Upgrade dilemma, I've confuse myself...

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Great site. I've lurked here off and on for awhile and have picked up tons info. Thanks to all those who contribute regularly.Here's my problem. I've decided some sort of upgrade is in order. I have a Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC stick right now. I had pretty much convinced myself of getting an MM175. Mainly because it was cheaper than the Lincoln 175 plus. Now for some reason I'm thinking that maybe I should spend some more and get a TIG. Or maybe convert my Thunderbolt to a TIG? Or maybe a bigger MIG?Ideally I want to spend $900 to $1000 but if there was good reason I could be convinced to go as high as $1400 but that's my limit. I mostly do small fabrication type welding and automotive welding along with some farm type welding. Here's a sample of projects I've done so far: 3 sections of scaffolding, currently building a rotisserie, bodywork on cars, frame and roll cage welding, built a 3 point disk out of a larger field disk, fixed the loader on my tractor, etc., etc.,It would be cool to do aluminum but I haven't had much need to and I can use my buddy's tig if I really wanted to. My goal is to buy the best setup for the type of stuff I'm normally doing. Something to either augment the stick or replace it although I couldn't sell it for much. I probably won't upgrade again for quite some time so I need to consider future uses as well although I probably won't stray far from the type of projects I do now.Any opinion is appreciated.Thanks.Wally
Reply:Ok, keep the stick, you have acess to a TIG which is cool,,, and way cheaper not to have to buy for occasional use, bump up to a MM210.  I wouldnt be without a stick, you may need to weld nickel or the occasional 6010 job, that machine runs 7018 too, good for outdoor or if you need to move it. The 210 will run 035 solid wire well for structural work and smaller for sheetmetal. It will primarily replace your other machine. It has some power and is twice the machine as a 175 class,,, well worth the $ stretch for it. You wont be running it on max all the time like you would a smaller one and it handles 30# spools. It is a light industrial machine, good for farm and roll cages, lots of race teams use them. For me it would be a 251 ( this is my proffession besides farming) but the 210 is a good comprimise, its basically a full size machine and works well with extension cords if needed. Number 10 for cord. I like C25 gas and as big of bottle as you can handle.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Thanks Sberry. That's some good advice. That would be the best solution since I'll only need a TIG about 1% of the time. It also leaves me the option of a low buck, scratch start TIG conversion for my arc welder.I might still cheap out and buy the MM175 but the 210 sounds like the way to go.Thanks again.Wally
Reply:you won't regret having the extra power when you need itStangnetShop Full Of Stuff. Joey
Reply:Yes, the 2 machines are in different leagues. If I was limited to one feeder it would be a 210 class machine minimum. I used a smaller one for years but it was really underpowered and the 210 wont choke on 035 wire. It still works well if you need to use extension cords, will run on number 10. I likely wouldnt buy a 175 class as a first machine again.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:I would not buy a 175 machine first unless I was only doing portable type work or body work. The Lincoln 175 plus is worth the extra over the Miller machine. Wire-feed tracking just sucks after awhile. This is the machine all you guys should save up for.I used it again tonight and the arc is so sweet is just ruins you for anything else. I can't believe how much nicer it is then a 300 power mig. Those are pretty nice too, but not as nice in the short-arc.Ps-the mm210 is a good solid machine and well proven. Just like the little lincoln.I like the Lincolns arc really well too. Attached Images
Reply:Originally posted by Scott V I would not buy a 175 machine first unless I was only doing portable type work or body work. The Lincoln 175 plus is worth the extra over the Miller machine. Wire-feed tracking just sucks after awhile. This is the machine all you guys should save up for.I used it again tonight and the arc is so sweet is just ruins you for anything else. I can't believe how much nicer it is then a 300 power mig. Those are pretty nice too, but not as nice in the short-arc.Ps-the mm210 is a good solid machine and well proven. Just like the little lincoln.I like the Lincolns arc really well too.
Reply:Originally posted by Sberry Yes, the 2 machines are in different leagues. If I was limited to one feeder it would be a 210 class machine minimum. I used a smaller one for years but it was really underpowered and the 210 wont choke on 035 wire. It still works well if you need to use extension cords, will run on number 10. I likely wouldnt buy a 175 class as a first machine again.
Reply:Originally posted by Dan Gosh darn it Scott, Stop showing me that unit, and telling us how great it is. The wife won t let me sell the MM 210 and MM 251 to purchase it. So, it looks like I 'll have to get a second job to afford it.  So, what's the ball park price for the power source and a feeder anyway?
Reply:Opps forgot the 251 pic. Attached Images
Reply:I was asking about a digital camera and got so many responses, several from the same guy about different models that I still havnt figured out what to get,,, ha I figured a 210 would do it for Wally and not explode his head,,, hahahawww.urkafarms.com
Reply:Sberry, you know me I never stick to the subject.Wally get the 210. I should of too.