Seems like it has decent reviews, but you never know. Paid reviews for amazon are really easy to come by, but there are enough to make me think it isn't too bad of a machine for light duty flux core.

 

Just ordered a Lincoln Pro MIG 140 and an AHP Alphatig 201xd. Wish me luck.

 

My Alphatig 201xd pre-order has been in for awhile but I'm seriously considering cancelling it and getting a PrimeWeld 225x instead. Only like 50 bucks more, is a little more powerful, has a few extra *****, and comes with a CK flex head torch instead of the no name chinese roto-torch that AHP has. Any one have one of the PrimeWeld units?

 

I have done my research for the best value, under $1k, mig welder and came up with the Hobart 190 at $670 at TSC. Harbor freight is sold out of every welder, so they aren’t an option. Everybody who sells a welder on Craigslist around here thinks it’s worth as much as they paid for it, which rules out a used miller or lincoln.

My short term project is rust repair on some 20g sheet metal (tig is not cutting it due to position and lack of pristine metal), but I also have a C10 that I’d like to do an axle swap on and could use the ability to weld 1/4”. Don’t know how much more thickness I would need. I do value the ability to do thin stuff.

Anything that I’ve missed?

 

I have a Lincoln ProMIG 140 that uses 110v input and like it a lot. The bigger brother to this unit is the 220v ProMIG 180 which is about 700 bucks at Lowe's so it's within your budget. The chart on the door says it can do up to 3/8" in a single pass on MIG with solid wire and up to 1/2" with flux core. I've seen people on Youtube do 1/4" MIG with it in a single pass, or just bevel it and do it in a couple passes.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lincoln-Ele...Welder/1072947

 

Do you really need a Hobart 190? I have a 140 and I have been very happy with it. Just trying to save you some money if possible is all.

 

Yeah, it’s a valid question. I was decided on a lower amp machine and then reconsidered. I have a 1967 c20 that I want to do some axle/suspension work on that will require more than 140. I would rather buy it once... also, the budget isn’t super tight- just looking for a good value. I would spend up to $1k if it meant a much better machine, but $650 for the HH 190 (out the door price) is pretty compelling. The 210 doesn’t seem to offer much for a few hundred more, and the miller 211s are way more for what appears to be the same product from a home shop perspective. You like your 140?

I looked at the Lincoln, but apples to apples the hh190 is a better price. I looked around at Esab and htp, but couldn’t find a compelling reason to spend more.

 

I love my Lincoln 140, especially since it runs on 120. The welder can go to the work, instead of the work going to the welder.

 

Always buy the biggest tool. You never know what you need to weld.

I have a hand me down Lincoln 140, and am constantly wanting more power.

 

Just to follow up. After much flailing, I ended up ordering from Hobart directly. They have hh 190 refurbs in stock for $550 right now.

 

$550 for a HH190 is a good deal.

 

Bought the boys a new machine a few weeks ago.


​​​​​Hands down this is their favorite machine. This thing kicks ***.

So I had fully intended on buying an Esab machine(220I). Reviews were 5 stars. Good price. Came with all the options and goodies like the Miller. Water cool system with WC gas lens torch, cart, the works.
But the lady at the store stopped me she said that the Esabs were all coming back for warranty repairs. This blew my mind. She also said parts were longer wait time than miller, which I expected. Maybe she / they make more commission off Miller. But we ended up with this. Dynasty 210.

 

You went with the buy once buy right option

I have an esab EM 215 ic (the mig only one) and I like it a lot but have read about some of the reliability issues. I THINK I read that a lot of the issues come from circuit damage in shipping and the larger units are most affected because they get handled the roughest by UPS. I'm about a year into owning this machine, no issues, fingers crossed.

Trying to get my daughter to learn to weld (so far I have her not freaked out by watching it up close):


Also I just did a small project with 14ga 2" square tube. First time using 2" tube and it is 1000% easier to weld than the 1" I have done other household projects with. You actually have time to get into a rhythm and the weld length is just a comfy long stitch:

 

Go here:

https://www.miataturbo.net/fabulous-...thread-103111/

 

Bought another welder for the boys in the shop. (Well let's be honest, this is for me lol)
I may have posted this in the pics thread, but I can't remember. I've spent a few months living with this machine now and I must say, I love it.

I'm sure like everyone I was extremely skeptical. I thought, no way could something the size of a briefcase be able to weld 1/2" plate on just batteries. But boy was I wrong. This thing is amazing.






Now I know this machine is not obtainable for most people, because of it's price. But for doing work in a massive facility without having to drag cords 400' or deal with gas bottles it is priceless. I mean, sometimes we are doing work 40' in the air. It's so nice to just plop this thing in the lift and go.
I am able to get about 12-15 1/8" rods out of it. But if you plug it in the charger works as a "passthrough" giving you endless time. I highly recommend this machine if something like this makes sense to you.
​​​​​​

 

I heard these were awesome. I could see the responsible party having to give up the drivers license to check it out of the tool room so it wouldn't walk away. 😄