FMC1959
Well-known member
I have a 140 MIG 120v welder, gas or flux core (currently setup for gas, I have a green tank ...an Argon mix for general welding), a house brand that is made in the USA, that I purchased about 30 years ago. I haven't touched it in about 15-20 years and now want to get back into welding.
I am not great at welding, but got the job done. I want to weld mainly plain square tubing or angle iron for some projects like tool stands, a canopy frame for my tractor and other projects. Not interested in TIG for now, nor do I need special requirements like Aluminum welding for now either.
A couple of questions for welders who know a heck of a lot more than me.
First, to get my MIG working, do I need to change the spool, which is almost new, because of oxidation or whatever, or will it work OK?
I am looking at 2 options, keeping this MIG and getting a stick (Lincoln AC 225?) or similar. I figure this should cover most welding tasks.
Option 2 would be to get a Lincoln 210 MP and sell my current machine.
I wanted to hear what ever feedback on the 210 MP, even if Miller, Hobart, ESAB or others have good options, right now I can get the Lincoln rebate and through Canadian Tire I can get 24 interest free payments, which makes the expense possible.
I know the 210MP is a newer model, not tons of reviews online, but mostly favorable. If what I have read is correct, what I like is that it is very easy or intuitive to use, very plug and play, which is important to me. My current machine got used so infrequent, every time I used it, I would need to scan through the manual to make sure everything was setup correct. If the 210MP is super easy that not being a daily or weekly user, can grab it and use it without wasting time, that is a big asset.
Also read others say that it lays down nice welds. Even a beginner can easily make good welds that would be less easy with a lesser machine.
Anything else that comes to mind from people who have used the 210MP and can compare it to other machines, would be appreciated.
keeping my current machine and buying a stick would definitely be cheaper, but if the 210MP is simpler, better, a good machine overall and also expandable (from what I understand there is an AL gun and TIG kit if one chooses down the road), then I would rather have the 210MP. I like to get better tools when I can, they make the work easier, and thus you find more reasons to use them....I am hoping this would be the case with the 210MP.
I am not great at welding, but got the job done. I want to weld mainly plain square tubing or angle iron for some projects like tool stands, a canopy frame for my tractor and other projects. Not interested in TIG for now, nor do I need special requirements like Aluminum welding for now either.
A couple of questions for welders who know a heck of a lot more than me.
First, to get my MIG working, do I need to change the spool, which is almost new, because of oxidation or whatever, or will it work OK?
I am looking at 2 options, keeping this MIG and getting a stick (Lincoln AC 225?) or similar. I figure this should cover most welding tasks.
Option 2 would be to get a Lincoln 210 MP and sell my current machine.
I wanted to hear what ever feedback on the 210 MP, even if Miller, Hobart, ESAB or others have good options, right now I can get the Lincoln rebate and through Canadian Tire I can get 24 interest free payments, which makes the expense possible.
I know the 210MP is a newer model, not tons of reviews online, but mostly favorable. If what I have read is correct, what I like is that it is very easy or intuitive to use, very plug and play, which is important to me. My current machine got used so infrequent, every time I used it, I would need to scan through the manual to make sure everything was setup correct. If the 210MP is super easy that not being a daily or weekly user, can grab it and use it without wasting time, that is a big asset.
Also read others say that it lays down nice welds. Even a beginner can easily make good welds that would be less easy with a lesser machine.
Anything else that comes to mind from people who have used the 210MP and can compare it to other machines, would be appreciated.
keeping my current machine and buying a stick would definitely be cheaper, but if the 210MP is simpler, better, a good machine overall and also expandable (from what I understand there is an AL gun and TIG kit if one chooses down the road), then I would rather have the 210MP. I like to get better tools when I can, they make the work easier, and thus you find more reasons to use them....I am hoping this would be the case with the 210MP.
