mikeatrpi Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 I don't think its worth $200 for infinite voltage adjustment. You can get the same effect by varying the stickout. Besides, less settings to screw with when you're new will keep you learning proper technique instead of dialing knobs. FWIW, I bought my refurb Lincoln SP-100T from weldingmart.com for $370 shipped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad-ManQ45 Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 For sheet metal, you might want to look at JW HArris TwentyGuage - it is a powder-core wire .030 in diameter that you use with gas and will help in not burning through. The nice thing about the Hobarts is that they go down to 25 amps, not just the 30 thhat the small Millers go down to. With the TwentyGuage, you shouldn't have a problem with either machine - or the small Lincoln's either, and the Lincoln goes down to 25 amps also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody 82 ZXT Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 I welded in a patch panel on my ZX today and it worked perfectly. Like I said earlier the Hobart worked perfectly on my ZX last weekend when I welded in a patch panel on the roof line area. I just used the factory settings with .025 wire and I had no proublems ar all. Ofcourse I took my time and only did small portions at a time until I got all the way around it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 ZX has thicker sheet metal than the Z and the 240 has the thinnest metal of all which I'm sure makes a difference. Like Wagz I also think the infinite adjustability is worth it, and I was just playing around with my voltage and wire speed setting while welding on my Z yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 Technique can overcome lack of infinite settings....necessity is the mother of adaptation......if $$ was no object, then that's one thing, and I am the first to say that you should buy the absolute best you can afford when it comes to tools (a capital investment that can be ammortorized over the years of service), but don't get hung up on one feature..... Before I bought my Millermatic from John C., I used my 220V harbor freight $300 welder for all my bodywork (a lot of sheetmetal welding).......was it more time consuming: Yes. Did it work and come out nicely? You tell me: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wagz Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 There goes Tim showing off his nice a$$ again... Seriously though, I agree with Tim. If you can afford the extra layout of cash, get the best you can. If it doesn't include the infinite adjustability, you can adapt your welding technique. Not getting the infinite settings shouldn't stop you from buying a decent welder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FEnatic Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 Lowes has the Lincoln 175 pro for only $594.00. Anyone find it elsewhere for less? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 Seriously though, I agree with Tim. If you can afford the extra layout of cash, get the best you can. If it doesn't include the infinite adjustability, you can adapt your welding technique. Not getting the infinite settings shouldn't stop you from buying a decent welder. OK, I can agree with that statement. You're all right that there is nothing really wrong with the Hobart or other quality welders that don't have the infinite settings, it's just a little more convenient to have them, especially when working on thin rusty sheetmetal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 OK, I can agree with that statement. You're all right that there is nothing really wrong with the Hobart or other quality welders that don't have the infinite settings, it's just a little more convenient to have them, especially when working on thin rusty sheetmetal. Yeah, we all are correct....if only money wasn't a limited resource....but then I doubt I would building a Z.....Lambo maybe.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody 82 ZXT Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 Yeah, we all are correct....if only money wasn't a limited resource....but then I doubt I would building a Z.....Lambo maybe.... Well, said!! Also, if you get back the original budget of 500.00 then that changes lots of things back to either the Hobart or the Lincoln for similar prices and features. Really, I think good prep, (fit, finish,clean) techique, and taking your time will give you the best results no matter what welder you go with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 Yeah, we all are correct....if only money wasn't a limited resource....but then I doubt I would building a Z.....Lambo maybe.... You know... I think I'd still be building a Z. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Jarvis Posted June 17, 2005 Share Posted June 17, 2005 im going to get the hobart most likely, where the hell did you get it for 250? im looking at 450 w/a cart.. Tractor Supply, clearance on a display 135 when the 140 came out, I also think I got lucky in that they thought parts were missing, but when they finally found the box, everything was there. Not very often, but every now and then I get lucky like that...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oleh Posted June 19, 2005 Share Posted June 19, 2005 im debating whether to buy a lincoln 135T for 200 bucks or dish out 500 for a 135T or a miller 135, any suggestions ? is the infinate voltage controls that important Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boodlefoof Posted June 19, 2005 Share Posted June 19, 2005 In my opinion, the infinite voltage control is a very nice feature... particularly if you're doing cosmetic sheet metal welding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hat1324 Posted June 20, 2005 Author Share Posted June 20, 2005 you mean the 135t or the 135 Plus? i dont see a "pro series"... talking to the welding shop they got me thinking the adjustibility is way important(especially in sheet metal).. is the 175 one at lowes adjustible? EDIT: its not a 110 volt unit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oleh Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 the 135T is non adjustable and the 135+ is adjustable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hat1324 Posted June 21, 2005 Author Share Posted June 21, 2005 the 135T is non adjustable and the 135+ is adjustable. Yes but its the actual version.. The Lowes/home depot/menards version is called the "PRO MIG 135" very simmilar but it actually is missing things. UPDATE!!! I went with Lincon SP-135 Plus, with the cart.. I paid maybe $5 less then what there listed at after Tax hit my discount but its all good.. why did I go with the Lincon and not the Miller? 1. I like the way the Lincon gun feels. 2. The parts that need to be replaced(tips,etc) are $5 for a whole pack and the miller is .40 a piece.. 3. both the "cadilac of welders" 4. to weld aluminum cost $60.. cost $500 for the Miller spoolmate.. 5. the company I got it from hooked me up with alot of accessories.. plus it says nascar.. what can be cooler then that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boodlefoof Posted June 21, 2005 Share Posted June 21, 2005 Congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted June 26, 2005 Share Posted June 26, 2005 Just to add a little about the Lincoln welders. They make a 135 (compareable to the Hobart 135/140) and a 135 plus (compareable to the Miller 135) which both run on 110v. The plus adds infinite voltage control instead of click stops. Same is true with the 175. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hat1324 Posted June 27, 2005 Author Share Posted June 27, 2005 exactly why I went with the 135+ the T seams identical to the pro-mig from lowes.. got a FREE tank from a local shop, and gas was $30(Stargon) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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