I got $1,000 to spend on a welder, help me spend it.

[Shield Arc]

I did see someone talking about everlast making a good stick machine what's the cost on those units? I miss the smell of burning rod!!! I'd like to get one to have around the shop. Brett

I have the PA-200 great little machine. But after getting the Lincoln V350-Pro, now I would only look at the PA-300, or the StickWeld 250. Both have adjustable hot start, and arc force. A member here has come over a few times for me to help him with his welding. He owns a Stickweld 250, and I've run it, another sweet little machine!

 

[Markcuda]

My vote is go red, or blue is possible, then yellow (esab)

You peeps are not making this thing easy for me )))))))))))))))))))))))))))

 

[Shield Arc]

You peeps are not making this thing easy for me )))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I can make it real easy for you, but that $1,000.00 limit isn't going to cut it! :laughing:

 

[djw250]

I would check out the Hobart Handler line of MIG welders. Hobart is owned by Miller, made in the US and have good customer support. There is a great forum for Hobart welders at Weld Talk Message Board and Online Forum - Hobart Welders. I have a Hobart Handler 187 that does a great job on the thicknesses that you list. I'ts probably not the best machine out there for 3/8" but I have welded 3/8" in one pass building implements and have had no failures. The current Hobart that size, the Handler 190 is supposed to be a great unit, and can be had for less than $650 new.

I was just looking at the Hobart site. The 210 MVP may be just the ticket. Welds up to 3/8", can use either 110 or 220v. input, and can be had for under $900.

 

[Markcuda]

that $1,000.00 limit isn't going to cut it!

It has to and will
I figure a 220 welder will do what I want till I die, I'm 54
Miller 211
Hobart 210
Everlast 205
One of them three should do all that I would ever want to weld.
He ll, even a tandem axle utility trailer is not over 3/8 inch steel.

On the Miller 211, can a person still tune in his wire speed and heat
as he wants, or is it auto-set only?

 

[Shield Arc]

As Tim Taylor always said, "more power"!

Home Improvement (TV Series 1991–1999) - IMDb

 

[joshuabardwell]

On the Miller 211, can a person still tune in his wire speed and heat
as he wants, or is it auto-set only?

You don't have to use the auto set. You can set those parameters manually.

 

[Markcuda]

Yup, I just read that about the welder.
Thank you.

 

[troutsqueezer]

At first, I was reluctant to use the Autoset feature. Now I always use it. It is handy.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

One thing that the others don't have that Everlast does....Inductance control... BIG difference in weld controllability. Also they are inverters which are half the weight with twice the duty cycle on less power.