Looking for a welder

[kert]

I have a little Clarke 100E flux-core welder that was given to me, and it seems cheap and underpowered, so I'm looking for something better. I'm just getting into welding, but I'd like something that will serve me well for years to come. I'm building a '41 Chevy 1.5 Ton with a Cummins and will need to do some fabrication of motor mounts and such.

Money isn't a major object, but value is. I don't want to spend a lot of money on something that has features/capability that I'll never use, and if I can get something that is comparable for less, I'm all for it.

I have several 20A and 30A 220V circuits and I can add a bigger circuit without too much trouble, so that's not a big problem.

I've been looking at a Millermatic 211 or a Hobart Handler 210 MVP. Both are 110/220 capable which is attractive if I were to want to take it somewhere that 220V isn't available or loan to a friend, but still has the capability of a 220 welder.

I also ran across the Miller Multimatic 200 which will do TIG and Stick in addition to MIG. I don't have any specific needs for TIG/Stick, but the flexibility seems attractive. While I was reading, I also came across the TA 211i which seems in line with the price of the Millermatic 211.

I'd be happy to buy something used, but what seems to come up on CL/ebay all seems to be almost new price or off-brand. Any advice on getting a good deal?

 

[RatchetMan]

Miller has a 10% rebate now on certain welders in case that helps sway your decision.

 

[460Rustang]

CL everyday, I picked up a Lincoln 180, new in box for $300 cash, new at store,....$700.00,..........

 

[Highlux]

A hobart 140 is a nice little machine. 489 something shipped off ebay vendor.

 

[Askme42]

CL everyday, I picked up a Lincoln 180, new in box for $300 cash, new at store,....$700.00,..........

You ever gonna use that thing?

Just fired up my hobart 140 for the first time this weekend?

 

[Askme42]

A hobart 140 is a nice little machine. 489 something shipped off ebay vendor.

Got mine for about $420 on Black Friday at rural king.

 

[chrisa7164]

I have the Miller 211 and love it.

 

[BD1]

I'm a MILLER guy so the 211 is a great investment.

Here's sites to search

http://weldingweb.com/forum.php

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/forumdisplay.php?3-Welding-Discussions

 

[Xtremetalworks2]

Miller fan here I have a MM250 Have had it brand new out of box since 95 been a great machine. Back then they didnt have all the mid range machines like they have now it was pretty much 125-140 then 250 was the next jump up! The multi process machines like the shopmaster are not really that wise a choice because if you want to TIG with them you still have to purchase the HF251 High freq which is around 1000 bucks plus torch and footpedal also to MIG With it you need a wire feed...best bet is prob the 211 from the sounds of your intended use!

 

[sk farmer]

get a 211 and don't look back.

 

[sberry]

A 180-200 class mig, You mentioned Hobart and the Miller, both are super good and when they designed them had your picture on the wall as a poster child for a customer. That red thing in the pic is super, great arc as do most of them in this class.

You mentioned value,, these are the value units.

 

[eriksalo]

This topic has been discussed many times on this forum. Recommend you do a search. You will find numerous informative and well thought out posts by experienced welders and amateurs alike.

 

[gmwelder86]

Look at a miller max star 200. Multivolt multiprocess machine. Stick, tig, mig. Great machine highly mobile and run like a champ.

 

[kert]

Thanks for the replies. I really love this forum because I always get lots of good opinions right away. I'm strongly leaning toward the MM211, but I'll probably keep my eyes open for a few weeks before I make a purchase.

The Miller 10% rebate is tempting, but you have to buy $150 of Miller/Hobart accessories which I'm not sure I need. We'll see though.

 

[BD1]

For accessories, Miller gloves, sleeves or jacket, Hobart wire, cover for machine, consumable kits, extra lenses if you have a Miller hood , or a Miller hood.
The concern is buying ALL the goodies at one time instead as you need it.
Yea, another $150 upfront.

 

[zkling]

I'd avoid the multiprocess machines. You end up giving up a bit on each process, mostly the tig process. Since money isn't a huge factor the MM211 or Hobart equivalent would get you pretty far. Then if you decide down the road you need a tig or stick machine, purchase a separate dedicated machine.

 

[22george]

miller 211.
The infinite adjustments are great

 

[sirweldalot]

I picked up a nice miller 255 for 500.00 on c/l. Works great.