What would you do if you were me?

[My2boys]

I need to get some opinions. I have a lot going on right now and can't seem to think straight. I have the option to buy a couple of things and can't decide what I want. Why would you choose the one you did.

Option 1-I was thinking about getting a welder, a millermatic 211 and a panel or two for the car that I am restoring.

Option 2- get all the sheet metal for the car and borrow a friends welder to put it all in.

Option 3- wait and let everything settle down and save the money then decide.


Thanks for your opinions. I really appreciate the help.

 

[skulldrinker]

....#1

 

[marty_p]

With three kids myself, it's always Option #3 for me!

 

[jtbinvalrico]

Option 3. Never make big decisions under any kind of stress or duress. When you've sorted it out in your mind, it'll be crystal clear and you won't have to convince yourself or anyone of anything.

 

[mattamd_xp]

#3, or if you use the project to get away from everything that's going on, #1.

 

[Stuey]

Knowing myself, I would do Option 1. You should do Option 3.

 

[hoffman912]

i think 3) let the smoke blow over before you make a decison. and then if you dont think you will need a welder again do #2), if you will use the welder a ton, even after your resto project then #1. welders and toys are nice if you're going to use it for more than 1 project.

 

[zkling]

Option #4, casually look for a used welder WHILE things settle down. If one has not been found when things have settled down. Treat yourself to the MM211 if it won't cause stress due to the initial purchase price.

Of the options you listed.
#3
#1
#2

Hope things aren't too hectic right now and calm down soon for you.

P.S. What car are you restoring?

 

[M17715]

I think I would do #3.

 

[hippie2cams]

If you know how to weld Option#1
If you don't know how to weld Option#2
If you don't have a friend who can weld Option #3

 

[thinktwicez71]

honestly , I would do option 2 , borrow your friends welder to put it in. Then if you still need a welder in the future , buy one then .

 

[Steevo]

Unless it is taking food off the table for your family, Option #1.
You will never be sorry that you got a wire welder.
Be sure to get the gas bottle and regulator and some .025 wire for that panel work.
That 211 is a sweet little machine.

 

[e-tek]

honestly , I would do option 2 , borrow your friends welder to put it in. Then if you still need a welder in the future , buy one then .

I never like to borrow anything - much less a welder - from a friend.

Unless it is taking food off the table for your family, Option #1.
You will never be sorry that you got a wire welder.
Be sure to get the gas bottle and regulator and some .025 wire for that panel work.
That 211 is a sweet little machine.

Although this is what I'd do, better consider the cost of the gas, wire and stand with your purchase!

 

[henry29]

What kind of car are you restoring?, what panels does it need?

 

[32krazy!]

if you dont have the cash for the purchase then # 3 is the choice. never finance toys no matter what kind they are

 

[tribbles]

If I was him? I'd bang his wife, duh.

 

[aka Larry]

If I was him? I'd bang his wife, duh.

Careful, for all you know he has a husband [seinfeld voice] not that there is anything wrong with that[/seinfeld voice].

 

[BDT/NWMN]

3, 3, or 3.. You will be retaining the option to do 1, 2, or 3 later; at a better time...

 

[Danver]

I just talked to your friend about it. He prefers option #1 or #3 because he is hesitant to loan out things like welders, but will loan it to you if you choose #2 because he hates to put a strain on the friendship over a material item.

 

[My2boys]

"What kind of car are you restoring?, what panels does it need?"

It is a 68 camaro convertible. It was my mothers car before I was born, she spun a main bearing so it sat for almost 30 years before she gave it to me. Someone cut the top so it needs floor pans and a few spots behind the wheels front and back. I was thinking about doing the whole replacement pans, but I have never done those before so I don't know about them.

Thanks everyone for the input. I was kind of leaning to option 3, just because I am so busy. I have 2 boys the oldest is 2 and the youngest is 7 months. I also am trying to get my house ready to sell, and finish my parents rent house so we can move into it.

 

[crewchief888]

"What kind of car are you restoring?, what panels does it need?"

It is a 68 camaro convertible. It was my mothers car before I was born, she spun a main bearing so it sat for almost 30 years before she gave it to me. Someone cut the top so it needs floor pans and a few spots behind the wheels front and back. I was thinking about doing the whole replacement pans, but I have never done those before so I don't know about them.

Thanks everyone for the input. I was kind of leaning to option 3, just because I am so busy. I have 2 boys the oldest is 2 and the youngest is 7 months. I also am trying to get my house ready to sell, and finish my parents rent house so we can move into it.

with those curcumstances,
defintely #3

 

[Albiemanmike]

with those curcumstances,
defintely #3

.......x10

 

[d.mcfarland]

Get the items you need and borrow the welder. Best way to capitalize on opportunities at this point. IF something was to happen, you would be better off with the parts then the welder.

 

[PugetDude]

3


The fact that you need to ask the question makes the answer obvious.

 

[Thumper68]

If it was me I would pick #1

The reasoning behind that is while the car is sure to be a long term project the welder will come in handy for many things, including doing side jobs for cash to use towards the car.

I bought my first wire feeder back in 1990 with the tank and supplies was almost $2500 ( I did get them to throw in a set of victor Journeyman torches and gages) Just doing welding for friends and neighbors I paid for the welder in less than 6 months.

 

[Vvmvbb]

Err on the side of doing.

 

[finn]

A 211 is overkill for what you are planning. Something like a Hobart or Miller 140 will get you going and be perfectly adequate for pans and quarters and still have resale value if you ever really need a 211.

Something about Champaign tastes and a Beer budget.....

 

[Sachseguy]

I sometimes hesitate to give advice simply because there are so many factors that play into a decision, especially financial decisions. And regardless of how noble the intention, sometimes advice can come off as arrogant or insensitive. So with that said, here is my well intentioned $.02 worth

We don't know what kind of shape the Camaro is in or how deep you are into the restoration. Nor do we know your experience level or what kind of working facility and tools you have. But we do know that a restoration is a huge commitment of time and money. There are thousands of project cars sitting in garages around the country and many will never be completed by the current owners for lack of T T and M (Time, talent and money).

Although you didn't say, I assume with young boys, you are fairly young. Since a Camaro convertible is a very desirable project car, you might consider storing the car where it is protected until you have a chance to build your tool collection and experience. As the boys get older, the Camaro would be a great father/son project. Hopefully, by that time, you'll be better positioned financially to buy the tools, equipment and parts needed to do a nice restoration.

In the meantime, I agree with Steevo. When you can afford it, you'll never regret buying a good wire welder. The MM 211 is a great welder! Also, as 32krazy said, "never finance toys no matter what kind they are"

So I guess if I had to pick one, it would be Option #3

 

[DIC]

Put me down for #3..