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Looking for a Mig Welder

ezoliver

ezoliver

Mall Crawler
Joined
Mar 2, 2004
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Elizabeth, Crawlorado
Started shopping. Planning on going at least a 200. Really want a 250. Found what I think is a good deal on a Lincoln IdealArc SP-255. However I really don't know a whole lot about this unit.

Any insight guys?

I would really like to have either a Lincoln or Miller. Would consider an older Hobart Ironman 250 also if I come across one.

Everything I have heard Lincoln makes the best migs and Miller makes the best tigs.... :dunno:
 
The best part about the lincoln is that it will use Tweco consumables, much cheaper. If by chance you ever need it, Millers customer service is better though. Both awsome units and youll be happy either way.


Edit: I'm not sure what your planning on doing with it, but Unless you weld non stop 2' beads or something a 180 will do you just fine. The only real advantage in the bigger units is duty cycle.
 
I like Hobart, the last three welders I've bought have been Hobarts. They are made by Miller now and for the most part are just Miller machines with less features, which is what I prefer.

I've got a Handler 210 and an Iron Man 210 MIG and both are good simple machines.
 
I've had my Miller 200 for about 22 years now and it has never let me down.
 
I got the Hobart 140 for $460. Does 1/4" fine, idk how much thicker you really need to go on a truck, but i love it. Super smooth.
 
Just to clarify the reason I want a bigger welder is that I work on tractors quite a bit. I realize that a 175 would probably be sufficient if it were just for the truck. My dad, brother and I have some antique pullers. Have to modify hitches and that steel is often times 3/4" thick and sometimes more...

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Yeah, I see your need for the bigger unit. When I bought my Lincoln 180 the dealer leaned me that way. He sells Miller and Lincoln as his primary buisness. He's the one that explained the Lincoln using the Tweco consumables. Miller and Hobart use only there own I beleive. The Miller that I walked in intending to buy was even a little more money, but he still led me to the Lincoln. But really it just comes down to weather you like Red, blue, or gray, they are all capable exelent machines. I've used all 3 and have no complaints on any. When I buy my arc it will be a hobart in fact.
 
ezoliver said:
Just to clarify the reason I want a bigger welder is that I work on tractors quite a bit. I realize that a 175 would probably be sufficient if it were just for the truck. My dad, brother and I have some antique pullers. Have to modify hitches and that steel is often times 3/4" thick and sometimes more...

Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

It will be cheaper to buy the 175 and an ARC welder for the 3/4" stuff.
You can even go up to 1" easy with cheap ARC welders, the only reason I wanted a mig was for thin stuff, so I got a 125 and has done up to 3/8" fine, the ARC 225 does anything bigger and I stayed under $800 for both.:dunno:
Actually $1500 total got me the plazma 380 as well.
 
ezoliver said:
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


How are you using Tapatalk? when i login to ck5 on my iphone, it says its tapatalk enabled, but it doesn't show up in the tapatalk list. Is it called something else?

EDIT. Works now!
 
I use my Passport for the smaller stuff, Trailblazer 302 with 12RC for the big stuff, Spoolmate 30A for Aluminum. Serves me well and all travels with me.
 
Last edited:
Been looking for a while and need to pull the trigger. Think I am going with the Hobart 210MVP. Can't beat it for the price.

Can get a factory recon A stock unit for $659. :waytogo:
 
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