Welder Upgrade Advice

[jmgtp]

My current welder is a Chicago Electric (Harbor Freight) 110v MIG (90amp).

What I like about it:
Runs on 110v
Easy to setup for use (4 switches to pick your current)
Powerful enough for my needs (which is typically exhaust pipes, but occassionaly bigger stuff)

What I dont like:
Leaky hoses
Super cheap wand
only accepts 2 lb spools
transformers are not fan cooled
hard to source parts

I'm considering an upgrade to a better welder within the next few months though I haven't ruled out upgrading the CE welder with a better wand/hose. My requirements would be Runs on 110v or dual voltage, MIG (gas) capable. Preferably fan cooled transformer. Better quality want. Leak free!

So basically I'm still looking for something entry level but with a little more quality to it. I like the simple controls on the Chicago Electric but I could learn something a bit more advanced. My number one complaint about the CE is the terrible wand and hose quality, leaking my expensive argon/co2 gas out the hose is just awful. Otherwise, its actually been a good little welder that I've used a whole lot and I can make relatively clean welds.

On the flip of this - is it possible to retro fit a better hose and wand onto the CE welder? That would certainly save me some coin!

[CNCguy]

Check Craigslist and the like for a better quality, used welder. You won't be disappointed with a good used on. If anyway possible, you should try to upgrade to a 240 vt unit. So much better. I have several welders including a Lincoln 110 vts that only has been used a few times. It works okay but is no comparison to the bigger machine. I bought it used from my neighbor, who was tight on cash at rent time, for $200 a few years ago.

[Superdave]

I have the Lincoln Weld-Pack 3200HD, it's one of the better 110v welders you can get for a decent price. You can run flux core or standard and it comes with a roller stand that's got a bottle mount on it.

I can't say anything bad about it, it's never let me down. I upgraded from a HF flux core that was very problematic and never looked back. Home depot sells them, IIRC it was around $300.

[jmgtp]

I'd consider a 240v unit only if it was dual voltage capable and could run on 110v as well. Reason being I like being able to weld anywhere in my garage. Other issue being I don't currently have 240v in my garage.

Superdave, I know Lincoln is a very good name in welders. I had no idea that a 110v Lincoln was available for as little as $300! I tried flux core welding once, and it was a splattering mess. Shielding gas is the way to go.

When the time comes I'm going to scour Craigslist first and see if there are any steals out there. Will likely be a few months before I make a decision.

[55trucker]

I personally have the Lincoln 140HD. It's a 110v unit, max output is 140 amps at 20% duty cycle, I've used it for both flux core (with & without the gas) & S70 wire, and the output & relatively short whip let's me also use it for small aluminum work.
It's very reliable, has a 3 yr warranty supplied as new, it requires a dedicated 20amp breaker in the circuit it's being run on.

[3400-95-Modified]

I've been using the Miller 130XP that my father inlaw has had... works great since its a gas sheilding, 110v and actually gets quite hot if you have the poliarity set up right... lol, For the longest time I was welding on flux core settings while using MIG, I never knew since I didn't setup the welder so I never checked it, needless to say it doesn't work quite well that way. Recently hooked it up with Tri-Mix and some stainless wire and did the exhaust for my Legacy.

[pocket-rocket]

I've got the HF flux core as well. It does ok for exhaust work, and I've tacked sheet metal in on unseen places where rust claimed original metal, but mine's only got 1 adjustment for amperage... 60 and 80 amps, so it makes it hard at times to do sheet metal and work on some old exhaust without burning through.

I was going to upgrade to this one:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/welding-metalworking/welders/mig-welding/mig-welders/hobart-handler-reg-140-mig-welder-3812040

but I found one on Eastwood a reviewer said worked just as good as the Hobard and was $200 cheaper:

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-110vac-135a-output.html

[geoffinbc]

Look in your area for a place that rents welder. Red-D-Arc is a big name in this business. Walk in and ask if they have any wire feed welders for sale. The sale price is reduced based on the time it has been rented. It is the cheapest way to buy a welder with everything included to make it run. Currently I can buy a Miller inverter TIG welder ready to run with a 50 foot whip and ground and a water cooler for $3500. It is like new and comes with a warranty. Brand new you would be looking at over $10,000 for that amount of equipment.

Also if your work in your garage then most likely your breaker panel is right there. So putting in a 240V plug will be very easy. It makes a huge difference in weld quality when you have a 240V service.