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Busstom
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 10:42 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

johnnyvw164 wrote:
"Project Farm" did a nice comparison video of welders...
Ahh, I haven't seen his welders comparo. Thanks for the tip, I'll have to check it out.
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 6:25 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

"Project Farm" did a nice comparison video of welders, from (IIRC) around $150 all the way up to $2200. He had a professional welder do the actual welding so the opinions seem to be valid. The biggest take-away for me is that the cheap welders had a narrower range of capability, i.e either they could do thick stuff or thin stuff better, but they didn't have the range of capability the $2200 welder had.
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PostPosted: Sun Sep 24, 2023 7:20 pm    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

Any good reason to step up to the Eastwood 180 from the 140?
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2023 12:25 pm    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

Anyone have a Amazon Yesweld tig welder. They start at $100 for a 145 and go up from there.
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 27, 2023 1:53 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

Semper Gumby wrote:
My "handy me down" 30+ year old Lincoln welder finally sh*t the bed. Since I rarely weld anything thicker than 3/16" and am a mere hobbyist at it, I selected Eastwood's MIG 140 (120v - inverter technology) which replaced its 135 series system. I had the dedicated 20 amp line already so it was plug and play for me.

Not too shabby for a value / affordable MIG. Plus, I liked the 3-year warranty which beat a few other systems I considered.

If you're a hobbyist at it and don't want to break the bank welding the VW - Eastwood's 140 might be a good pick.


I'm another Eastwood user, they make a robust and well designed welder. Around 2010 when I was welder shopping for the first time, one simply could not buy a mig welder with infinite controls on both wire speed and power for what, less than a grand? I finally decided on the MIG 135. After using it for about ten years, I recently replaced it with their 200 amp multi process welder and upgraded my bottle from an 80cf to 125cf. It comes with a 240v adapter plug so it's usable on a regular 120v receptacle.
I think the entry level gas-capable Eastwood welders will handle any hobby project like VWs, and beyond.
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2023 7:22 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

My "handy me down" 30+ year old Lincoln welder finally sh*t the bed. Since I rarely weld anything thicker than 3/16" and am a mere hobbyist at it, I selected Eastwood's MIG 140 (120v - inverter technology) which replaced its 135 series system. I had the dedicated 20 amp line already so it was plug and play for me.

Not too shabby for a value / affordable MIG. Plus, I liked the 3-year warranty which beat a few other systems I considered.

If you're a hobbyist at it and don't want to break the bank welding the VW - Eastwood's 140 might be a good pick.

Lotos plasma cutter (R) and Eastwood MIG 140 (L)
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2023 7:22 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

My "handy me down" 30+ year old Lincoln welder finally sh*t the bed. Since I rarely weld anything thicker than 3/16" and am a mere hobbyist at it, I selected Eastwood's MIG 140 (120v - inverter technology) which replaced its 135 series system. I had the dedicated 20 amp line already so it was plug and play for me.

Not too shabby for a value / affordable MIG. Plus, I liked the 3-year warranty which beat a few other systems I considered.

If you're a hobbyist at it and don't want to break the bank welding the VW - Eastwood's 140 might be a good pick.

Lotos plasma cutter (R) and Eastwood MIG 140 (L)
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2022 3:25 pm    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

I'm kinda new to welding myself...been learning through research and grinding. I've got a thread over in the Oval forum... The 'Ol 55.
I've found some gems of info here on TS that have helped me along. I'm trying to accomplish what needs to be done with what resources I have. Currently only a Millermatic 175 so no TIG or spotweld, studweld capabilities. And self teaching/learning how to weld through what I can glean from anywhere I can get the info.
I recently watched this video for some insight into MIG welding body panels that just really helped me see the difference between TIG and MIG and where the applications differ...this guy's body work skills are top notch, everything from fabrication to dent repair...all of which I need to learn to get my old bug back on the road. Maybe someone else will find this useful. It's a little over an hour long with some fabrication, TIG and then MIG panel welding. The MIG welding portion begins around 52:30.


Link
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 02, 2022 7:59 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

New to welding, thoroughly searched this topic.

