Sorry Camber I didn’t have time to look last night. The shower turned into a nightmare and ate the night up.., I’ll go make coffee and search a while. Keep in mind where it’s from isn’t so important anymore build quality, amperage and duty cycle are important.... I believe Hobart has a couple in the $1400 range. What’s your budget set at? Forgive me I probably should have asked that sooner...
Thanks Pete and Dave. I never thought of a welding forum. I did some more reading, and it looks like, I'm going to be spending about 3500 more than I wanted too. I see many of the same complaints on the chinese welders. The only dear close is lincoln. I really don't want anything smaller than 250 amps. I do have to weld on heavy equipment a few times a year. I have used one of those 211s for a few days. Nice little machine, but not quite hot enough for bigger stuff. First welding I've ever done, was oxy/acetylene in the military. When we first received a stick welder, I thought I was in the future! I will go check out the welding forum Pete.
I don't really have a range. I really need to spend about 2200 dollars to get my adjustable tax income down. So if I end up financing some that is ok. My thing is buying something I can't get parts for, and dealership support. I have a bad habit of overkill.
If I was doing backhoe, dozer stuff or anything like that, Here's where I'd go "AND" you got the ability for back up power! Miller makes the Bobcat series which is Identical with more @$$! You can weld 3/4" all day long with 225 amps! Champion® Elite Stick Welder/Generator | HobartWelders
I own this one, and it'll do 1/2" with no problem. Champion® 145 Stick Welder/Generator | HobartWelders
Great Dave! Heck of a duty cycle. Miller and Lincoln finance. Things have really changed in the last 20 years. I didn't know hobart had a generator fired welder. Too many options. I really don't need a mig. just so much faster in the shop.
You can order a Hobart through Tractor Supply, they also sell and service through them, "IF" you have a TSC close.
Maybe consider a trailblazer 325. The DC is derived from a 3phase input giving it almost the same characteristics as a true DC generator. The 14pin is handy and most welding it will do at idle. Doesn't have AC which I didn't realize till after it arrived.
True Dave. I'm calling the hobart dealer now. We have a hobart dealer 100 miles away, and miller 50 miles. Bobcat™ 250 Engine-Driven Welder | MillerWelds this is overkill, but for another grand, is tempting. I don't want diesel, as they aren't as handy in my climate. Folks have been known to put their welders on diesel injector lines when fifty below here. That hobart is looking better.
Hobart has always had gennys. To be a nitpick NONE of the small engine drives use a generator, they are all alternators and rectify it to DC. Bobcats use single phase alternators trailblazers use three phase ones. The smoothest of all is a true generator though.
Something to think about Camber I run a MIG and recently bought another Hobart ARC LX ac/dc welder all in all Id say for the $ having two is much cheaper and you get more for the money granted no big welder but...
FINALLY found it yesh ESAB is another very good brand I have a friend who runs a mobile welding business and the only two brands he uses are Miller and ESAB he swears by both of them. I used the ESAB and it was very slick. They are wave balanced machines and super smooth... ESAB 186i AC/DC Stick/TIG Kit/Reg/Torch Ct. #W1006301 | Victor Technologies | Thermal Arc Welder | Welding Machine | Welding Equipment | | Welders Supply Company Beloit-Big Bend-Burlington Wisconsin and Rockford, Illinois
While back i was looking at a snap on, comparable to miller price wise, wasn't ready to pull the trigger on it as didn't know any serious welder guys who had one
