Lincoln Outback 185, Thermal Arc Scout 170, or Ranger 225?

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Hey,I'm looking into purchasing my first welder. I'm fresh out of school with four position stick and flux core cwb s class. I want something to use for work around home on our equipment or for side jobs around the area. The Outback and the scout are in my price range, but the ranger looks better for the long run. Any ideas?ThanksJohn
Reply:I found a Scout on Craigs list (17 hours) for $500.00 It turned out to be a excellent generator and also the same as a stick machine. By the way, I had a Ranger 305 G and think the little scout can hold it's own with-in it's amp range. I noticed that Red-d-arc has a 200 amp version of the scout 170. Same generator output, but added 30 more amps to the top-end.  http://www.red-d-arc.com/productsdet...id=1A&pid=1A01Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:I bought a lincoln ranger 8 when i moved out to the sticks, mainly for backup power but with the added benefit of a welder. found it on craigslist for 1100.00 no leads, in nice shape with around 850 hrs. It sat in the corner, never needed it for power & really didnt weld with it much. pros ac/dc  cc/cv 10,000 watts power, & able to run a suitcase. cons not to easy to move, other than that i had none. nevertheless i sold it with 75ft of leads for 1800.00 when the co i work for bought a lincoln outback 185 & mounted it in my company truck. I basically use it for welding repairs,  not fabricating & the generator is real convenient. real easy to move if needed, amperage range is fine for me, but its dc only & i belive a little pricey around 2000.00 with no leads.  its a fairly new unit & you will probably find more rangers used out ther than the outback. they are both great machines just need to decide which one better suits your particular needs. just my 2 cents hope it helps                                                            Bob
Reply:Unless you are dead set against a blue welder then you may want to look at the Miller Wildcat 200.  It's priced almost the same as the Outback 185 and has more generator power, more weld power, and I believe a better duty cycle. It, like the Outback and Ranger is not going to be a one man lift but it is relatively light at just 345 lbs. I do well with mine and really like it.StephenMillermatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200Miller 30A SpoolgunHypertherm Powermax 30Etc., etc., etc.............Cancer Sucks!