Reliable flux core mig welder around $200 ?

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Id like to upgrade from my cheapo $99 Speedway series flux core mig welder to something better without spending alot of money. This would be used for 1/2"  or less steel, and I dont really need the gas feature....my chepie speedway series has performed well for 2 years, but its not feeding the wire reliably now and its time to upgrade anyways....this would be for hobby usage..any recomendations around the $200 range ? Thanks
Reply:Nuttin honey.1/2" needs a bigger machine than $200 will buy you. DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RNuttin honey.1/2" needs a bigger machine than $200 will buy you. David
Reply:Sorry spin again! I doubt that you will find any decent machine for $200. Even if you drop to 5/16" you are still in the 220v range and even used machines don't come that cheep usually. You might be able to get an AC stick welder for that price to do your welds but don't count on a mig.
Reply:its looking like the hobart handler 187 would be nice....wish I could find it for sale new for in the $500 range.....looks like the normal price is $650 + shipping....which is right above my max budget...durnit :}
Reply:What's wrong with stick.  You could get a 220v machine for under $200.  I assume you have 220v since you are considering a 187 mig.
Reply:Originally Posted by tapwelderWhat's wrong with stick.  You could get a 220v machine for under $200.  I assume you have 220v since you are considering a 187 mig.
Reply:You are correct Mig could be nicer.  You mentioned no need for the gas feature, hence flux core.    Good luck.  Check Craigslist. or other local classified.  The 175 series stuff might be in your $500 and lower range.
Reply:HF 151 Dual Mig with coupon.Miller Thunderbolt 225Millermatic 130 XPLincoln HD 100 Forney C-5bt Arc welderPlasma Cutter Gianteach Cut40ACent Machinery Bandsaw Cent Machinery 16Speed Drill PressChicago Electric 130amp tig/90 ArcHobart 190 Mig spoolgun ready
Reply:The Miller MM212 is only rated for 3/8 and that baby is well over a grand. I can't imagine finding anything but a super lucky strike on ebay that will do 3/8 - 1/2 for that much money. And even then if I did find one I would wonder whats wrong with it.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:You don't list where you are but check for Lincoln 180hd's450-500 all over CLhttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&c...180+hd&spell=1Ed 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:I bought my Esab 450 with wire feeder for $150.00 They are out there just hard to find the deals. This thing is like holding lightning in your hand. The guy had 13 machines total for sale and only 3 left when I bought mine. I should have bought all 3.Tim Beeker.
Reply:Originally Posted by jamlitThe Miller MM212 is only rated for 3/8 and that baby is well over a grand. I can't imagine finding anything but a super lucky strike on ebay that will do 3/8 - 1/2 for that much money. And even then if I did find one I would wonder whats wrong with it.
Reply:Originally Posted by kmaysobis it just me or does it seem like miller underrates their machines?
Reply:Under rated or over rated, My lincoln wirematic 250 isn't rated even for 3/8", but it sure has 250 amps.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:well my search has ended..thanks for all the reply...I finnaly got a chance to try out my 12 volt ready welder today....its all I will ever need....one 12 volt battery allows it to weld thinner metaltwo 12 volt batteries allows it to weld up to 1/2" and three 12 volt batteries allows it to go up to 3/4 - 1" steel pulling about 300-400 amps .....feed/wire control is mounted right on the handle for ease of access and wire spool is mounted inside the gun handle so this virtually eliminates any wire feeding problems since the wire doesnt have to travel thru 10 + ft of hollow tubing that may eventually wear out, bind up or be bent at harsh angles causing the wire to jam. this lightweight and portable mig welder is utterly amazing. If you havent read about them, you may want to do so. I admit I was a bit skeptical, until I tryed mine out today.Last edited by rumme; 06-09-2008 at 12:16 AM.
Reply:Could you post some pic's of the welder. I never heard of one like it. ThanksMiller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:I seriously doubt that it will do everything you think it will. If the idea works as well as you claim why would Miller and lincoln build standard migs? Not saying that it won't work just that you are probably over looking a few not so minor issues. Lets see a weld with this toy on heavy steel.Last edited by DSW; 06-09-2008 at 02:40 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by jamlitCould you post some pic's of the welder. I never heard of one like it. Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWI seriously doubt that it will do everything you think it will. If the idea works as well as you claim why would Miller and lincoln build standard migs? Not saying that it won't work just that you are probably over looking a few not so minor issues. Lets see a weld with this toy on heavy steel.
Reply:oh, and the wire feed control dial has a feature that if you turn it all the way clockwise, it goes into whats called " stitch mode" for very thin material/ sheet metal. so it has the ability to weld thin sheet metal to 3/4" quite easily, depending on the number of 12 volt batteries used and wire thickenss used and wire speed settings. On the ready wedler froums, there is someone who says they used it to weld 1" material, and it worked, but pushed th unit to its limits.   I have never had to weld 1" steel and doubt if I ever will, so its not a issue for me.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWI seriously doubt that it will do everything you think it will. If the idea works as well as you claim why would Miller and lincoln build standard migs? Not saying that it won't work just that you are probably over looking a few not so minor issues. Lets see a weld with this toy on heavy steel.