My handy mig will not feed, I believe I've narrowed it down to the liner. Hoping for some assist before I pull the liner and take it to AirGas.
From my understanding, they are universal; cannot find verification. Will order Lincoln if required, but I'd rather procure one locally without
the cost of shipping--$10 to ship a $16 part hurts my soul.

Thanks in advance.

Will the Harbor Freight VULCAN MIG Gun Liner (0.025 - 0.045 In.)
work with a Lincoln Handy Mig (Code Number:10919, 11205)
[Item #11 Liner PN: S25351-50]
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2022 9:42 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

esde wrote:
Never heard of that manufacturer, so I can't comment on quality. But, what about service if something doesn't work correctly?
200A is more than enough for anything you need to do restoring a car, IMO


They are a local manufacturer and have decent service according to someone I know who uses them. I was wondering more about the difference between 200A and 250 - if the 200A would be sufficient for most needs in the garage.
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2022 7:06 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

Never heard of that manufacturer, so I can't comment on quality. But, what about service if something doesn't work correctly?
200A is more than enough for anything you need to do restoring a car, IMO
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2022 7:00 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

https://www.cruxweld.com/welding-cutting-equipments/tig-250/

I could use inputs on either of these machines - single phase or 3 phase versions. Do the specs seem ok?

There is also a 200A version, would that be enough?
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2021 3:02 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

This week I picked up a


I also purchased an air compressor - 210L per min. to run the plasma cutter.

Mig seems easy enough... it's the TIG I want to learn which means I need a second bottle - pure argon.

I nearly purchased a dedicated AC/DC TIG machine but decided instead to stick with MIG/TIG with lift start.
Last few days I've been out scouring the local industrial area of scrape steel Smile[/url]
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 22, 2021 8:30 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

modok, thank you for your post. It was very helpful.

Lincoln now makes a 141, although the 140 is still widely available.
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 22, 2021 2:04 am    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

Surprised they still make the 140t, that's probably what you want.

I don't care for the infinite controls, would prefer it they had detents to more quickly and repeatably switch between the two or at most three different settings I actually use.
Realistically for a given size wire there is a useful max, a useful min, and perhaps a nice middle.
Outside of that what you really need is a different machine or a different wire, the rest of the "control" can be done by travel speed, stickout, and timing.

I have thought in the past the millers and hobarts with only Four taps... needs perhaps at least one more tap. like between 1 and 2,
I now have BOTH a isolation boost/buck transformer AND a 30 amp variac, either of I can use to finely adjust the power Twisted Evil
So maybe....if my miller 135xp miller has a infinite control... can it do sheetmetal even better than the eastwood?
not really, still about the same. only bothered to try it a few times. Grass is always greener, as they say.

Some people prefer infinite controls. Hard to say how much of that is mental and how much isn't. OR maybe that's the point. it's all mental.
I want to memorize what setting the machine is "in" so I know exactly what it's gonna do,.... perhaps other people want to adjust the machine to match what setting they are in, how many cups of coffee? Laughing
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 10:33 pm    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

So I visited a local welding shop (that sells welding equipment but doesn't do welding), and after a somewhat lengthy conversation, determined that for my needs, a professional quality machine, and the costs attached to it, will be overkill for the very occasional use I will be giving it.

After reading through this thread again, and the Eastwood 135 thread, I have determined that the Eastwood's major drawback is having to send it to them for repairs when needed. Shipping costs will probably be more than the machine or repair costs. Or I could never run into that situation (ah, to be omniscient!).

The Eastwood's main pros are its infinitely adjustable voltage control, and its excellent price.

Other top choices:

Lincoln 140T at Home Depot. This is very tempting because: a) I work there, and b) the return policy is very easy - keep your receipt and don't bring back a car wreck and you're good.

Hobart Handler 140. This is a good deal from Northerntool.com. With the free shipping it less $$ than the Lincoln 140T I can pick up locally. And someone in this thread stated that the (modern) Lincoln and Hobart 140s are comparable.

