If I can't afford a MM 210, maybe an Hobart Stickmate?

[243]

I would prefer selling my MM 135 and paying the difference for a MM 210 but a pending divorce and becoming the primary care provider for two pre-teen daughters has me looking at alternatives.

I have read here and elsewhere that if I learn to stick weld correctly, I can do most anything. I want to be able to weld 3/16"-3/8" single pass in structural applications ie, trailers, stairs, handrails and similar projects. With the HR 20% discount, the Hobart is very affordable, even with my current situation.

What would you do?

I might add that even though I am very happy with the MM 135, a Hobart Handler 180 may be an option too. I do think that a stick welder would teach me more.

[cope]

I think that's a good idea.

[Dan]

For the material thickness that you've stated, a Hobart Stickmate would be a good choice, and in most cases probably a better choice then the HH 180. Honestly though, on the 3/8" I'd use multiple passes. I'd most definitely get the AC/DC version of the Stickmate too. Two reasons for this. The first being it'll run most stick rods nicer on DC then AC. Secondly, with a few additions to the unit, you can have yourself a TIG unit for steel and Stainless steel.

[NOS]

243...JMO, but there may be another alternative for ya. Here is a suggestion only from me to you. The Stickmate is a good machine I've heard, and learning to weld is a big deal for sure. That said,,,the 130 is a wirefeed that ya already know how to use, AND it's paid for! The differance between ($) the SM and the 130 probably is WAY less than you could buy a new buzz-box stick welder for. The Lincoln 225 ac/dc comes to mind tho Hobart has an answer for the Lincoln as well. At least that way you'd have two machines that would cover **** near everything for less money. A small trailer and a generator and yer portable as well! Just a thought Dad.

[Hotfoot]

I agree. keep the 135, and find a used stick. They are plentiful, and I've seen plenty go for under $100.00. Hold out for AC/DC, and figure maybe $150.00. Any of the big three brands will be in that price range. The Lincoln tombstone is probably the most common. Every farm has one, so estate auctions have 'em. I've seen plenty go through auctions. Never have seen one bring over $100.00...although I've seen some very questionable Oxy/Acty rigs bring 0ver $200.

[NOS]

Tho I have a Victor Journeyman, I all most never use it. I'ts too big and clunkey and the small Victor fits me better. Cuts 1/2" fine and thats about all I need most times. Glad yer thinkin how ta make this work for you, and glad ya kept the 135 as well! Getcha a good stick welder and WELD! That'l teach ya more than anything anyone can tell ya on a website. Learn to weld with a stick and you'll rock with everything else!

[Sberry]

A stickmate dc can be had for 400. I would want the little feeder around too,, everything these days is stamped sheetmetal and a feeder, even a small one is super useful for light fab and repair work. You will find the stick frustrating at times.

[Sberry]

There is another way to look at this, if you were to really build trailers, handrails, steps the cost of the right machine wouldnt be a issue, even at charge card interest it would pay off in labor and be a cost savings in short order, a 180 wouldnt cut it, 250 class minimum, divorce or not. If I wanted to be in the fab biz then a bigger feeder is in order, If I wanted to learn to be a proffesional weldor then there is no real substitute for good stickwelding skills. Sometimes its 2 different things.

[Sberry]

All those would be single pass jobs in my shop, there wouldnt likely be any 3/8 anyway,,, ha Cost and weight are issues, all those things can be built light.

[precisionworks]

... 250 class minimum, divorce or not ...

No substitute for a larger machine. You can join 3/8" with a 200 amp unit, but the duty cycle will drive you nuts. Brew up a fresh pot of coffee before you start -- you'll want it while you wait. Four minutes of welding & six minutes of waiting is a real test of patience

If you're using this in a home shop, 200 may be enough. If it earns income for you, go with a 250 class machine.

[Sberry]

There are several ways to think about this, I looked in 243's bio, Location:
Houston, Texas
Occupation:
Architect
Now, depending on my intention the general detail fab biz would be a wonderful sideline or branch to the industry you are already in. You could generate a lot of your own work. Ha

[243]

Yep, Architect.......should'a stayed in Construction Management but I switched majors after 3 years and tacked on 5 more years for the new degree. Funny though, I am a hands on guy and spend more time in Contract Administration (field work) than production (Construction Drawings). I catch some grief as I wear boots into the plush office and occasionally leave a muddy trail to my cube. Funny, I can't wear jeans but the "designers" can wear a t-shirt with a sport coat and they are GQ

The work I am interested in can be handled with the MM135, but I want to excel at MIG as well as Stick; my intention is to move my girls out of Houston by the end of next summer to central or south-central Texas. My Architectural services may be less in demand in the smaller towns/cities than a welder/fabricator.

Every weldor in the state can run beads around me, but I have the advantage on the other side with my background...Design ===> Construction Drawings ===> Contract Administration ===> Interpreting Constructing Drawings and knowing what Architects want is a given....so learnining to weld could open up an new career path and potentially make me a lot happier.

[nailbanger138]

But have you ever built anything from architectural plans besides your own? you may find that understanding on paper is differerent than doing.

[243]

I observe how it's built during Contract Administration and no way would I pretend that I "can" build a house, pole barn, airplane hangar or a 16 floor research building. However, I can read the drawings and specifications and determine if it meets the intent of the Contract Documents.

And be certain, that I am not implying that my experience is better than those who do...

[nailbanger138]

i didn't mean any disrespect, just checking. i dont know what type of achitecture you do but i have had to explain to residential architects why what they have drawn cant be done the way it is on paper even though the building department has approved it. several times. sorry if i came off bitter.