Welder... what should I buy?

Discussion in 'Maintenance/Repair' started by MTB68TOY, Aug 9, 2010.

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  1. MTB68TOY

    MTB68TOY Addict

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    MTB68TOY, Aug 11, 2010
    #21
  2. yota4life

    yota4life Grand Toyotaholic

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    It looks good to me I'd get it. If you do ask to use it before you buy it so you don't get fd over
     
    yota4life, Aug 11, 2010
    #22
  3. Poopy

    Poopy Member

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    I swear you could buy a brand new one for roughly that price. Look at the hobarts too, made by miller, a few subtle differences, but still a work horse and a bit cheaper than the miller.
     
    Poopy, Aug 11, 2010
    #23
  4. MTB68TOY

    MTB68TOY Addict

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    I'm really leaning towards a millermatic 211!!!
    Who really needs $1100 anyway...?!
     
    MTB68TOY, Aug 14, 2010
    #24
  5. Litneon

    Litneon Super Moderator Staff Member

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    The 211 looks pretty sweet. Takes all of the guess work out of getting the power level and feed right. The only thing is though that you can't control your travel speed.

    Manually, if you want to weld faster you can turn up the power and wire feed, and slower if you turn everything down. If it does everything for you, you will probably be limited to one speed per metal thickness. I usually feel like I have more control over the weld if I slow it down a bit. On the flip side, sometimes I want to just blast a bead out and get it over with.
     
    Litneon, Aug 14, 2010
    #25
  6. Litneon

    Litneon Super Moderator Staff Member

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    And yes, the 175 would be worthwhile, although that Craigslist listing isn't that great of a deal. Especially with the 20 cubic foot bottle. It's worth about $100, and the cart is maybe $50?
     
    Litneon, Aug 14, 2010
    #26
  7. Litneon

    Litneon Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Airgas has the 211 for just over $1000 and the 180 for around $850. Get the cart for about $50 more when buying together.

    If you go to a few shops though, shop around, pick at the prices. They will come down. I got my 175 with the cart for around $700 or so. Bottle was extra.
     
    Litneon, Aug 14, 2010
    #27
  8. thundering02

    thundering02 Addict

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    Lincoln handy mig ... about 300 brand new .... can use gas or flux lots of options, several guys I know have em and onen is building cages that pass tech at national events.
     
    thundering02, Aug 14, 2010
    #28
  9. Poopy

    Poopy Member

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    If you can afford the extra and step up to a big welder I think in the long run you will be very happy. I used a beat up old hobart 175 for a couple years....stepped up to the miller 251 and it made welding a lot easier...I have a few friends with the 210 and its a great machine too.
     
    Poopy, Aug 14, 2010
    #29
  10. MTB68TOY

    MTB68TOY Addict

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    I thought it was manual too, website says this
    Infinite voltage control gives you the flexibility to manually set the machine when welding aluminum, stainless steel, or anytime you want to set your own parameters on mild steel.

    I've decided I want something new, so I don't have to worry about being complete or warranty stuff


    I'm going to keep pricing around...

    Went the cheaper route and I need something that will help make up for my lack of present skills

    Kind of what I was thinking... I think my success will be much better with a better welder (8
     
    MTB68TOY, Aug 14, 2010
    #30
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