[TheForge] MIG Welders

[Washington, Aubrey O.]

Many thanks to everyone who gave me suggestions, and thanks for the interesting discussion.  Yesterday afternoon I ordered a Millermatic 140.  I should arrive tomorrow afternoon!  Woo Hooo!  I'm sure I'll find all kinds of things around the shop that never knew they needed to be welded.
 
Aubrey

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Washington, Aubrey O.
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2007 1:23 PM
To: Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: [TheForge] MIG Welders

Okay Folks, I know we've covered a lot of this territory in the past, but
I'd like some specific input on my situation.  I'm not a great welder and
don't do a lot of it.  But, I've owned a Lincoln 225 AC machine for many
years.  I was thinking of upgrading to the AC/DC model to see if that would
improve my welding in sheet metal.  (I get a lot of burn through or
sticking.)  Then this weekend I got a chance to play with a Miller 135 MIG
welder.  That got me to thinking about other options.

Now I'm considering keeping the old  AC stick welder and adding a MIG
machine to my shop.  I can use the stick welder for heavy duty applications,
so I'm thinking of getting a 115V MIG machine so it can take it with me to
locations where 230V is not available.  In doing a quick internet search, it
seems that 140 amps is the largest that MIGs come in for 115V.  Roughly in
order of price I've found the following: 

Millermatic 140 w/ Auto Set
Millermatic 140
Lincoln Power MIG 140C & 140T
Hobart Handler 140 MIG

I have several questions.  Why are the Hobarts so much cheaper?  (Are they
boat anchors?)  Is there any real difference between Lincoln and Miller
(besides color preference)?  Is the "auto set" feature of the Miller worth
the extra $80?  What is the difference between the Lincoln 140C and 140T?
(I didn't notice any difference in specs and there is only about $5
difference in price.)  What other issues should I be considering?

Thanks,
Aubrey

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