Hey Guys,

First post. What's up!!

I am looking to buy my first welder. Looking to spend $250-$400. Can I do a complete turbo setup.. header, pipes, flanges, etc.. with either of these units?

Lincoln Weld-Pak 100 HD
http://www.mylincolnelectric.c...=7106

OR

Lincoln 135T
http://www.mylincolnelectric.c...=2515

Could I get away with the 100 or do I need the 135? or something larger than both?

Looking for a good welder to start with that I won't outgrow when (if) my skills improve

I REALLY appreciate any guidance.

Thanks!!!!

 

Lincoln 100 will be fine, you might want to get the mig conversion though.

 

Thanks for the reply.

What would be the advantage of the 135 over the 100? (In other words what could I do with the 135 that I could not do with the 100) Stupid question, I know.. but I want to try and make the best decision I can.

Thanks!

 

100 amps is not a lot of amperage to have at your disposal. If you can afford the bigger machine, get it. I promise that if you buy the bigger machine, you will reach its limits and be very glad you didn't get the smaller one.

My personal opinion is that the Hobart Handler is the best small mig/flux core machine. There's several on ebay http://search.ebay.com/hobart-...erQ22

If you're thinking about buying the Lincoln from Lowes or Home Depot, you may want to check the model numbers...I'd bet it's a different model than what you can buy at the Lincoln Dealer. It's like the John Deere mowers they sell now...they're just green YTD (think that's it) mowers. You're not getting the quality that John Deer was founded upon, you're getting a cheaper model that will "appeal to the masses."

Is it just a conicidence that Miller hasn't started selling at home improvement stores, or are they just not willing to lower their standards to get the "low end" sales?

 

Yeah I would take a look at the Hobart Handler migs.
I have a HH 140 Mig and love it!!!

 

Thanks again for the info.

Engloid, yes the part number for the welder in Home Depot for the Weld Pak 100 HD is NOT the same as the units they sell at Lincoln dealers. However, I do not think it is a lower quality unit, it has all the same features, warranty, etc....just has less power (100 amp). The "real" Lincolns lowest power model is a 135. I am leaning toward the "real" one, the 135. I have looked at the Hobarts, I will look at them a little closer.

Do you not think the 135 will be good enough for me to weld up a turbo system?

Thanks for all the guidance guys.


Modified by gophaster at 9:22 PM 1/30/2005

 

I have a weld pac 100 from home depot and its not poorly built. Its great quality and its more then a normal mechanic will ever need, it can handle 1/4 inch of metal, and if you know what your doing you can even weld 1/2 metal together. And about home depot having different models. It would cost lincoln more just to produce a different model for stores like Home depot. I will beleive the 2 model things when I hear it from Lincoln.

 

90blackcrx, Just want to be clear... I agree with you. I do not think the 100 is any less of a machine than other Lincolns. I think the only difference is the amps. I have heard nothing but excellent comments from owners of the 100 Weld Pak from HD. What type of work have you done with yours? Have you converted yours to gas? I mainly just want to be sure I can build up a complete turbo setup from header flange to exhaust tip.

Thanks again!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gophaster &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">90blackcrx, Just want to be clear... I agree with you. I do not think the 100 is any less of a machine than other Lincolns. I think the only difference is the amps. I have heard nothing but excellent comments from owners of the 100 Weld Pak from HD. What type of work have you done with yours? Have you converted yours to gas? I mainly just want to be sure I can build up a complete turbo setup from header flange to exhaust tip.

Thanks again!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have welded exhaust, and a few random things, gate, a fence, a home made cart. It can handle anything except aluminum. I am going to be making a set of itb's where I have to weld runner to the intake mani and I know this machine can handle that. I am converting to gas very soon.

 

I use a HH 135 for real small stuff for now but am very happy with it. I got it from a local shop with everything needed for gas minus the tank. Hobart doesn't offer the 135 anymore, they have stepped up to the 140.

The spec sheet for the 135 says you can do 1/8" (3.2mm) in mild and stainless with gas. With flux core it claims it can do 3/16" (4.8 mm)
FYI, schedule 40 pipe is apprx 3.8mm thick


Modified by farrenator at 9:16 PM 1/31/2005

 

I just bought a recondiitioned HH 135 from Harbor Freight.

http://www.harborfreight.com/c...55236

Should be good enough to do exhaust work, which is all I need.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 90blackcrx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And about home depot having different models. It would cost lincoln more just to produce a different model for stores like Home depot. I will beleive the 2 model things when I hear it from Lincoln.</TD></TR></TABLE>
WalMart does it. Look around, investigate, then let us know. I really don't think that Lincoln's gonna come to you and say "you know, we do offer a more cheaply made model at certain stores."

