Opinions Please. Welder (Like you haven't seen these before)

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Hey Everybody,I saw these for sale and would like comments on both pls. Most of my welding needs revolve around automotive body panels. But I have a farm so I do need to weld steel up to about 1/2" sometimes. I realize both of these are old but if reliable I like the idea of more heat and duty cycle.HOBART-600 AMP 100% Duty Cycle. Separate Wire Feeder (Miller). $250.00 FirmMILLER-300 AMP 100 % Duty Cycle. Seperate Wire Feeder. $200.00 FirmOR I see lots of "MILLERMATIC 135" for around $500.For an idea of my exp. level, see here: http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=172751Would really appreciate opinions.ThanksPat Attached Images
Reply:Prettu sure those are 3 ph only machines.  Id stay away and spend a little more $$$ and get something you can actually useMiller Dynasty 200DXMiller Spectrum 250DMiller Millermatic 200Bunch of old blue dinosaurs....
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Yeah. Both three phase. Prices on both units is excellent. I would buy them both. Here's why...Good news is, that Hobart machine is full of copper & the Miller feeder connected to it is worth what the whole lot costs.If you have the ability, buy the Hobart, scrap the copper out of it. Sell the 50 series Miller wire feeder that comes with it on ePay & put the profit in your pocket. I scrapped a Hobart RC 600 & got well over $400++ in copper out of it. It was some work, but I had nothing in it. You have a farm, you prolly have the equipment to move it around & cut it open to get the copper out. Just food for thought.Same can be said with the CP 300 Miller machine. The wire feeder will bring an easy few hundred on the net, you may find someone to buy the power source as well. It isn't that old & there is an industrial market for it. You could see a grand for the machine & feeder easily to the right industrial buyer. You would have to clean it up nice, and make some repairs but not a big deal at all. I did notice the feeder was missing the speed control pot & trigger plug, but it's still worth more than what is being asked for the whole thing.All a matter of what you want to do, but there is potential for easy turnaround if you shop a buyer for that Miller machine. One of the big Texas rental guys like Applied or Affiliated may do you a trade for something smaller you could use. That Miller has value for resale. The Hobart, for the copper inside it. The feeder with it is just icing on the cake.Good luck with it.IMHO of course.
Reply:The MM135 is a nice machine, but it has a few downsides. It's a 110v machine, and max you can expect to do with it is 1/8" at best under real world conditions, despite what the mfg's literature will say. If all you want to do is sheet metal like body repairs, then it's a good choice. However if you want to do thicker stuff, you would be better off taking that money and putting it towards a a 230v mig instead. Take a look at the sticky on 110v migs to get a better understanding of the limits of these machines.Honestly I think the MM135 is a bit overpriced. If you hunt you should be able to locate a decent name brand 230v mig starting in the $650-700 range. The extra money is definitely worth it. If that machine was $250-350, then maybe I'd think about it for just sheet metal work..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:Seriously that CP-302 is one of the best machines i have ever ran in my entire life. If you have 3 phase you will be hard pressed to find a miller matic 135 that could run half as smooth as these beauties, Throw some wax on the paint pretty them up and call them your new found friends they will last a freakin life time.I forgot how to change this.
Reply:I just got back with both machines. I wish I had 3 Phase, but I don't. I got a lathe recently real cheap because it was 3ph. I was able to install a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) on it and it works great. I understand that you can't use VFD's with welding equipment. SO--with that said, and with what's been posted I guess that I'm looking for a 240V machine. I get a little rambunctiousness with my Kubota FEL from time to time and I really do need to be able to weld thicker material from time to time. I really appreciate all the advice guys. \Pat
Reply:Hey Guys,Like to get an opinion on Lincoln WeldPack 155 and 170. Both look well used but guy says works fine. Again, I need to weld mostly auto panels but need to weld up to 1/4" steel from time to time. Any advise is appreciated.Pat
Reply:Pat,I had the 155 and it will weld most of what you want to do, but it's a "tapped" output so really isn't the best for thinner guage stuff.Also, you'd need to get the auxillary gas valve for it, I don't believe 155's came with a gas valve (about $120ish)If you look on ebay, there used to be, and maybe still is, a company selling new Esab 160 Caddy migs for $470 shipped.  I, and several others, bought one and they are worth every penny.  Since you have a farm, and understand scrapping, I know you're pretty tight and like to buy used, but the Esab is a great value. Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tPat,I had the 155 and it will weld most of what you want to do, but it's a "tapped" output so really isn't the best for thinner guage stuff.Also, you'd need to get the auxillary gas valve for it, I don't believe 155's came with a gas valve (about $120ish)If you look on ebay, there used to be, and maybe still is, a company selling new Esab 160 Caddy migs for $470 shipped.  I, and several others, bought one and they are worth every penny.  Since you have a farm, and understand scrapping, I know you're pretty tight and like to buy used, but the Esab is a great value.
Reply:The 180 HD will work and you can always keep an eye out for a used Stick machine to supplement the Wire feeder.What is the Total on the Lincoln to your door with shipping?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:$525 isn't a bad price for a new welder.You'll probably be fine with it, I just prefer a welder that has continuos voltage output vs tapped, where you are limited to selection.  But the 180HD is a couple hundred less than the 180C.  Might keep looking for a used unit though.  Here in the NW, it's "welder heaven" for finding used equipment.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:OK---I think I've got it narrowed down to two. Both are around $700. My choice is between a Lincoln Pro Mig 175 and the  Lincoln Wirematic 255 mig. Both have bottles, reg and hoses and look to be used very little. Any feedback is welcomed and greatly appreciated.pat
Reply:I think that's kinda comparing apples and oranges.  The 175 being more of a portable(ish) fab/repair type of machine and the 255 being more suited to shop use.The 255 draws roughly twice as much amps, but also puts out more, I think with higher duty cycle.All in all, and aside from what I pm'd you, I think both are better choices than the 180HD, as they're both better built; especially regarding 255.My personal choice would be the 255 from an output standpoint and for re-saleability (if that is such a word) Good luck, maybe have both tested.  Call your LWS and see if they can do that.....damb I love welder shopping Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:No way on the 170 for $700.00You can get a new HH190 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...=%7Bkeyword%7Dpeace of mind warranty or the Lincoln 180HD that you mentioned.I have no idea on the 255, that is quite a few years old and not real familiar with how well they hold up.If you go Miller's forum, look up a member Cruizer and ask him about the 255, he is a welding repair Tech and knows all the ins and outs of the costs of repair should you need one.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