Both the Lincoln and Hobart appear to have tapped voltage controls. I would prefer continuous voltage control instead. If someone could recommend another welder, besides the Eastwood, in the same general category as these three, with continuous voltage control, I would give it serious consideration.

Thanks!
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 16, 2021 6:43 pm    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

IRQVET wrote:
One of the most under-rated welders IMHO is the Hobart 210 MPV. You have the ability to move between 110v/220v, parts are available, they are built well, and the price is more than reasonable for what your getting.

I got started on a 110v Chinese buzz box w/ no shielding gas. My welds were horrible. My cousin restores WW2 Jeeps and he had the Hobart 210 MPV, and after using it, I was hooked.

Best welding investment I ever made. It can handle more than I'll ever throw at it; so it can grow with me and I don't have to upgrade every couple of years. It was a one-and-done investment for me unless I decide to go with a Tig welder later.


I had been wondering if the 210MVP would be enough for welding tube frames. I know that its plenty for sheet metal/body panel work, but I've been unsure how it'll do for a knock down Warrior frame. Been looking at getting the 210MVP as a replacement for my Northern Industrial 140i that I bought in 2013. Unfortunately it's no longer supported far as hardware goes for internals and Hobart still supports a lot of their legacy models. I'm certain the welder I have would be adequate for welding a knock down kit, but I'd rather not chance it.
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 25, 2020 11:48 pm    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

Pros of straight co2
It's cheaper, easier to get filled up (at paintball or beverage supply places)
Bottle is smaller (more portable)
Works better welding upside down (it goes UP not down)
Less chance of being contaminated (I have had bad bottles of argon, but never got a contaminated c02 bottle, probably because it's a liquid)

Cons
welding spatter slightly worse
It "only" works with carbon steel filler wire (not stainless or aluminim)
Welding fumes slightly worse
Can't do spray transfer (which is ok because machines smaller than 200 amps usually can't do spray transfer anyway)

Differences
The puddle flows easier, which is usually good, but it flows SO easily you could say there is slightly less control.
The working speed is slower, heat and penetration is sightly more for the same settings because of the slower working speed.
Which is....maybe good or bad depending, or rather just different.
The slower speed is easier IMO, then again the result may be slightly more distortion, BUT less chance of being brittle due to less rapid cooling, so yet again not really better or worse. It reduces the amount of carbon in the weld which for sheetmetal work should be a pro, but could be a pro or con depending on the type of steel you are welding.

The best way to do a mig weld is, you make a groove, and fill the groove.
In that case only 25% of the weld is exposed to the shielding gas. I prefer co2 for that kind of joint.

Doing a outside corner joint, or building up surface, or just plain making a part entirely out of weld.... then far more % of the weld could be exposed to gas, so then I MIGHT prefer the 25%/75 co2/argon mix.

but overall... NOT a lot of difference. IMO getting a good machine and using a good quality filler wire makes more of a difference than the choice of straight or mixed shielding gas.
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 25, 2020 9:38 pm    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

modok wrote:
110volt mig, co2, .030 wire, is PERFECT for 2-3mm thickness,
Ok up to 4mm thickness, depending on the design of the joint, and if it's plugged into a good outlet.

If the wiring in your workshop is at all sketchy you may have to install a dedicated outlet no matter if you go with a 110 or 220 machine, in fact IF the wiring is wimpy or very FAR from the breaker box 220 machine makes it easier....... so don't let that be a factor in your choice.


Almost everything I've seen so far mentions an argon/CO2 mix. What's the practical difference between the mix and straight CO2, as far as shielding capability?
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 25, 2020 3:55 pm    Post subject: Re: Welding equipment Reply with quote

110volt mig, co2, .030 wire, is PERFECT for 2-3mm thickness,
Ok up to 4mm thickness, depending on the design of the joint, and if it's plugged into a good outlet.

If the wiring in your workshop is at all sketchy you may have to install a dedicated outlet no matter if you go with a 110 or 220 machine, in fact IF the wiring is wimpy or very FAR from the breaker box 220 machine makes it easier....... so don't let that be a factor in your choice.
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