Upgrading from my 110V MIG

**UnfinishedProjects** · 12-06-2010, 10:33 AM

I currently have a Hobart Handler 140, but I would love to upgrade to probably the Arcmate 250.

Should I hang on to the Hobart? The Arcmate can weld just as thin, and is way more capable.

I mostly do chassis fab (.120 wall). If I get the larger welder I plan to build some thicker 4x4 stuff, like 1/4-3/6" brackets and such.

Thanks.

**Charley Davidson** · 12-06-2010, 10:42 AM

If you can afford it financially and space wise keep it never know when you need a backup.

**UnfinishedProjects** · 12-06-2010, 10:46 AM

That's true. I just know I could get close to what I paid for it, and if it sits around, I will feel like it's a waste. However, you're probably right. With my luck, the minute I'd sell it, my new welder would quit on me.

**Arcamm** · 12-06-2010, 01:18 PM

It never hurts to have a backup. If it will hold it's value, look at it as bank account, sell it when you really need something.

**UnfinishedProjects** · 12-06-2010, 02:06 PM

That's true. Since I ain't hurting for money, might as well keep it. Not too mention, the 110V is nice if I ever have to go to a buddy's house and weld something up for them.

**brucer** · 01-07-2011, 07:43 AM

plus you could use it as the loaner machine..... hey man can i borrow your welder? yea sure, oh, not that one, this one

...

**brucer** · 01-07-2011, 11:15 AM

i also do some automotive fab work, i use to do alot of it.. tubbing, roll cages and such... i would recommend nothing less than a 180amp machine running off 220volts, i would actually go up to a 200 to 250amp recommendation..
i have a lincoln 180c at the moment, i'm not real happy with it, it works fine, welds fine.. but it no where runs a bead as smooth as the miller 252 i had... the arc seems alot more harsh and stiffer, the miller was extremely smooth and soft, it would nearly run a bead itself... i hear alot of excellent reviews of the thermal arc fabricator 210 and 251, they are priced very good. i'm not sure of their product support, i own one of their tig welders but i've never had an issue with it.. ive never used a longevity welder or seen one in person, the 200amp mig looks to be a good price point.. i wish the longevity mig welders were older, i ordered a plasma cutter from longevity to try it out, if something goes wrong with it i can survive without it if it needs to be sent in for repairs, i dont want to be without a mig welder for any length of time..

look at the duty cycles also, thermal arc seems to have the best duty cycles in the 200-300 amp range and that means less stress on internal components.. i started looking and made up a chart as i compared manufacturers with duty cycles and cost, thermal arc beat every manufacturer, their downfall is they are tap machines, but they have enough tap settings that i dont think it would be a factor... i also pay attention to the drive mechanism, no plastic is a must..

also some food for thought, keep in mind the size of your shop... i have a small 2 car garage, so larger machines can be cumbersome..

**arandall** · 01-07-2011, 12:17 PM

If it were me, I'd keep the 110v model for the same reason you mentioned - you can take it anywhere. And around here anyway, you couldn't get much selling it. Garage space is always an issue though.