Shopping: Mig welder comparison

[Cord]

Would really like to get a inverter multi-process machine, but I'm also debating the merit of a purpose built mig welder. Here are the machines on my short list:

ESAB Fabricator 252i
ESABs 280
Lincoln 256
Miller 252

I'd also consider some of the aluminum 350 welders if I could find a good used one.

Thoughts????

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Very nice selection - I'd own any of them

Your list includes portable and not so portable.
I think I'd narrow down by what you need.
Do you need multiprocess portability or just a mig welder that stays in the shop?

I have a millermatic 210 full size machine that stays in the shop - I don't regret owning it even though I have some portable stuff too.

I also like having a mig separate from my stick welder as I sometimes use both together.

 

[Big Barn]

That's a nice list! I'm certain you'll be happy with any of those.

Have fun shopping.

Terry

 

[gilraine]

I love the Esab migmaster 280 we have at work.

 

[yomax4]

Would really like to get a inverter multi-process machine, but I'm also debating the merit of a purpose built mig welder. Here are the machines on my short list:

ESAB Fabricator 252i
ESABs 280
Lincoln 256
Miller 252

I'd also consider some of the aluminum 350 welders if I could find a good used one.

Thoughts????

I cringe when I see ESAB 252i. ESAB has / had nothing to do with Tweco / Thermal Arc. ****, ESAB doesn't even make anything at all except a small amount of wire which is mostly imported these days.. ESAB doesn't own anything. They don't even own themselves. They just Killed the Victor Torch line and replaced it with some cheap looking import low cost product. The ESAB Florence SC plant has been closed for 2 years. No welders built there since the Mig Master 250. The others were imports. Truth be known, The ESAB people were elated when Colfax bought Victor / Thermadyne. the Victor Thermadyne guys, Not so much.

 

[Cord]

Portability is something that I need to decide on. Frankly, I don't think I really need it, but the inverter stuff is pretty nice. The Fabricator will do everything that I need, but I know they are discontinuing it.

What about spending the money on a used Miller Shopmaster 300 or Syncrowave 250? The Shopmaster will do everything I want, but I'd have to add HF start. The Syncrowave has HF, but can it do MIG with a feeder?

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Portability is something that I need to decide on. Frankly, I don't think I really need it, but the inverter stuff is pretty nice. The Fabricator will do everything that I need, but I know they are discontinuing it.

What about spending the money on a used Miller Shopmaster 300 or Syncrowave 250? The Shopmaster will do everything I want, but I'd have to add HF start. The Syncrowave has HF, but can it do MIG with a feeder?

The Syncrowave 250 is a CC only tig/stick machine, so no CV for mig.

Multiprocess CC/CV machines are pretty nice.
I have a thermal arc 300 for that and it runs my suitcase feeder well.

 

[xring100]

I just bought a millermatic 252 in march not an inverter machine but its pretty nice and at least its assembled here in the U.S. looked at the lincoln 256 its also a nice machine. Features are easily accessible without going through menus like the miller. I believe the lincoln also had a 110v outlet for powering a grinder lights etc.

 

[2458n]

Hobart in Troy was big for years. Now a green space in town.

 

[yomax4]

Sorry all. The ESAB Victor concoction was a bad deal for a few hundred Victor Thermadyne folks that were let go 10 days before Christmas a couple years ago. ESAB managers made the call. Very nice for the families just before Christmas. Many were old friends.