About 30yrs ago a buddy of mine had this Hobart/Craftsman MIG welder that he couldn't get to work. He'd bought it new a few yrs earlier and all it would do is pop and sputter, so it just forlornly sat in a corner of his garage. One day he jus' up and gave it to me. The fix was easy enough, he'd added the "gas kit" to it and neglected swap the polarity of the gun at the same time. Hell, swapping polarity was the first step in the kit instruction. In less than an hour I was "cooking bacon" like a madman. Anyway... the week before my foot surgery it went to that happy shop in the sky... the rectifier is shot. Parts are no longer available. I could modify it to accept a more modern replacement rectifier, but to be honest, I don't really feel like putting the time into it. In about 2 mo I'll turn 69. I think it's time to pick my battles a little more judiciously.
So... I'm on the hunt for a new welder. Being laid up, I've had plenty of time to research welders and pick one. I've read reviews and watched Youtube videos 'till my eyes bled.... and yet I can't decide on a replacement. In fact, the more I read and watch, the further away I am from picking one. I'm gonna be off my feet for a few more weeks at least, so there's no tearin' rush, but I'd like some "real work" opinions here. Here's the "wanted" criteria:
120A minimum.
120/240 supply capable would be nice, but 240 only is acceptable.
Gas. Not interested in flux core.
Light weight. Preferably under 25lbs
Under $500... the "more under" the better.
What are you using and how happy with it are you with it?
So... I'm on the hunt for a new welder. Being laid up, I've had plenty of time to research welders and pick one. I've read reviews and watched Youtube videos 'till my eyes bled.... and yet I can't decide on a replacement. In fact, the more I read and watch, the further away I am from picking one. I'm gonna be off my feet for a few more weeks at least, so there's no tearin' rush, but I'd like some "real work" opinions here. Here's the "wanted" criteria:
120A minimum.
120/240 supply capable would be nice, but 240 only is acceptable.
Gas. Not interested in flux core.
Light weight. Preferably under 25lbs
Under $500... the "more under" the better.
What are you using and how happy with it are you with it?