What mig would you buy?

admin

Alright guys I'm in the market for a new or used mig.  I currently have a hobart 190 that I use in my shop.  I also run a ln-25 on my service truck.  But I want a "bigger" mig over 200 amps.  I've checked out the htp 2400 and it seemed nice and I've looked into miller 212 autoset  which I'm not really set on yet and the power mig 216 and the iron man 230.  But what others are worth looking at. I have a budget of 1800.   I've done alot of you tubing on these welders and the best review was from chucke2009 on the htp.  But what do you guys think?Miller Bobcat 255Hobart 190 and spoolgunLincoln AC 225Lincoln LN-25Rock and Roll hoochie coo
Reply:I'd get a Lincoln Powermig 256 or a Millermatic 252.Used ones can be found reasonably often.Your gonna wish you had a bigger machine if you go with on of the smaller ones.JMO,JohnJust a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:If your ok with a used machine, I'd suggest clist. $1800 will get you a nice machine there.
Reply:I've been very impressed with this setup!  Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I second the mm252. Lincoln of even Esab. I am not against buying a used machine if I found a good deal but the money you might save is macht nichts and looking costs money.
Reply:In my area nobody hardly ever has anything above a 180 amp.  Where I live the buzz box is still king.  So c list in my area is kinda slack but when I do Maryland or Richmond some do pop up.  I'll keep checking.Miller Bobcat 255Hobart 190 and spoolgunLincoln AC 225Lincoln LN-25Rock and Roll hoochie coo
Reply:252 would be my choice. Avoid the 250 miller
Reply:1800.00 budgetIM 230 all day.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:....and chucke is a twat. I forgot to put my full opinion in there in that last post.
Reply:$1800 will usually find yo a nice used XMT 304 with feeder if you hunt around some.  You could even use your LN25 off the truck and just get the XMT 304 power source if need be and save some money..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:even if you find a shop mate or other older transformer machine and use the ln25. Otherwise any of the 250 class machines. I have heard good things about the auto set but you cant use amps you dont buy. Friend of mine who did production welding was pretty impressed with the mm252 running on 3/8 plate. If you have 3 phase you see some good deals on 400amp and larger machinesMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:I would get a 250 tombstone or TM Lincoln and use your LN-25 . The HTP looks good too. The TM. Is 300/400/500/650 amp version and will work with a 25 .
Reply:Or maybe a used mm251? You'd probably be able to stay well within your budget. Good, solid machine.
Reply:I'm looking at a 251 and the htp.  I do a lot of farm repair work and work on trailers that get brought to me.  My Hobart 190 welds OK but just seems to be on the cold side.Miller Bobcat 255Hobart 190 and spoolgunLincoln AC 225Lincoln LN-25Rock and Roll hoochie coo
Reply:I almost ordered the htp but ended up needing a welder now and my local airgas had a 252 on hand for a fair price. From what I have read htp seems to treat people well and I would not be afraid to try oneMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:HTP has been selling the 2400 for quite a few years, so I'd feel pretty safe considering it a solid dependable unit. The wire drive on it definitely shouldn't have any issues with a 15' gun lead. The 24 tap selections should offer a good level of adjustability.The Ironman 230 would give you a significant upgrade in top end power. The arc characteristics are similar to what the 190 produces. Not identical though, because the 230 arc is a little softer.  The 230 wire drive has no issues with a 15' gun lead. The 12 taps offer a  pretty level of adjustability.Based on the V/A out put slope provided by Miller, the 212 isn't going offer the level of top end power that the 230 or 2400 would. Personally I'd probably delete it from the consideration list.The PowerMIG 216 only offers 7 tap selections. Based on my experience with my MM 210  (similar out put power range covered) that I owned for 10+ years this is to few tap selections, to do a good job of covering the out put power range.I use to own a 251. It's a pretty good unit. It definitely offers more top end power then the other units being discussed. Admittedly I parted with the 251 because of its short circuit transfer arc characteristics. The arc is extremely soft. I considered it a little to mushy for my taste. Don't get me wrong the 251 is a very good unit, I was just looking for specific arc characteristic, and ESAB Migmaster 250 that I purchased to replace the 251 comes much closer to the characteristics that I am looking for in short circuit transfer arc.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:I think you'll be disappointed with the welders you're looking at if you're looking for a "bigger" welder. I'd get a 252 and be done with it. I use one almost everyday at work and have welded everything from 1/2" stock single pass to .065 wall tubing (with appropriately sized wire of course). The 252 is surprisingly portable as well. It's a little bulky size wise but it doesn't weigh a whole lot more than a 211.
Reply:Thank you guys very much.  Yeah I've kinda knocked the 212 and 216 off my list.  The 252 is deff a interest but just out of my price range.  I really like the drive system of the 2400 and I like the reputation of htp.Miller Bobcat 255Hobart 190 and spoolgunLincoln AC 225Lincoln LN-25Rock and Roll hoochie coo
Reply:I'll throw in another vote for the Ironman 230, I haven't had any problems with mine and its a smooth running machineSent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:I like the HTP 2400, it looks stout, and the personal service that would come with it. I was on the fence for it, and a Century 255 when I stumbled on the Thermal Arc 210.Thermal Arc 210 - Tweco 211I - Cutmaster 52
Reply:Here's a look at the wire drive of the Ironman 230. Attached ImagesESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Check out Eastwood. Yes the machines are imports, but Eastwood is an American co. been in business since 1974 and stand behind every product. Their new MIG250 is 900 bucks. EASTWOOD MIG250HF 98233 Stick/TigHF  95136 PlasmaEastwood TIG200Eastwood MIG250Damn, I cut it twice already and it's still too short!