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

[Markcuda]

The wife and I have been to your town on our Harley Ultra classic.
I really like your project.

 

[Markcuda]

Well, after some extensive reading on the Everlast forums, I like the 205 alot

 

[Bday]

Hi Mark,
A guy I know bought a lincoln 216 power mig. It's a plain Jane tap setting machine. I ran .035 with 75/25 mix welding 1/2 inch with no problem. I think he paid around $1600. It was a smooth machine. Welded great.
I'm looking at a miller 252. I want the variable settings. I have a old Hobart beta mig. Seems like the perfect spot you need for heat is right in between the setting the machine gives you. Just have to put up with less than beautiful welds. Not dealing with that problem on the next machine!!
Not sure if Lincoln or miller are completely American made, but they have good reputable machines!
Just my thoughts, Brett

 

[Markcuda]

We have a Miller 252 that I use at my work place, but I manly just tack weld with it, it is sure a sweeeeet welder.
It has the wire feed on top of the welder.
My list goes like this, not necessarily in this order.
Miller 211
Everlast 205

 

[Bday]

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

 

[Markcuda]

The Everlast IMIG 205 lists for 999.00, no one pays list
You can also stick with it.

 

[Shield Arc]

Seems like the perfect spot you need for heat is right in between the setting the machine gives you.

I've never used any machine with taps. I can't even remotely believe I'd like it! I want complete control over the settings. And now with adjustable hot start, and arc force it is amazing how much control we have over the puddle! :cool2:

 

[snowjoker]

My vote is go red, or blue is possible, then yellow (esab) . Have never seen any of them everlast units in the welding supply places near me.. Craigslist will be your friend when looking for a good used machine..

 

[Bday]

Hey shield arc,
It's frustrating! The weld is either too cold or too hot. My Beta mig 250 is a decent machine, will definetely stick metal together. It' a challenge to get that perfect weld bead. You know what I mean, most welders look at every bead and want perfection!:thumbsup:

 

[k0ua]

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 gave $269 for my Everlast PA160, but They don't make that exact same model any more the PA160STH is more money, but it has more features, to make it a better TIG machine, like a gas solenoid and hookup for a foot pedal. HF start etc. If you want a pure stick machine from Everlast, the PA200 or PA300 is your choice $349 and $589 list respectively. But no one pays list for these machines.. PM Mark at Everlast and make your deal. Or another one to look at that has been getting good reviews is the Stickmate 250 from Longevity. Both of these companies are advertisers on this forum. I am very satisfied with my PA160, I both stick and TIG with it, I would like to have the HF start and pedal operation for TIG, but if you are just looking for a good solid powerful stick machine with good duty cycle then the PA200 or the Longevity Stickmate 250 would give you that. As a homeowner/fabricator, I seldom try to weld over 140 amps so the PA160 fits me pretty well. They also make a PA140ST for $249 that comes with a 17V tig torch included and is dual voltage input 115/230 you might want to look at. It is only 35% duty cycle though.

James K0UA