Welder size and learning question

[thegrouse]

I have been eyeing welders for a few years. I have never done it. I bought a book and read it years ago. I have watched all the videos. I have done everything except for running a machine. I currently do not have a need for one in my garage, but I want to get one anyway just to have. I have contacted the community college and I missed the fall class signup. Do I need to go to a class or will youtube teach me what I need to know?

I have an oxygen acetylene cutting torch and a welding tip on it. I have done brazing, cutting and stuck a few pieces of steel together with RG-45. I envision building a blind, maybe an expedition trailer and some general shop stuff. I think I would probably be using 1/4" wall tubing. I have seen the cheap welding tables at harbor freight and I think they would work for me. Ideally I would like to buy a machine that can last 25 years.

I am considering the Lincoln 140, Lincoln 180 and the Miller 211. The Miller is awfully pricey for something I will not use very often. I have a 230V plug in my garage so I can do the 180. I have AMEX points so I would prefer the Lincoln from Home Depot.

I guess my question is what can I do with the 180 that I cant with the 140? I would hate to have to upgrade down the road. Is the Miller that much better than the Lincoln 180? I really like the dual voltage input on the Miller. My next house may not have 230 in the garage and in case I had to take it to a friend's house they may not have it either.

I know there are a ton of yall on here that weld. Thanks

[roughneck266]

I know the duty cycle on the 140 is going to be shorter, but that might not make any difference with what you're talking about. I don't think there is much if anything other than that. Good luck man!

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[WhiplashTX]

If you like the Miller 211 but don't want to spend the money get a Hobart 210 MVP. It's made by Miller , has the dual voltage option, but is missing the auto setting. I picked mine up used for $500 and it's been a great machine.

The big difference between the 140 and 180 is the duty cycle and thickness rating. If you plan on doing 1/4" material I'd go with the bigger welder.

[60 Deluxe]

I had the Lincoln crackerbox K1170 or similar for a few years and just did not have good control on the heat. I literally had to match the material to what the welder was capable of doing, and even then I was getting pretty crappy welds. I sold it and bought a Miller Bobcat gas powered welder/generator as I needed to weld corner posts and line posts on my fence rebuilds. Now I have some control where I can adjust the heat to match the material. You don't want to go low end on a welder. What ever you buy, make sure that it has a voltage rheostat. You can thank me later.

[RattlesnakeDan]

The Lincoln 180 is a good machine for the money. I welded up about 100 hog traps with one. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. The 140 is under powered being a 110v unit and can lead to frustration when you want a strong weld on something important.
You can learn to weld with one in just a few minutes, have a neighbor or friend spend a half hour with you and you will be off to the races.

[thegrouse]

Good stuff guys, keep it coming. I have also looked at the Hobart 210 at Northern Tool. It has the dual voltage also.

[sqiggy]

I’m no help with what you listed.
I’m a gas machine man myself. I have a Lincoln 200 but just borrowed a friend’s miller bobcat being I couldn’t get my rig in where I needed it. To me, a gas machine can go anywhere. If you even think you will need something outside the garage or shop, look at a gas machine.

[thegrouse]

I am really thinking MIG or a multiprocess like the LE31MP. I dont think a generator stick will have much use. i do not own land anymore and it would probably not get used outside the garage

[Draco]

These machines are made to last for decades of use so I would say to go used and buy bigger.

And by the way, you don't want to use 1/4 wall for deer stands. 14 ga. will do fine.

[thegrouse]

I have a Lincoln 180 on the way. I just went and got a bit of scrap steel

What is the better tool for general fabrication? A portable band saw or abrasive cut off saw? Looking at the harbor freight ones. I already have a grinder and cutting torch

[Dale Moser]

If you like the Miller 211 but don't want to spend the money get a Hobart 210 MVP. It's made by Miller , has the dual voltage option, but is missing the auto setting. I picked mine up used for $500 and it's been a great machine.

The big difference between the 140 and 180 is the duty cycle and thickness rating. If you plan on doing 1/4" material I'd go with the bigger welder.

100% Spot on.

I will add, that the 140 machines will do most of what you are wanting to do, but they are SLOOOOOW on anything above 1/8", and you generally can't use over .030 wire. I find myself with them turned all the way up, still waiting for it to burn how I want...which is even harder on the duty cycle.

I mostly use a 175 Miller (old version of the 180) with .035 wire, and I've only ever had it cycle off once, when welding 3/8" plate in 105 degree heat. For 99% of what I do, it is MORE than enough machine.

I'd buy the 211 if I was buying today just so I could run it on an extension cord, and at the deer lease, from time to time.

[thegrouse]

I ended up being cheap and ordered the Lincoln 180 HD. It will be here Friday. The Miller was $500 more and the Hobart $275 more. Now I am just getting setup in my garage to work with metal.

[Dale Moser]

That rig will serve you very well. Get the bottle to go with it!

[thegrouse]

Got the 80cu ft bottle today. Just need help on what cutting tool I need. A portaband or abrasive cut off saw

[Samson]

I feel like you would use the cutoff saw more. The band saw is helpful but has limited use cases.

I have the 180HD and it's great. We use ours all the time with a 100ft 8 gauge extension chord. Like Dale, I've only hit the duty cycle on it once when it was 102F outside.

That bottle will help make some pretty welds, I haven't had much luck with it working outside, always too windy to turn out the magazine quality welds.