Any one try one of those clarke EN180 mig welders?
Im looking to buy a 175amp mig pretty quick and I looking at all the options and wonder if any one has tried one of those clarke models.

These are about what the models Im looking at have been selling for.
Clarke EN180 400$
Hobart Handler 175 500$
Lincoln promig 175 500$
Millermatic 175 660$
Lincoln sp175Plus 750$

There is a well established (10yrs) local tool shop selling the clarke model's.Im sure parts are plentiful and thay service everything thay sell so I know there must be good support for them. I was just wondering if any one has or has used one?

Is the 4 or 6 heat setting really a problem? over the fuly variable settings?

Im just looking to build bumpers/sliders and be able to weld exhaust and eventually SAS welding needs.

I'd say everyone has an opinion, but mine would be the Miller. Rock soild performance.

I second "the power of blue" (Miller). Lincon is great too. Reliability and conststancy is the key for a good "keyhole" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

If you really want to build a rig and want diversity....I'd recommend a Miller 210 for a MIG welder. If you're destined to go with a 175....here's a third vote for big Blue!

I want a Synchrowave 180 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />

I agree miller would be my choice if money where no object but unfortunatly it is. Toolking puts the hobart 210 on special for $799 refurbed. I may just go with the Hobart handler 175 with it I get the best of all worlds price,parts and miller is making them now (thay come with miller guns). Northern equipment has a 6 payment plan so I can buy it with out alot of cash out of pocket initially and it comes with a hobart solar auto hood as well.

Miller 210, just got rid of the Hobart, it sucked.

I'll be getting the spool gun for the my 210 so I can do Aluminum and Dual shield.

Stay away from welding rigs that don't have a wide range of adjustability, you may think (now) that you will only be doing small projects, just start welding you'll see.

SD

As far as I know, Miller now makes Hobart. Yes the Millers have a good reputation in industry, but actually so do the Hobarts. It is hard to go wrong with a Lincoln, but for the money, the Hobarts are not bad. I have a Handler 135, in hindsight, I should have gotten the 175, but the 135 has worked quite well for me. On thicker material I just have to multipass. But most of the time for thick stuff, I just run the buzz box. I think that everyone should learn to weld with a torch or a stick, it gives you a better understanding of puddle control. I have seen too many MIG welds that looked great but had absolutely no fusion. By learning the with the torch or a stick you really get a feel for a what a good weld puddle looks like. With a wire feed it is way too easy to squirt out a puddle of wire that looks really pretty but joined nothing. That being said, it really is hard to go wrong with a Miller. If money were no object, I would have a nice big Millermatic, but for now the hobart will do. For a welder on a budget the hobarts are just fine. And I think most hobby guys are on a budget, so why spend the money when you can get a decent machine for less money that will do everything you need. Whatever you get, be sure to take the time to learn to use it properly. You don't want to weld winch mounts and suspension hangers and have them come off at inopportune times, because of crappy welds. If you are not confident in your ability to make a safe weld, be sure to defer to someone who can.

Good point <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Start with oxy/acet, then smaw-stick, tig, then mig. You will really get the knowledge from the first 3 then appreciate the ease of the mig to control your dropplets single handedly. Then you find it fun welding with your eyes closed (blindfolded) and only going by sound doing it left handed (normally right) with 100% pass and nickels in rows on both sides, winning bets of onlookers <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

LOL anyways check out harborfreight.com and do a search of "welders". You will see the Hobart 175 mig handler for $550. They have new "ironman" 210 units for 1050 so 800 for a rebuilt isnt bad. None the less have fun "burning it" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I love my little Lincoln SP135plus. The variable amperage setting just makes it so easy to use. Just my opinion. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I actually have a Clarke, and it has worked very well for me. I haven't spent much time on the others in your list though, so there's no basis for comparison.

If you're just looking for a welder to use for the occasional project, you should be very pleased with the Clarke.