Home/Farm/Auto MIG (110V) Welder feedback wanted

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I’m looking at lower end MIG systems for simple low end fab/repair work. Primarily: w/gas, 0.023 or 0.030 wire, 20 ga sheetmetal, automobile & repair use, 110V vs 220V is an issue, as I can’t rewire the garage short term, and it’s a separate outbuilding. I have 110V on a 30 amp circuit although a dual voltage system wouldn’t be out of the question for future consideration.

Candidates are HTP 140 or 160DV, Lincoln Weldpak 125+, Hobart 135, or Millermatic 135XP, these last 3 selected primarily for local availability of the units, parts and service, being the largest or only 110V systems offered in their lines.

HTP makes claims on their online site about having a drive system usually found in higher end MIG’s, and using all-copper transformers in all their systems. (is this even an issue?) Feature wise, I’m inclined to go this way, but the salesmen at the counter of the local, (large regional welding/gas) distributor is trying to discourage it, but hasn’t provided any great reasons why. All he can say is he’s never heard of them. I brought what HTP information I had, and he said it’d be trouble, but no acceptable (to me) reasons why.

I have catalogs from the other 3, but they concentrate on “what” instead of “why” I’ve borrowed a Lincoln 100 in the past, which has worked fine, but I hate to borrow tools.

Any input anyone would care to offer?

Thanks.

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