Welders, step inside
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Welders, step inside
I'm in the market for a small mig welder. I don't need something large because I mostly see myself using it on projects that would be less than 1/4 inch thick. The first job I'm going to use it on is to refurbish my seat frames that have some small cracks in the metal and hinges. After that who knows, maybe some exhaust or bracket work. I've looked at whats available and I'm pretty sure that a unit in the 125 to 140 amp range with gas would be ideal. I've looked at Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, and Clark. All have something within the range I'm looking for. However, I saw this unit at Sears and the package they offer for $399 is pretty attractive. It also looks as though it accepts Clark parts so I'm assuming its probably made by them. An equivalent unit from Clark or Hobart (Lincoln and Miller are both more costly than Clark or Hobart) would cost more. So, long story short, does anyone have any experience with Craftsman welders and does this look like a good deal?
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...keyword=welder
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...keyword=welder
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Jersey
You'll get a bunch of responses recommending a 220v welder. Good advice, but not practical for all of us.
Make sure whatever you get has infinite variable heat and feed. Many of the bargain machines have presets which I find impossible to dial in.
I've had a Lincoln SP125Plus for ten years and its been a great machine. Done many sheetmetal projects including aluminum and stainless. That being said, my next machine will be a 220v TIG.
Make sure whatever you get has infinite variable heat and feed. Many of the bargain machines have presets which I find impossible to dial in.
I've had a Lincoln SP125Plus for ten years and its been a great machine. Done many sheetmetal projects including aluminum and stainless. That being said, my next machine will be a 220v TIG.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Yeah, thats the problem. If you want to stay around $400 you get machines with presets. One of the nicest I've researched is the Miller Auto Set machines. You just dial in the thickness of the material and the machine does the rest. But you pay for that luxury, they run close to $800.
Last edited by vettfixr; Apr 9, 2008 at 01:44 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 46
From: RedSoxNation Cape Cod, MA
I have used alot of welders and am very impressed with the Hobart 110volt (cant remember the model right now) I got around christmas time. Great prices from Northern tools on them.
I have been useing it without gas (just the flux wire) and it lays a really nice bead, even on heavy guage metal
Jimbo
I have been useing it without gas (just the flux wire) and it lays a really nice bead, even on heavy guage metal
Jimbo
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Corinth Tx
I have a craftsman and was not impressed the wire feed was inconsistant and the triger only stops and starts the wire feed the voltage was always on. you get what you pay for now i have a clark and am very pleased
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,157
Likes: 99
From: West Chester OH
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In IX Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '13
No experience with Clark or Hobart. I have a Millermatic. It's 120 V and works ok but I did run a 20 amp outlet to my garage. If I used it too much and had much other electric going on it would trip the breaker. Then I had to go through the house and down to the basement to reset 
If your load center is in the garage it's pretty easy to make a 220 outlet to run a welder. The 120 makes it more convenient to move around though.
Stick to the big 3 if you want a decent welder - Miller, Lincoln Hobart.
If your load center is in the garage it's pretty easy to make a 220 outlet to run a welder. The 120 makes it more convenient to move around though.
Stick to the big 3 if you want a decent welder - Miller, Lincoln Hobart.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
I have the millermatic 175 - top of the line when it comes to quality. It runs on 220 volt and uses a mix 0f argon and co2...flux core welding sucks. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR WHEN IT COMES TO WELDERS!!!! Don't skimp on price. Save up the cash and buy a nice expensive one. 220 volts is much better than 110, but you need to hook up 220 volt in your garage or you wont be able to use it.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Peabody Ma.
I do suggest a 230V welder. You also need to be concerend with the duty cycle, which amounts to how much weldind the machime can handle in so many minutes! The smaller the the cycle the less welding the machine can handle! I have a 230V Lincoln and its has given many years of service!! It owes me NOTHING and on its last leg and still works like champ if you know how to use it. I think the next one will be a Miller 
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Waverly NY
I have a Lincoln 125, it has the presets and wire speed adjustment. It was a flux core, but I added the gas kit. The gas kit makes a world of difference in the quality of the weld. I've put together many small projects, welded new floorpans, patched my birdcage, welded up a patch on my frame and several other things. It seems to do pretty well for what I need. I also have a tig, but it takes me longer to setup and I always need a few practice welds to get the hang of it again. So, for most jobs the mig is my first choice.
