FTG-05
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2011
- Messages
- 2,588
- Location
- TN
- Tractor
- Kubota L4330 GST w/FEL, Kubota RTV-XG850, Kubota ZD326S
I currently have a Lincoln Sp-175 Plus 220 VAC-only MIG welder. I've had it since the late '90's and love it to death. But now I'm retired and live on a farm and now will need to start welding farm-type stuff (read: thick). Also, my first welder was a Lincoln AC-225 stick/buzz box.
For example, I'll need to weld Cat I ears on this +1200 lb blade scraper I got a month or so ago (see pic). This is just one example.
I want a new welder that will complement but not overlap or replicate the SP-175 capabilities too much. I can use the SP for the sheet metal to 1/4" stuff; the new welder needs to be able to do the +3/8" and up.
TIG would be nice but not a requirement. Budget is less than $1k, so I think a larger MIG is out. I have power to burn: My home and shop are on their own transformer and the shop has plenty of 220 VAC open spaces; so I'm good all they way up to 220 VAC at 100 amps. 120 VAC convertibility not required nor wanted.
Based on comments by other users and notable weldors (SA for one), I'm thinking the Everlast Powerarc 300ST (see link below). However, I'm open to other ideas and products. One thing that bothers me about the 300 is the lack of foot pedal and the ability to add one; I thought you needed a foot pedal for TIG, yes/no?
PowerARC 3 ST | Everlast Generators
So, comments, suggestions, insults, all the above, some of each?
As always, thanks for the help!
For example, I'll need to weld Cat I ears on this +1200 lb blade scraper I got a month or so ago (see pic). This is just one example.
I want a new welder that will complement but not overlap or replicate the SP-175 capabilities too much. I can use the SP for the sheet metal to 1/4" stuff; the new welder needs to be able to do the +3/8" and up.
TIG would be nice but not a requirement. Budget is less than $1k, so I think a larger MIG is out. I have power to burn: My home and shop are on their own transformer and the shop has plenty of 220 VAC open spaces; so I'm good all they way up to 220 VAC at 100 amps. 120 VAC convertibility not required nor wanted.
Based on comments by other users and notable weldors (SA for one), I'm thinking the Everlast Powerarc 300ST (see link below). However, I'm open to other ideas and products. One thing that bothers me about the 300 is the lack of foot pedal and the ability to add one; I thought you needed a foot pedal for TIG, yes/no?
PowerARC 3 ST | Everlast Generators
So, comments, suggestions, insults, all the above, some of each?
As always, thanks for the help!