what to buy, 55 shorthood or 78 sa200?

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I'm a helper on cross country pipeline and will be breaking out soon and need a machine.    I have found a 55 short hood that welds and in good shape.  And a 78 sa 200G which is a good welder too.  What makesa short hood better than the others?
Reply:I would be interested in the answer myself.  Suspect it is something like the '55 Chevy of Pipeliners but am open to opinions.Gordie -- "I believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
Reply:Does the '78 have copper windings or aluminum?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Doesn't the 78 have copper coated aluminum or something?The 55 is solid wound copper and the parts are a little heavier duty.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:you might get some more opinions from some of the rig welders on this forum that I found.  http://www.rigwelder.com/forum/index.php?
Reply:thanks guys, I'm not sure about the 78 having copper windings or not, I can ask since the owner is welding on my tie in crew.  The shorthood is sweet tho.  I like vintage, but need to be practical as it will be my first machine.
Reply:Upgrading,A short hood is as practical a machine as you can get...Its a simple machine.  Not complex and full of circuits and technology and it does the job.  I think you would want the  shorthood over the '78 if you want practical.  Though there is similiarity between the two in basic design,  the 55 was built before the time of companies trying to fix things that weren't broken and planned obsolecence.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Pound per pound you have more copper in the windings on any "Short Hood", than any of its future sa-200 models and it only has to turn a modest 1400 rpms which causes it to be much better on fuel also, the generator on this machine will outweld the legendary 1960s redface models.The above is the answer I got when I asked basically the same question from [email protected]://pictures.aol.com/ap/singleIma...v4xQp5Fd3Ig%3DOnly when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:Have you made your mind up yet and if so how much for the shortyMy first love was a wicked twisted road.......
Reply:If you're about to break out you should go with whichever one is in the most sound working shape. Either one will make you a living on the right of way.There's a lot of missinformation in this thread but any gas 200 will do the job in mainline construction. If the '55 is sound and solid it's a good way to go, same with the '78. The '55 will look slicker on your truck tho.Whichever one you buy, make certain it will burn 5mm 8P+ all day long without a struggle.JTMcC
Reply:Originally Posted by JTMcCIf you're about to break out you should go with whichever one is in the most sound working shape. Either one will make you a living on the right of way.There's a lot of missinformation in this thread but any gas 200 will do the job in mainline construction. If the '55 is sound and solid it's a good way to go, same with the '78. The '55 will look slicker on your truck tho.Whichever one you buy, make certain it will burn 5mm 8P+ all day long without a struggle.JTMcC
Reply:It's been awhile since I last posted questions about what type of welder to buy.  thanks to you all for your input.  I'm looking hard for a machine;  A lot of rig welders are buying Millers. Are they "better" than the Lincolns?  I understand using the Millers when the procedures require flux core or self shielding wire.  But Lincolns got the Vantage.  But to start out I really need to watch the $$$.  I have $3000-3500 to spend on the machine and $1000 for leads and torches.
Reply:Originally Posted by gizzardgutzPound per pound you have more copper in the windings on any "Short Hood", than any of its future sa-200 models and it only has to turn a modest 1400 rpms which causes it to be much better on fuel also, the generator on this machine will outweld the legendary 1960s redface models.The above is the answer I got when I asked basically the same question from [email protected]://pictures.aol.com/ap/singleIma...v4xQp5Fd3Ig%3D