Kipp
Kipp
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 624
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne, Fla. 6 months- New Middletown, Ohio 6 months
Dewcustom referred to something that is very important. Whatever you buy, make sure that the wire is not hot till you press the switch . There are times when you are trying to do some real fine work where you will want to literally place the wire on the spot, close your hood and then hit the trigger. If the wire is always hot you can not do that. I do not think any of the big three will have that problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Alta Loma CA
That Sears is a Clark which is not one of the better machines out there. I have Linclon 135 and a Hobart 175. Both are good machines. In the 110 machines Home Depot has the 3200 Lincoln at a good price. My Lincoln does a great job up to it's capacity. Had a Cambel Hausfield 110v machine, no comparison to the Lincoln. I don't think the machines less than 135 amp are worth looking at. Any Lincoln, Miller or Hobart in that range are good. The 175-180 range machines are great but you do need 220v.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,423
Likes: 1,458
From: Little Rock AR
I bought a Craftsman. Needed parts while under warranty. NO SERVICE AT ALL. They would not accept an in-store return for this item. The gas valve was mechanical and leaked like a sieve. I sent it back UPS at my own expense and bought a Millermatic because the dealer is helpful and has the parts/gas etc in stock when I need them.
Miller is a much better machine by far. Makes my welding skills look much better that the Craftsman ever did.
Do not buy junk - if you can't get service or parts you will be screwed and out the money!
-Mark.
Miller is a much better machine by far. Makes my welding skills look much better that the Craftsman ever did.
Do not buy junk - if you can't get service or parts you will be screwed and out the money!
-Mark.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: hooksett nh
I'm in the market for a small mig welder. I don't need something large because I mostly see myself using it on projects that would be less than 1/4 inch thick. The first job I'm going to use it on is to refurbish my seat frames that have some small cracks in the metal and hinges. After that who knows, maybe some exhaust or bracket work. I've looked at whats available and I'm pretty sure that a unit in the 125 to 140 amp range with gas would be ideal. I've looked at Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, and Clark. All have something within the range I'm looking for. However, I saw this unit at Sears and the package they offer for $399 is pretty attractive. It also looks as though it accepts Clark parts so I'm assuming its probably made by them. An equivalent unit from Clark or Hobart (Lincoln and Miller are both more costly than Clark or Hobart) would cost more. So, long story short, does anyone have any experience with Craftsman welders and does this look like a good deal?
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...keyword=welder
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...keyword=welder
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: Hollywood FL
I have the Lincoln Power Mig 140C. I also considered the Millermatic 140, but couldn't justify the additional price. I've found the Lincoln very easy to use for a beginning welder. It may be a bit beyond your budget though. I think I paid close to $600 for it, but then you need to consider the cost of a gas bottle, helmet, etc. It definitely adds up. I'm very happy with the welder though.
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
If you stick with Lincoln or Miller you can't go wrong. Hobart runs a close second (IMHO). All 3 make good welders both in the 110V and 220V models. Hobart is just a slightly cheaper Miller (they are made by the same company).
My preference is a 220V unit in the 200A range (at this instant I happen to have both a Lincoln 200 powermig and a Miller 210) and you will never have to buy one again. Pay attention to duty cycle if you want to weld anything in the 1/4" range.A 10% duty cycle is really going to suck. The 200A welders probably (I can't remember) have a 60% duty cycle at the 1/4" range.
If you would ever think you could use a spoolgun then the Miller 212 (successor to the 210) is the way to go but its about $1450 delivered. Then the spoolgun is another $500.
My preference is a 220V unit in the 200A range (at this instant I happen to have both a Lincoln 200 powermig and a Miller 210) and you will never have to buy one again. Pay attention to duty cycle if you want to weld anything in the 1/4" range.A 10% duty cycle is really going to suck. The 200A welders probably (I can't remember) have a 60% duty cycle at the 1/4" range.
If you would ever think you could use a spoolgun then the Miller 212 (successor to the 210) is the way to go but its about $1450 delivered. Then the spoolgun is another $500.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 857
Likes: 1
From: Morrisonville Illinios
I have the Lincoln Power Mig 140C. I also considered the Millermatic 140, but couldn't justify the additional price. I've found the Lincoln very easy to use for a beginning welder. It may be a bit beyond your budget though. I think I paid close to $600 for it, but then you need to consider the cost of a gas bottle, helmet, etc. It definitely adds up. I'm very happy with the welder though.
Bought the same unit for my son to start on and I couldn't be happier. Bought it from Indiana welding (can find units from them on e-bay). He caught on to it after about an hour playing around and has reaaly stepped up to the plate while using only flex wire and now that I have shown him the difference with gas he is liking it better for the sheet metal on the chevelle. If you stay with one of the big names parts and service should not be a problem in the future ( can't say the same for krapsman ). Spend a little more and you will be happy, hell the local shop now has the lincoln 140c for $600 now and the miller just a little more.Good Luck and have lots of fun wro87
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Ventura California
I bought this Licoln mig with gas attachments for my son for Xmas...he loves it. can to both flux cre and gas welding.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...keyword=welder
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...keyword=welder