Lincoln SA-200 or Mig?

[930dreamer]

I need a lot of pipe fence built at the shop and I'm debating a larger welder purchase. Lincoln SA- series Red or black face would be stand alone and the fence is too far away for extension cords or a Mig/generator setup? Property is on four acres.

 

[BigMike782]

A generator and a Millermatic 211 would be my choice.
Tough to use an SA-200 in a power outage.

 

[joe49]

I'm biased and a SA200 black face owner. Best welder in my opinion.

 

[readhead]

SA200 all day long but only if you are an accomplished stick welder.

 

[tpierce]

For welding pipe fence, you cannot beat a SA 200 stick welder. You can run a grinder off the receptacle most of them have. Just make sure it's a DC rated grinder.

 

[nsula_country]

Lincoln SA200 for stick/pipe is no brainer.

MIG is a shop machine.

CT

 

[wrenchguy]

I put 2 guys burning rod on this 1 for my small work like fence, but i'd recommend mig 4u because it'll work for fence and be your "shop machine".

 

[dffay]

MIG is of limited use in the field if using cover gas because of wind conditions. Flux core wire if it’s windy. Plan on changing spools and polarity if you go with a big MIG. And stick can weld on the North Slope if necessary.

 

[Bert_]

I've never understood the desire to mig weld out in the field. A stick welder is so easy. Get a machine and a 100' of lead and you can do so much stuff in so many conditions.

I would rather stick weld 90% of the time. Sheet metal is the only time I would rather mig.

 

[dffay]

Consider a multi-process welder. Welders are considered ‘power supply’ anyway. After the field pipe project, the conversion to indoor MIG can take place.

 

[nsula_country]

I've never understood the desire to mig weld out in the field. A stick welder is so easy. Get a machine and a 100' of lead and you can do so much stuff in so many conditions.

I would rather stick weld 90% of the time. Sheet metal is the only time I would rather mig.

I'm with Bert.

I have a gas DC 225A and electric AC/DC stick machines. Haven't had a job that they couldn't do. Even sheet metal can be welded with 6013 rod. I am probably going to buy a 180A class MIG when I start to do body work on my project truck.

CT