Ever notice that the beginner welders are always happy with whatever welding machine they have? When you have used nothing to compare it to, it's easy to like whatever you have. Also, people WANT to like what they spend money on, and try to justify their actions.

Personally, I bought a Lincoln and didn't like it. I sold a 2yr old Lincoln and bought a 10yo Miller, and couldn't be happier. 19 years welding experience said the Lincoln just wasn't the quality of machine I was used to.

 

I got a 135 plus and LOVE it. But its a little outa your price range.

 

Appreciate all this info guys.

HRC69, thanks for that link on the Hobart 135. That's an awesome price.

 

here's a coupon for an additional $5 off 244-314-162 have fun.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Engloid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
WalMart does it. Look around, investigate, then let us know. I really don't think that Lincoln's gonna come to you and say "you know, we do offer a more cheaply made model at certain stores."

Ever notice that the beginner welders are always happy with whatever welding machine they have? When you have used nothing to compare it to, it's easy to like whatever you have. Also, people WANT to like what they spend money on, and try to justify their actions.

Personally, I bought a Lincoln and didn't like it. I sold a 2yr old Lincoln and bought a 10yo Miller, and couldn't be happier. 19 years welding experience said the Lincoln just wasn't the quality of machine I was used to.</TD></TR></TABLE>

You might just have a higher standard, when in reality the Lincoln was just fine but you just wanted better. I'm not criticizing you or saying your wrong, I'm just saying it would cost Lincoln more to produce a cheaper machine and sell it at home depot. And I'm not a beginner welder, I actually was trained by one of the best out here. I learn everything from arc welding to gas welding. I have been using the Lincoln for about 4 to 5 months now and I can lay down some nice welds. Right now its set up for flux core, but I have had people insist I migged the piece because it came out so clean. What products are you referring to that walmart sells ?

 

We have a mass merchandiser around here called Tractor Supply who retail the Hobarts. Not quite HD. but almost. HH140's for $454. Local welding supply, $445.

But, Engloid...help.. I am checking with my local ETOX guy who opened his store twice for me for little **** when he was ready to leave once and closed another time...talking in the parking lot (try that at Home Depot). Last time he just handed me some filler rod for nothing, he doesn't even know me. I figure this is a guy to give my business to. He is a Miller dealer and is offering a Millermatic 135 for $550, which is a sweet price, I believe. Is the infinite voltage control as cool as it seems? And the fully cast feed mechanism? I notice the HH140 has the four taps and some plastic in the feed area. It's only $100 more,
I'm wantin' the Miller!


Modified by B and B at 12:41 AM 2/1/2005

 

i currently have the lincoln 100 with gas conversion and it is a nice machine for welding small to medium thicknesses. i have built everything from turbo manifolds to doing frame wraps on lowriders (for reinforcement for hydraulics) i've put in subframes and custom built motor mounts, shaved door handles, welded in lambo doors, notched out frames, etc. i've welded upto 3/8" thick with it. i would say if most of your work is 1/8"-1/4" it would be suitable. this thing is built pretty good, i've welded at least 100lbs of wire with it without it needing any repairs. thats almost a 1/4 mile worth of bead!

i recently ordered the &lt;a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=23&k=hobart%20135" onmouseover="window.status='hobart 135'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;"&gt;hobart 135&lt;/a&gt; from harbor freight on sale for $330 (get the digital &lt;a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=23&k=dial%20caliper" onmouseover="window.status='dial caliper'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;"&gt;dial caliper&lt;/a&gt; on their homepage for $16 bucks too!). it should be here in the next few days. i would recomend this unit over the lincoln because it comes already set up for gas which you want.

i welded the first year with my lincoln and flux core wire and it sucks. cleaning off slag and spatter with a wire brush for hours is not fun. also, flux core will not weld thinner than 1/8" with a decent bead. basicly your lower voltage settings on the welder will be useless. i'm sure i have permanent brain damage from huffing down spools of flux smoke as well.

 

Thanks for the insight quickersol. Sounds like you've definetly gotten your use out of the 100. I wonder how much of a difference the extra 35 amps will make. Will that get you up to 1/4" you think?

One thing I'm still not clear on is...I guess the average header flange is 1/2" thick right? Neither the 100 or 135 is rated for 1/2"...is it still possible to build a manifold using one of these thick flanges???

