Thread: Craftsman Welder

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I bought a sears,had trouble getting any penetration right off the bat. A friend took me to a pro to see if I was doing something wrong. He checked it all out,reversed the polarity,and it worked fine. He then asked why I bought a sears,and I answered that I had a sears card. He then showed me 3 used units he had,for the same money I blew,and 2 good commercial units,for what i spent down,and he would carry me on the rest. Did I ever feel sick!P.S. The sears didn't last long, I've been using the commercial unit since1987.

I took the plunge....I bought the miller 140. I took my wife with me and after looking at the hobart and the miller side by side we chose the miller. The hobart only had four settings for voltage while the miller had 10. Setting it up was super easy and it really is a quality unit overall. We also picked up a fat roll of flux core wire, 2 sets of gloves (she wants to learn now), and an extra helmet for her. With tax everything was $850 out the door. Thanks for all of the info guys. I think I made the right decision. I could have gone bigger but I really need 115v, unfortunetly I don't have a garage so I have to keep it inside and need the portability for when I use it.

As far as power goes....I had some trash exhaust tubing I was able to lay a bead down on. At a voltage setting of 4 it burned a hole right through it. It goes all the way to ten . Should have plenty of power for me for awhile.

I think I just burned my monitor up from staring at this post joehalford01 just put here. In no way would I ever try to spend another man's money, but I am awstruck that he took her along for the purchase. I am stupid enough to think I'm ten foot tall and bulletproof, but I just don't think I would ever have the cajones to bring the wife along to feel the "crunch" I'm about to give to the budget. OUTSTANDING job and I tip my hat to you. Now I have to cipher the wife wanting to "learn". Do these women really exist? All kidding aside (you do realize I'm trying my best at humor?), excellent move forward, you'll be surprised at the need down the road for this and maybe you'll get the opportunity to get some goodies down the road in this area. Really, I'm happy for ya!

Just wait til she becomes better at it than you. You'll never live that one down.


Don

I had one I bought about 15 years ago. It was not what I consider a good deal. Unless they have changed the design I would stay clear of them. The biggest problem with the one I had was the wire was hot all the time when the power was on. Don't know how many times I flashed my eyes with the thing. It would probably be better with a auto darkening helmet.
I just gave it away(sort of). I bought the wife a 71 Camaro Z28 clone from a guy at work who needed his garage for his new Vette. He wanted $1000 and the old Craftsman welder. Don't think I'll ever get a deal like that again.

thas ok, she can do body work while I work on the motor