Which do you think would be better Lincoln 135 or Hobart Handler125?
For hobby use is there any real advantage to 220 over 110 volt setup?
What couldn't I do on my car with a 110v setup?
All are mig setups capable of wire or gas out of the box, buying the gas of course.

 

If I had to choose between the two you have listed I would go with the Lincoln 135 in a 220 volt version set up with the gas. many will tell you to stay away from the 110 volt migs they have 2 problems as I see it, they have lower duty cycles (20% = 2 minutes welding 8 minutes resting) and the max thickness of steel you can weld. I have a 100 amp 110 volt for sheet metal, a 160 220 volt for heavier metal (built my car trailer with this one) a 225 AC/DC buzz box with a TIG adapter to handle any welding I have to do.
Hope this helps.

Steve :steering:

 

A lot of people will probably say the opposit but here goes.....If price is not a factor go with the 220v by far. The 110v is attractive because you can plug it in just about enywhere, but if you weld hevier matirials, you will be jumping brakers all the time becaiuse it will demand more amperage , electric consumtion will also be greater with the 110v. From my own experience, I would gladly pay an extra 200$ for a good machine. Keep in mind that you will constantly need parts, like ceramic cups, and tips etc. So availability is important................Anybody can weld, but a real welder is an artist :cheers:

 

I have the Lincoln 135plus. I like it-it's a pretty nice machine-about the best you can get in the 110. I would have liked to go with the 220, but your are kinda limited on where you can plug it up. I got the best deal online through a wholesaler.

 

where did you go online to get wholesale prices??

 

My Lincoln is very reliable had it for about 12 years now Its a weld pack 100 its pretty old but NEVER had a problem with it. :thumbs:

 

:seeya 220 Set-up for sure. :yesnod: I own a Miller-matic 250. :thumbs: :D

 

There are pros and cons to either in the hobby class. And what will be most suitable for you greatly depends on your exact situation.

If you don't have 20-amp 110 circuts, forget about the 110 unit unless you're going to be working on nothing heavier than 1/16" plate.

If you go with the 220 unit you can run it from your dryer plug as long as it meets the current rating. And you can weld thicker plate.

It's true that you can take and use the 110 unit about anywhere which can't be said for the 220 unit.

Not all 110 units have weak duty cycles just like not all 220 units have robust duty cycles. To classify welders that way just means that no research was done on the issue before the opinion was rendered. A cheap welder, no matter what voltage, will almost always have a poor duty cycle at the high end of their rated output.

I had my garage wired for 30 amp 220 and 30 amp 110 outlets. I also have a 110 MIG but it's at the high end. It's an HTP 140. I can go head to head with any of the 140 amp-class 220 welders up to 1/4" plate in both performance and duty cycle. I can also roll it around to my back yard and plug into the available 110 outlet and work on a BBQ grill. HTP also makes a 110/220 convertable for those who need the most flexability but it's going to hit your wallet like a visit to intensive care.

Am I telling you to go with the 110 unit? No. But I am telling you to research what's out there that you feel best suits how you want to use the welder. Not all 220 welders are good and not all 110 welders are bad. If you find one that will do everything you want it to do, that's the welder for you. And remember this: Cheap is cheap. You get what you pay for.

 

I think it all depends on what you are going to use it for. I bought the high end Lincoln 110 and have been very satisfied with it. It will do up to 5/16th and I have not had a problem with cycle times but I don't do a whole lot of welding. From previous posts on this subject you will find a tendency here to go with a 220, but agian it all depends on what you need it for.

 

I wanted to get a 220 MIG but didn't have the power in the garage and didn't want to rip up the blacktop to run conduit. I don't like overhead lines either. So I was going to get a Linclon but found Sears selling a nice 120 volt mig with adjustable speed and heat settings. It was on sale and the Craftsmen club sale dropped it to $450. I t surprised me how well it works. I crank up the heat but get good flow. It does want I need to do on the car and someday I'll get a 220 volt MIG. I haven't seen this model in thestore anymore so maybe they changed their suppliers and no longer offer it?
Gary

 

Gary

Who makes that MIG? Sears lists the Lincoln 135 (120 Volt) MIG in the tool catalog for $509

Steve :steering:


[Modified by stpman, 1:13 PM 3/25/2004]

 

I am strickly a 220V fan and only run gas, no flux core. Even though I seldom do 1/4 inch plate and most frame work is 1/8th or 3/16 I still run my 220V unit on the highest setting with a high wire feed rate. The welds just flow in, something I doubt a 110V unit could do as well.

 

If by "Gary" you mean me, HTP makes it. Here's a link to the HTP MIG 140 which is a great high-end 110V unit for the hobbiest: http://www.htpweld.com/product_page/...s/mig_140.html

But, again, I can't say that would be the best for you.

And, Norv, you should try a welder like this. It could change your mind about all 110V welders being crap. Your impression of 110V welders is that they are flux core-based. I don't own a spool of flux core. Have at least two each of 10" spools of aluminum, stainless, and steel in various wire sizes.

 

Sorry I ment Gary gtr1999

Steve :steering:

 

Sears # 20559 made by Century. I bought it in Oct '02. I just looked in the current Sears catalog and it's no longer available.
It was the same as Century model number 155GL 20% duty cycle,105A,range 30-150A, 18 ga-1/4".
I have an old Northern catalog and their number is 164723-c176 $469.99
1-800-533-5545
Good luck, I really like this little unit. I hope I'll still be able to buy parts for it if Century is out of business?? I can email you a picture if you want.
Gary

 

That's ok Gary, the latest Sears catalog still lists Century on page 105.

I'm considering selling my older 220 Volt 160 Amp machine in favor of a 180 or 200 amp Millar or Lincoln machine.

Steve :steering:

 

:thumbs: My catalog no longer has the Century welder. Your choices will be much better then this unit though.
Gary

 

if you have not purchased anything yet, check http://www.weldingmart.com

a friend bought his welder there, often they run free shipping specials on certain welders.

 

This is what I use in our shop. Best welder I have used
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_d...re&dir=catalog The thing I like about it is I can plug into outlet and take it to where I am welding, If I need a to go a little farther I dont have to use extension cord, I just pull a cotter key out and take off the feeder and I have a extra 15 feet. Plus it welds everything I need it to.

:cheers: Larry