Opinions / Input wanted

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Hello everyone,I have been reading the forum for a while, but just today decided to register and see what input you all might have for upgrading my old, tired millermatic 200. I'm looking at getting into a 250 class machine, either esab or miller, as that's what the LWS sells, and I prefer to make large purchases locally. I'm not completely opposed to other manufacturers, but have so far only looked into miller and esab for the fact that they can be had locally. Next, I'm not a hugely diversely skilled metal worker. Essentially all I do is cut, bend, notch, and weld DOM and 4130 tubing to build dirt oval track race car chassis. All of the material I use is between 3/4" and 2" in diameter and between .049" and .095" thick. I have been using the aforementioned millermatic 200 with c25 shielding gas, and .030" er70-s6 wire. I don't really have any complaints with this setup, but seeing as how I do not keep up with new developments in machines, gasses, etc, there may very well be something that would improve my finished product, and I'm of course open to such suggestions.So, go easy on me for not being a weld anything, fix anything, etc guy. I would love to have the skills many of you have, but my time to do new things and expand my skill set is pretty limited at this point, so I'm just curious as to what features or other products in general that I should look for in the 250 class machines, wires, gasses, etc.I don't have any complaints or issues with what I've been using other than its time for a new machine, but again, I'm always open to advice and ideas from people who are more knowledgeable than I am on what's out there.Thanks for the space
Reply:Hi msc8127 and welcome,Looking at what your projects are, moving to a 250 class mig probably won't improve anything if you handle the mm200 well. Working some with the 4130 tubing you may want to look into a tig machine and give yourself another neat welder in the shop.I know a few folks who gave up their little millermatics and really wish they had them back, it's a solid welder.Matt
Reply:thanks for the reply Matt. i don't plan on getting rid of the mm200 as it is kind of like an old friend at this point. i wouldn't mind picking up a tig and learning that process. only problem there is that customers will want the whole car tig welded to be as pretty as the moly sections. i might just look at picking up a mm212 to relieve old faithful a bit, and put the leftover funds from the cost of a 250 class machine toward a decent tig rig. thanks for the advice. I've probably just been on a size matters kick where in  this particular case more firepower isn't really needed.
Reply:You will be just throwing money away buying a MM212 iffin' yer old friend still works good.Even moving "up" to a MM252 The MM200 IS a 250 amp machine200amp rated @ 60% duty cycleEd 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:Run what you got till it won't run then fix it. You aint missin anything.
Reply:+1 moreNo real benefit to getting a new machine if the welder you have is still working fine....other than just buying a new machine.I build chassis' and parts as well. I use a Lincoln Power MIG 200 and have been tempted to ditch it for a new 255 but for the same reasons that already been posted, I can't justify the purchase. In my opinion, your money would be better spent on a different piece of equipment. For example, how do you currently cut, bend, and notch your tubing? Is there a tool or machine that would help you get those jobs done faster, easier, more consistently??I use .023-.030" 70S-6 with C25 like you. If you need, tune up the old welder with a new liner or gun, tips, etc and either spend the money on something that will give you a better Return On Investment.http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:thank you for the replies guys. i'll take your advice and give old faithful a little bit of love and keep plugging away with her.as far as other shop tools I have been eyeballing the baleigh RBD250 bender and the TN800 notcher. The notcher would probably be the biggest improvement to the tooling I currently have. It is a pricey item, but it looks like a tool that would allow for very precise fitment.This kinda takes the thread off topic, but do you all have a notcher that you prefer for chassis construction?You would laugh to see what i've been using for the past several years, but its one of those things where I've used it so long that i've become accustomed to dealing with it. (drill press mounted holesaw type notcher with a little bench grinder action on the side)
Reply:Well I might as well jump in and add my $.02 too.RUN IT!!  Wouldn't think about retiring or even giving my '81 MM200 a break.  I did blow an original 29 year old output capacitor back in March at the end of a full day of running hard and upgraded it with six new 'current' higher capacity units and I thought I did get a new machine.  Total cost $112.00!As Matt said, many a weldor had given up (or retired) their MM200 for a new fancier machine only to be disapointed.  I say spend the money on a TIG too or that next piece of fab equipment you've been thinking about and don't look back. . . .and what everybody else said.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Originally Posted by msc8127This kinda takes the thread off topic, but do you all have a notcher that you prefer for chassis construction?You would laugh to see what i've been using for the past several years, but its one of those things where I've used it so long that i've become accustomed to dealing with it. (drill press mounted holesaw type notcher with a little bench grinder action on the side)