New to welding

[OCJoeR]

Morning all,

I've been doing woodworking and just about any home improvement for many years now. I've retired, sort of, and have decided to learn how to weld. From what I've been reading a 220v MiG unit seems to be the type I'd be needing. I've just bought a '40 Chevy 1/2 ton that needs some body work and I've decided to do it myself. I've seen some nice Hobarts and Millers at reasonable prices but they're usually gone by the time I locate them. I've found a Century 220v 130 amp unit. I've been searching to try and find out some info on this but I'm not having much luck. Of course that could be my limited interweb search skills. Anyone out there have one of these or have any comments on them? It appears that parts are available for this model so that isn't a concern. I was just wondering if Century is any good or should I just wait until I can find a decent Hobart or Miller or Lincoln?

Thanks,
Joe

[Louie1961]

Just my opinion, but buy a decent unit so you can focus on the welding and not on repairing the unit. Buy new so you get the warranty. Hobart Handler 200, Millermatic 215, or Lincoln Powermig 210 MP would be my choices. Decent 240v MIGs that give you stick welding capability and the potential for DC TIG down the road if you buy additional accessories. ESAB rebel would also be a good choice, but they seem scarce lately (and more expensive).

[tapwelder]

What is a reasonable price? 220v machine with 130 amps? If it is in pristine condition and below "reasonable" might be alright. My neighbor used a 150 amp 220v Lincoln for body work.

How big is the machine?

There are a lot if options...

[N2 Welding]

iirc Century is affiliated with Lincoln or was at one point in time. I have not heard a lot about them but it might be worth looking further into. If it is an older transformer unit it might do the job if the price is good.

[CAVEMANN]

Welcome to Welding Web! Transformer units may be longer lived, but inverter units can offer more percs and options at a lower price.

[dusterdude]

Welcome

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[OCJoeR]

Well as it turns out the Century was sold.

I'd love to buy a new Lincoln, Hobart or Miller but I'm finding prices in the $1,200 and up for just the welder. Unfortunately I don't have the funds at this point for a new unit that's why I've been looking for a decent used welder, hopefully with some extras like a cart, helmet and a tank.

I found a Lincoln Weld Pak 3200 HD with a tank, helmet and some wire for $650. I'm not sure how old it is. There's also a Lincoln LE31MP for $700 that is "like new" whatever that means. It's only a 120v machine. There's a Vulcan migmax 215 that is a dual voltage machine.

Looks like I've got some more research and shopping to do.

Joe

[Louie1961]

The Hobart I mentioned can be had for right around $1000. The Vulcan Migmax for $899. That machine has received some very good reviews, amazingly enough. Ave did a tear down video and decided it was a prretty well built machine for the price.

[cabranch47]

I have a Century 140 Amp (120 Volt) and a Hobart 190 (240 Volt). Both have served me well for several years although I am just a hobby welder. Started with the Century and moved up to the Hobart as I needed more power (this seems like the general progression, buy small then upgrade). I have them loaded with .026 and .030 solid wire respectively for different jobs although I seldom find the need for the Century any more. I would think for your purposes that the Hobart 190 might fit the bill and budget (Northern Tool: $759.00, or with spool gun for aluminum $899). Just my .02 worth

[OCJoeR]

I have a Century 140 Amp (120 Volt) and a Hobart 190 (240 Volt). Both have served me well for several years although I am just a hobby welder. Started with the Century and moved up to the Hobart as I needed more power (this seems like the general progression, buy small then upgrade). I have them loaded with .026 and .030 solid wire respectively for different jobs although I seldom find the need for the Century any more. I would think for your purposes that the Hobart 190 might fit the bill and budget (Northern Tool: $759.00, or with spool gun for aluminum $899). Just my .02 worth

Hi Cabranch,

Turns out a friend of mine can get the Hobart 190 for me through his supplier. Who knew I had friends in such high places, lol. I'm not sure how much aluminum work I'll be doing, all the vehicles I'll be working on were made before they started making cars lighter, so I think I can hold off on that purchase. (unless he can get me a spectacular deal). From what I've been reading about the 190 it looks like it can handle anything I'll be doing. I'll just have to pick up a tank after that. The 25/75 seems to be what I'd need for the things I'll be welding.

