First Welder

Looking for my first welder any tips. Looking at this one http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200471413_200471413
I don't want use sheilding gas so I do need flux core wire. Right?
The reasons:
1. My dad has a Hobart stick welder+ generator combo and he loves it.
2.Made by Miller.( would buy a miller but $700 for the same machine.

Yes, you will need flux core if you dont use shielding gas.

I bought a 130 MIG off eBay late last year: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Series-Auto-Feed-MIG-100-MIG-130-MIG-150-MIG-175-MIG-190-Welding-Welder-/320916593931?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4ab81e9d0b, but mine isnt the greatest when it comes to thinner metals. The welder you posted has the opportunity to use a shielding gas, and its a nme brand so it should work out great for you.

Check Tractor Supply too if you have one nearby, I know mine carries Hobart welders.

thanks for the help.

if you have a tractor supply near you, the job smart flux-core works really good, it does good on thin metal and thicker, you just have to go slow on thicker, i think it cost 139 new

That Hobart is a very good machine, you won't go wrong with it. IMHO, you're better to save your nickels and buy a quality machine, rather than something a bunch of 6-year-olds threw together in a sweatshop in china.

A good machine such as a Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, or even re-brands are going to last you a lifetime, even with abuse. Parts and support are readily available, and always will be. Should you ever decide to sell it (DON'T), it will keep it's value, and you'll make back a good chunk of your investment.

Please know that this bit of "spend the money" advise comes from a guy with a VERY tight budget. Hell, I'm so tight, I squeak when I walk. But I know onw thing for a fact- there is no substitute for quality tools, even if you have to save awhile and then nearly pass out paying for them.

Yea. Some people say you pay for the name,but I don't care, I know I get what I'm paying for.

Nathan43 wrote:

Yea. Some people say you pay for the name,but I don't care, I know I get what I'm paying for.

Yeah thats what i hear too.
I use a harbor fraight 90amp mig welder and workes great almost as good as a lincon eletric welder.

To a degree, that's true. But there's much more to it than that. And if "paying for the name" means me knowing I've got a high-quality product that's gonna last, I'll pay for the name.

I have beaten the everloving crap out of welding machines in the past- conditions that I personally guarantee would smoke a chinese machine in short order. And the Lincolns went on forever.

I do buy some chinese stuff, too- but not when I expect something to go the distance.

Doc Sprocket wrote:

To a degree, that's true. But there's much more to it than that. And if "paying for the name" means me knowing I've got a high-quality product that's gonna last, I'll pay for the name.

I have beaten the everloving crap out of welding machines in the past- conditions that I personally guarantee would smoke a chinese machine in short order. And the Lincolns went on forever.

I do buy some chinese stuff, too- but not when I expect something to go the distance.

Ya i only bought a harbor fraight welder becaues i needed a welder and i didt have much cash.
But if i had the money for a good lincon eletric welder i would buy it.