wich mig is right for me

I would suggest that you look for a 220v unit such as my Hobart 180. The dividing line is 110v vs. 220v - for the uses you have mentioned, I would strongly recommend a 220v unit. My Hobart cost me $450 used.

This is a frequently asked question here, so you might check out old messages via Google to see the previous recommendations. Good luck!

(I'm surprised to see that you are using WebTV - I had thought those were no longer supported.)

I just repaired a Hobart for my brother. He picked it up used and it needed a new liner and work lead. I used to own a Miller 135 and I had spare parts laying around and they are identical to almost every detail except the paint and logo. I think your really safe with a Hobart, Miller, Lincoln or other REPUTABLE machine. It seems since Discovery Channel has sparked a metalworking fury there are trash machines out there that ultimately frustrate and piss off the owner/user when "you get what you paid for" kicks in, and it will. Stay away from Chicago Electric, Harbor freight (The HF units make great targets at the rifle range however). Make an educated buy. Stop in a AirGas or welding shop. Most of the guys there will talk your ear off without trying to screw you they deal with tired, overworked guys at the counter all day and this is where they can really be of help. E-bay is a great source for a machine if you find what you want. A lot are way under store cost, include shipping and offer full warranty service. If you find one, put a post up and we will gladly help you out. One thing as mentioned in the first reply, If you can spring for a 220VAC machine, it's money well spent. But don't be afraid of a 110VAC unit if that is a limiting factor, just more bang for your buck.

All the best,

Rob

Fraser Competition Engines Chicago, IL.

"Emmo" wrote in message news:mY0kf.26565$% snipped-for-privacy@tornado.texas.rr.com...

While I suport the theory to buy the 220 V unit, the bigger the better for the long run, However if money is an issue, or the fact that most houshold only has

220 V at the main electric service panel or in the areas like kitchen or laundry room. with that being said , there is nothing like being able to plug in a 110 V unit anywhere around the house to do repairs on a trailer and other projects.

A 110 V unit with flux core (hotter arc, deeper penetration) should be able to handle smaller trailers materials like 1/8- 3/16 angle iron and such. Duty cycle will be limited as well. such 110 V welder is a nice addition to a home / hobby shop , to people who weld once or twice a month.

Lincoln SP 175+ or bigger machine.

If you are going to make things that are going to be traveling at sixty miles per hour, PLEASE use the proper welder so that the rest of us don't have to worry about your stuff coming apart on the freeway.

You have a huge responsibility when building a trailer. If you can't afford the right equipment, save up, buy used, or do work until you earn the money you need. (Or don't build trailers.)

Cheaping out can cost you or someone else a life. If you are going to weld,

DO IT RIGHT!

Steve

He needs to clearify his intentions,

" I plan on using it mostly for home use,but would like to build utility/landscape trailers with it .

for a (1) landscape trailer ..... may be not. for utility /landscape trailers (emphasis on the "trailers- as in multiple trailers-) , than yes . get a heavy duty welding machine and develop good welding skills.

keep in mind just because you got a mice / expansive welding machine, it does not mean your built trailer will be safe.

A prime example is my dual axle 5000 Lb capacity boat trailer , manufactures in Lake Havasu- Arizona , by Ziemens. Extremely poor workmanship, unsafe weldments, it had fracture cracks in several places and joints separated, beads running in-out of the joint..... This came from a professional trailer building facility.

I am sure there are other trailer nightmare examples out there, but lets not start that.

Like I said, ..............

And professional only means that someone has performed work in compensation for pay. It has no reflection on quality of work.

OP sez: "but would like to build utility/landscape

Sounds like he/she/it intends to do enough trailers to make quality an issue.

Steve