Welder advice (just bought a new one)

[james]

Finally finished re-wiring my house and adding a new subpanel for my new welder and finally fired it up. (Hobart ironman 250 amp mig) WOW!! After 7 years or so with my trusty Lincoln 100, I am blown away at the difference. The power this thing has is incredible! My advice to anyone contemplating a new welder-- don't bother with 110 unless you ONLY do sheet metal. I used and abused that little lincoln and made it do things it shoudn't have. The only thing I have to say is I think I may be a more concientous (sp?) welder because I had to really work at getting good penetration on thicker stuff, and probably learned to pay more attention to the puddle than if I had started with this much power. Can't wait to get the spool gun and go after some aluminum. Think I'll switch the lincoln back to flux for the portable jobs I get once in a while. WOW!

[oso64]

good for you.i know a lot of guys that think 110 machines are useless,but i've used them to weld 16g all the way up to 3/16 flat bar.i work for construction companies so everything has to be nuke proof.sometimes you just cann't afford a big machine.thats cool though,glad you got a good set up.good luck, jimmy http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[james]

I can't believe the difference. I've built pipe racks for the city and stuff with the little one, and made alot of money with it on the side. This new one burns holes in 1/4" on the middle heat setting! Northern tool has a deal with Hobart- free shipping, and they do 4 credit card payments same as cash, so it's pretty good for someone without a couple grand to throw down at once.