Joe

[OCJoeR]

Well I guess patience is a good thing. Just located a Lincoln Weld Pak 180 with everything at a great price. From what everyone on here seems to be saying the Lincoln is a much better welder. I've been reading articles and review and the only complaint anyone seems to have is a lower duty cycle than some larger welders. The welder is in what looks like very good condition as is the cart and argon tank. It comes with a K664-2 aluminum feed kit, a really nice cart and 25' of 240v extension cord. Oh yeah, gloves and a self darkening helmet. Any thoughts?

Joe

[John T]

Just located a Lincoln Weld Pak 180 with everything at a great price..

Any thoughts?

Joe

Cool.

thoughts?

Just have fun, be safe, learn all you can and practice practice practice. youtube has a lot of good (and bad) info. Check out Jody at welding tips & tricks. he is a great teacher.

I would NOT be worried about duty cycle at this point. Most hobby guys never get close to a duty cycle.... Just enjoy.

[OCJoeR]

Cool.

thoughts?

Just have fun, be safe, learn all you can and practice practice practice. youtube has a lot of good (and bad) info. Check out Jody at welding tips & tricks. he is a great teacher.

I would NOT be worried about duty cycle at this point. Most hobby guys never get close to a duty cycle.... Just enjoy.

Hi John,

Just got back home with it. I'm thinking it's a good deal for $500. Came with 2 extensions, the aluminum feed kit, helmets, gloves extra flux core, a tank full of argon and the cart. It looks really clean. Only think I have to do is put a different 240v outlet in the garage. All mine have the angled inputs, these are all the flat ones. Can't wait to get it up and running and, as you said, practice, practice, practice. I guess I can only upload 5 pictures per post. I'll put the others in another post.

Joe

[OCJoeR]

Here are the other goodies that came with it.

[Lis2323]

You did well for $500


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[OCJoeR]

Thanks Liz. I'm off to HD (my first trip today) to pick up the 240v outlet that matches the plugs on the welder and extensions. I was thinking about changing one of the plugs on one of the extensions to one that matches my outlets but that would mean I'd have to always use that extension when I was welding. Would that be an issue?

Joe

P.S. Hi John, I've been looking at the Welding Tips and Tricks site. Looks like a lot of good information.

[Lis2323]

John gave good advice.

I don't watch much YouTube welding but Jody is the best for no BS, film content, presentation and demeanor.


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[N2 Welding]

You have a 240v socket in your garage already? Take a pic and post that. The welder and extensions are typical socket types for the US market. You can use a plug and socket to make an adapter to get you the best of both socket types depending on your socket needs.

[OCJoeR]

You have a 240v socket in your garage already? Take a pic and post that. The welder and extensions are typical socket types for the US market. You can use a plug and socket to make an adapter to get you the best of both socket types depending on your socket needs.

Here are the 2 outlets in the garage. And the 2 plugs on the welder and extension.

Joe

[workinonit]

Just make sure the breaker those receptacles are on is sized properly before you get the mating plug.

[Lis2323]

If you don't use those outlets in their present configuration just change the female wall receptacles to the 50 amp welder version you have on your machine.

Otherwise make a short jumper adapter.


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[OCJoeR]

If you don't use those outlets in their present configuration just change the female wall receptacles to the 50 amp welder version you have on your machine.

Otherwise make a short jumper adapter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think I'll change one of the wall sockets. One of them is a 50 amp sockets so I'll do that one.

Joe

[N2 Welding]

I think I'll change one of the wall sockets. One of them is a 50 amp sockets so I'll do that one.

Joe

This would be the cheapest and quickest solution. I was thinking you might have of needed the socket you will be replacing.

[smithdoor]

You find a 240volt welder will do best.
The 120 volt welders just flip breaks.

Dave

Morning all,

I've been doing woodworking and just about any home improvement for many years now. I've retired, sort of, and have decided to learn how to weld. From what I've been reading a 220v MiG unit seems to be the type I'd be needing. I've just bought a '40 Chevy 1/2 ton that needs some body work and I've decided to do it myself. I've seen some nice Hobarts and Millers at reasonable prices but they're usually gone by the time I locate them. I've found a Century 220v 130 amp unit. I've been searching to try and find out some info on this but I'm not having much luck. Of course that could be my limited interweb search skills. Anyone out there have one of these or have any comments on them? It appears that parts are available for this model so that isn't a concern. I was just wondering if Century is any good or should I just wait until I can find a decent Hobart or Miller or Lincoln?

Thanks,
Joe