Thanks guys!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gophaster &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
the average header flange is 1/2" thick right? Neither the 100 or 135 is rated for 1/2"...is it still possible to build a manifold using one of these thick flanges???
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes, you wouldn't be trying to weld/penetrate two pieces of 1/2". Your gonna join the tube to the flange, and you'll get adequate penetration.

Engloid? would you address the benefits of the Millermatic voltage cont. etc (please?)

 

I grabbed teh 100 pk from Sears for X-mas....love it....

I have only done flux core as of yet...but even on exhuast pipe on the lowest setting you can easily burn through the pipe....

 

I just wanted to add...I think its the best bang for your buck....

 

You're right. I was used to Miller quality and the Lincoln just couldn't cut it.
Well, a blanket statement like that just can't hold up though. Since welding has had a recent "bling" attraction, due to the chopper shows and Monster Garage, the average garage hobby guy has become more interested in welding. It's opened up an entirely new market that was very slim just 5 years ago. On these smaller machines, Lincoln probably sells as much or more at home improvement stores than at dealerships. Your statement that it would cost them more to make 2 models....well, they make 15 or something...it's not how many they offer, it's how many of each they sell that's important.
Damn, I came across pretty rude, looking back at my post. I wasn't particularly saying you were new, just stating the fact that most new guys or guys that have only owned/used one or two machines are typically happy with them. I've worked with many, so there are differences that I see in them that make me like one more than the other.
Car stereos, and from what I've heard, tires at walmart and sams can be out of round and a bit "lesser" quality. I don't buy either from there though.
Sounds like nice service. What I'd reccomend is to reward the guy by giving him your business...IF he will treat you well on this big spending time. In other words, shop around. Find the pest price anywhere. Then go to him and say "I found it for X at _____. I would rather give you my business, if you can meet that price or come pretty close to it." I've used this phrase at car dealerships when buying parts and other places. It works well.
On a machine this small, no. It doesn't mean you have all the power you will ever need or that you can adjust from 0-the max amperage, even. An analogy: Imagine a volume **** on your stereo. Nice how it will adjust up and down gradually, huh? Imagine if it just had 4 preset volume settings. You guys probably don't remember the early days of tv remote controls that did this Anyway, this is the same thing with infinite control on the welding machine. This allows fine tuning, and having 4 or however many presets doesn't.

However, these small mig machine will all have other limits, such as wire speed and sizes of wire they can handle. Within these limits, you don't really need infinite control. Having about 4 different heat settings will work fine. From that point, you can adjust your arc with wirespeed adjustment. With a larger machine like the new Millermatic 350P...well, if you have 350 amps to use, you don't want to be limited to using it in only 4 increments. Not only that, but the bigger machines will run much more wirespeed. I recently used one on some aluminum and the wirespeed was over 600inches of wire per minute. These smaller machines you're looking at would never be able to burn wire that fast...probably not even half of it.
That's just something to sound catchy. In fact, being cast, it's probably weaker than if it were not. It's like having cast pistons vs forged. However, don't worry about it being cast feed mechanism, as it doesn't really have to be that strong and I havn't seen but one or two in my life that have broken...those were probably abused.

In short, I think if the guy's gonna go down on the price that well on the Miller, he may go down even more on the Hobart. If it were my money (even being a big miller fan), I'd go for the Hobart. I have used them much more than the Millers and have never had any problem that made me say, "Why can't they just spend the money and get a Miller!!??"

So, I'd not get hung up on the infinite control, since you don't need it. Trust me...I'd not care if I was choosing between the machines you are. And, you can probably get a heck of a deal on the Hobart, which will do just fine for now and the future. Hell, you may even be able to get a bigge Hobart for what the guy's offering you the Miller for!!

 

Thanks for the knowledge,
the shop that has the Hobarts is a different one from the Miller guy with the good service, btw. They both sell Millers, but Etox sounded kinda pissed when i asked him about a Hobart. I think because the "discounters" are selling them here now. He told me he "doesn't stock them" but could order. He said Miller just bought Hobart to have something to market cheaper- sort of like the HD/Lowes situation, I guess.
But I've heard alot of good testimonials about the Hobarts, so I'm startin' to wonder about the fellow. I just wanted to get the right machine.
p.s.The Hobart has a Miller logo on the gun

Thanks, Engloid.
Sorry to jack your thread, whoever started it, but i guess it's still good info..


Modified by B and B at 1:14 AM 2/2/2005

 

No sweat. Lot's of great info here. Still haven't made up my mind but it looks like all the units we've been discussing should get the job done.