Welder recommendation

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A long time ago, I worked for a company welding together aluminum boat docks, and some steel.  I have experience with MIG, TIG, stick, and torch.  But alas, I have no welder.I'm installing a steel fence around my yard which is made of 3/8" bar stock.  Each section will be already completed, but I'll need to weld them to the posts (which are 3/8" flat bar, just like they did it 100 years ago).  So instead of paying someone to do it, it's cheaper for me to get a welder and do it myself.I'm looking at this one:http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...c_211_autoset/Even though I have 230V, and will be using it with a 230V generator when way out in the yard, the 115V option is nice if I take it somewhere.  Other than the fence project, it's probably not going to see very heavy use.  I will be welding aluminum with it at some point as I may be building some parts for prototype renewable energy project with a couple of friends, and many of my friends frequently need aluminum tubing welded for intake and intercooler parts for their cars.It's a good chunk of change to spend on something that is going to see infrequent use, but it's still cheaper than paying someone to come out and do my fence install for me.  So basically, it's like getting free tools.
Reply:That‘ll get her done. One word of caution using a generator in the field. Other than the generator being big enough, remember to drive a rod into the ground and run a cable from the generator ground lug to the rod.
Reply:Originally Posted by transitThat‘ll get her done. One word of caution using a generator in the field. Other than the generator being big enough, remember to drive a rod into the ground and run a cable from the generator ground lug to the rod.
Reply:Dude, if all you are going to do is that job, then park it in a closet, just go to Harbor Freight and get a $125 flux core machine.  Runs off 115v, can easily handle 1/8 or more with .035 wire, and if you get good at it, it almost looks like mig.  I have used flux-core for years, and have become pretty good at it.  My flux-core beads look like mig after I hit it with a wire wheel to clean it up.  But, flux-core sucks on the thin stuff, even when you switch to the .030 wire.
Reply:As mentioned earlier, that's not all I'm going to be using it for.  But, that's the initial reason for purchase.I'm done buying cheap tools, it costs more money in the long run.
Reply:Hi Signal 15 : About a month ago I bought a MM211 auto set and I love it. I haven't done a big amount of welding since 1985. I also wanted it to build a trailer, and a 45 foot fence,and a fair amount of aluminum. I have not welded aluminum with it yet, but have welded plenty of 1/8 and 1/4 inch. I love the smoothness of it. I prefer to weld 230 volts whenever I can,but when that is not available then I can use 115. If you get that unit you will not regret it. In all the studies I have done on this unit I haven't heard anything bad about it. Go for it and good luck. I also bought a spoolmate 100 because i was told that running aluminum through the torch is not a good ideal. I heard it won't slide through as easy as steel.  Go for it and good luck with your projects.    Arnold  Idealarc 250 AC/DC  Millermatic 211 Auto Spoolmate 100
Reply:The 211 would be a fine choice for building your fence and you'll find plenty of other uses for it after that, especially with it's dual voltage capability.  The 211 is very reasonably priced and in my opinion, the best deal going on a small semi portable quality mig welder.   My helper bought one recently and we test welded with it side by side with my Passport and the 211 did a very nice showing for itself.  I would buy one myself if I didn't already own the Passport and need the greater portability of the lighter weight Passport.For the aluminum jobs, I would look for a used AC TIG welder for the shop.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by signal15I did not know this.  What happens if you don't do this?  Possible electrocution, or damage to the welder or generator?
Reply:This will help understand why you should not use a Ground Rod on a Portable gensethttp://159.105.83.167/Portals/0/WP%2...tandards22.pdfEd 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:Originally Posted by Broccoli1This will help understand why you should not use a Ground Rod on a Portable gensethttp://159.105.83.167/Portals/0/WP%2...tandards22.pdf
Reply:JC said "Runs off 115v, can easily handle 1/8 or more with .035 wire,"   True ,however as i see it he said his fence and posts were 3/8 steel so the 110v  would not be suitable due to lack of penetration        FelonCaution lurker lives here" hmmm That is serious,pass the ganja and pick up a  24 of MGD"
Reply:Originally Posted by fredfGreat link, Ed! Thank you!
Reply:Originally Posted by transitIntersting, I’ve got to look into this. We have police 18 wheel emergency command centers that are self-contained. They can be powered from the local utility pole or a cab mounted diesel generator. Grounding is through the jack stands, as per the NEC and OSHA. There is a conflict here?
Reply:Lookie dis- this dood gets aroundhttp://www.google.com/search?client=...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8Ed 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'm not entirely sure I buy the reasoning behind not grounding the generator.  The hazard cited by the article calls for a two-wire connection between the power tool and the generator, not the three-wire connection that would connect the frame of the tool to the frame of the generator.  It is true that if you have a two-wire tool and there is a short to the tool frame, then there is a current path through your body if you touch ground AND if the generator's neutral is grounded.  But then that is why the three-wire power cord became the standard in the first place--the tool frame can never get above ground potential, and if the generator neutral is grounded, the tool fault will throw the breaker at the generator.On the other hand, if the generator neutral is NOT grounded but there is a short to the frame of a two-wire tool, you will not get a shock, but you also will not know the fault exists unless it somehow causes the tool to malfunction.  Tim
Reply:Originally Posted by timrbIt is true that if you have a two-wire tool and there is a short to the tool frame, then there is a current path through your body if you touch ground AND if the generator's neutral is grounded.  But then that is why the three-wire power cord became the standard in the first place--the tool frame can never get above ground potential, and if the generator neutral is grounded, the tool fault will throw the breaker at the generator.On the other hand, if the generator neutral is NOT grounded but there is a short to the frame of a two-wire tool, you will not get a shock, but you also will not know the fault exists unless it somehow causes the tool to malfunction.  Tim