago.  No old fat guys doing what I did at the time.  Couple that with a few rides on the price per barrel of oil and "Will I make my house payment" and a career change came my way. 

You know the old saying if you cant do, teach?  Well, I cant weld.  Can tell you if it sucks ass, can even give you some wicked pointers to ensure that it gets done right; but I can't weld.  QC run a muck. 

So, thinking I will try my hand at a few projects.  Looking for a welder for home use.  Will be staying with 110v as if it goes over 1/4" it will be done by somebody who knows.  Also, if it is a safety deal, will be done by somebody who knows.  Well, I know, so lets say it will be done by somebody with skill.  Funny thing, if you spend enough time looking at the good bad and ugly you can really appreciate the skill that goes into it. 

In any event, been looking at welders.  Just for small projects.  Any input?  So far the top contender seems to be a Hobart.  I was always a fan of Miller machines when I was QC boy, they put down some clean welds long ago and have always been in my mind a better machine than a Lincoln.  Hobart would be my third choice.  Mostly a regional thing on my end I suppose. 

This mostly comes down to a price issue for me as it is not like it will have daily or even weekly use.  This is what I was thinking of. 

http://www.toolfetch.com/mig-welders-500505.shtml

Any input?

[Carlriddle]

I have the 140 hobart. Very happy with after about 3yrs. I bought it because I can throw in hauler and run it with some flux for some in field fixes.  Never overheated and I use a 10g ext cord 25' for much of my welding,  . 

Ran up on a 110v miller for a deal but didn't really think it would make my welds much better. 

[Dunebound69]

I have 2 millers and love them. One is an old Cricket 110, great for hauling to the dunes. My biggest suggestion is buy one from a local company with a good reputation. Being able to get parts and support locally is a big thing for me. My uncle is a linweld dealer so for me it was kind of a no brain er. I went miller over hobart knowing they are near the same, but they use some plastic parts where Miller used steel. I think Enemy got a 110 miller with auto set. Think it pretty much point and shoot.

[fabr]

Not cheap but the Miller Passport (Suitcase) MIG is great.Lots more actually but nice ,portable unit that uses 110 OR 220 with just a 2 second cord end change.

[nagel]

I have that same Hobart 140, and I gotta say, I'm no pro, but value for the money is there, and I've learned a TON with it.. No problems or complaints at all.. 

If you jump up to the 180, I believe it can go 110 / 220 with the 2 second cord end change (don't quote me on that though LOL) (my Hobart Airforce 500 plasma cutter runs like that.  Handy for a 110 outlet but really nice on 220.)

[vidio1]

Here's what I use, although I don"t remember paying that much for it :

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00245

 And for all the reasons posted above. It's a name brand that I can find replacement parts and can be serviced nation wide.
 It's a 220v machine that I can carry with one hand (minus the bottle )
It's MVP, Miller's interchangeable plug system that allows using 220v or 110.
 It's spool gun ready in case you want to play with aluminum somewhere down the road...

[fastcorvairs]

Here you go Yami make me and offer and I'll get it down to you.  Got a GD.com postal going thru PHX in September on to the SSSS.  Mite give the driver a few bucks to drop it off at your house.  This was a good machine for me.  Never gave me any trouble. 

[Yummi]

Looks like a 220?    No Bueno.  Couple of issues, but with the 110s out, and my desire for portablity, would not be a good fit for me. 

Thanks for thinking of me.

[Enemy]

I run a Millermatic 140 at home and heavy use with the same welder (3 of them) at the shop for the last 4 years. Great bang for the buck IMO. Zero issues on any of them.

My brother runs the Maxstar 150STL like Fabr is talking about at their shop, mostly on sanitary stainless TIG. That is an awesome little unit!

[Dunebound69]

I know DS has a Hobart and he has used the ever loving hell out of it. I see no reason not to buy one.

[BDKW1]

We have gone through 2 of the miller 110V welders on the chase truck. They do not like to get beat around. The boards inside will crack and to replace them costs almost as much as a new welder. My little Lincoln 220V welder that they they were supposed to replace is still going strong. It has been up and down Baja more times than I can count.
 
My Miller maxstar 150STL had a board go out on it also. Ended up getting a deal on a new one otherwise it would have been replaced with another brand. To be fair, I don't think it's just Miller. I think all of the newer welders that are computer controlled are problems waiting to happen.
 
Edit: Just looked at that Hobart you posted up. It's the same thing as a Lincoln........

[fabr]

This is what I have. I have a plumber buddy with 3 of them,always in the truck getting beat around. No issues with any of them.
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00197

[Yummi]

This is what I have. I have a plumber buddy with 3 of them,always in the truck getting beat around. No issues with any of them.
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00197

For that kind of cheese I can fly you out here, buy a Harbor Freight special, and snicker as I watch you cuss the whole time about crap this and crap that.

[fabr]

Just buy the hf pos AND LET ME SNICKER. LOL!!!!!

[Carlriddle]

I picked up the Hobart 140 at tractor supply $450 on sale. $500 right now v