which welder to purchase

[robert murphy]

i am looking at the hobart handler135 and the lincolnpromig 135. the hobart looks to have a cheaper gun and regulator than the lincoln and the manual indicates the hobart only welds to 3/16, while the lincoln indicates welds to 1/4, also the wire speeds are different. i would probably do more welding at the 3/16 to 1/4 thickness. bottom line, which is the better machine?

[cope]

which mig

For 1/4" material you will probably be better off with a 175 amp either Miller/Hobart or Lincoln. Even welding 3/16" you are pushing the envelope. Take a grain of salt when comparing top-end specs on these smaller MIGs

[deere_x475guy]

Re: which welder to purchase

Originally posted by robert murphy
i am looking at the hobart handler135 and the lincolnpromig 135. the hobart looks to have a cheaper gun and regulator than the lincoln and the manual indicates the hobart only welds to 3/16, while the lincoln indicates welds to 1/4, also the wire speeds are different. i would probably do more welding at the 3/16 to 1/4 thickness. bottom line, which is the better machine?

Robert, I had the Lincoln 3200 HD. It stated up to 5/16 on the outside of the box. However once looking into it you could only weld up to 3/16 with a single pass.
Here is a link to the HD 3200. It is the same as the 135T. Just packaged for Home Depot

http://content.lincolnelectric.com/pdfs/products/literature/e7351.pdf

I ended up getting a MillerMatic 175.

Good Luck

[R. Nelson]

Re: which welder to purchase

Originally posted by robert murphy
i am looking at the hobart handler135 and the lincolnpromig 135. the hobart looks to have a cheaper gun and regulator than the lincoln and the manual indicates the hobart only welds to 3/16, while the lincoln indicates welds to 1/4, also the wire speeds are different. i would probably do more welding at the 3/16 to 1/4 thickness. bottom line, which is the better machine?

I agree, go the extra and get a 175, you won't regret it.

[Arbo]

Robert,

If you are looking to stay with a 110v machine I would highly suggest looking into the Lincoln SP135+. It is a much superior machine for the money. The promig 135 is a cheaper model that is sold at retail outlets. the SP135+ (not to be confused with the Sp135T) is a professional duty type machine. You will likely need to see a welding store for the plus model. Good luck with your decision.

[Will]

Robert,
Take the advice on getting a 175 class machine instead of the 135. If you search this site and the old message board you will find that this question has been asked many times with this same answer. For 1/4 inch material you will be much happier with a 175. Both aweaver and deere_x475guy have recently made the upgrade to 175's. One bought the Hobart, the other bought the Miller. Both are happy with their new, more powerful welders.

This has been said before, but.....the message board has many members looking for a bigger welder....there is no one looking to buy a smaller one. I have never heard anyone say they bought a welder that was too powerful, and they wish they had bought a smaller one.

[Scott V]

I think Arbo has half the right answer.The other half is the Lincoln SP175 Plus.Untill I find a machine that welds better I sticking to that machine.I really don't think there is a nicer welding mig in that amp range.That includes way more costly mig units.The thing puts out a very nice looking weld bead without trying.Lincoln has got that one right.You need to go weld with one to find out for yourself.Thats the way to buy a machine if posible.Try more than one brand also.The reason for picking the SP 175 Plus over the the SP 135 Plus is he said 0.250 metal.

[Hobart Expert Rock]

HI ROBERT.............HEY THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND IS TO SET DOWN AND WELD WITH ALL THE MACHINES.... THIS WAY WHEN YOU PICK IT IS YOUR DECISION.......... BY THE WAY WELCOME ABOARD...........HOPE YOU ENJOY THE SITE AND THE EXPERTISE ON BOARD.................ON 1/4 INCH MATERIAL I DEFINATELY AGREE THE 175 AMP MACHINE IS THE WAY TO GO....... NOW HAVE SOME FUN WITH YOUR DECISION AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU DECIDE AND WHAT THE DETERMINING FACTOR WAS...........................ROCK
[email protected]

[fred]

get the 175, i used a 120hh and welding 1/4 web i beams and when it changed from summer to fall(outside,flux core) the penetration was not there. i had a lincoln 175+ but, changed to a 175 mm because of higher wire speeds,bigger drive rolls,and the quick change drive roll feature,you can put an aftermarket spool gun or push-pull gun on with no additional boxes altho the push pull is expensive