Got a grand, want to weld MS/SS/AL.

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Greetings WeldingWeb folks, Long long time lurker, finally got a question that I can't answer on my own.My boss has asked me to buy a welder that will be capable of welding mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. We don't do a lot thicker than 1/4", most is 3/16" AL plate or 3/16" stainless plate, with occasional 3/8" SS316 round bar. I was looking for an old Miller Shopmaster with a wirefeeder, but they seem to be in short supply locally. So... we've got a grand plus or minus to spend, and are looking at 220v MIGs from Miller, Hobart and Lincoln. The Miller 211 caught my eye.Any suggestions? We're limited to 1 phase, 220v.
Reply:An Econotig should be able to do the job.  You might find one in that price range.  Unless you specifically want a wire feeder.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:As mentioned, a used TIG machine maybe?  One gas (argon) for pretty much everything, just need to get the appropriate filler metals.A grand for an 'industrial' MIG machine pretty much means a used machine.And that probably doesn't include the spoolgun for doing the aluminum.  Price about $200 (Lincoln SG100, small spoolgun) to ~$1000 (industrial spoolguns) for new, less for used.And that doesn't include gas cylinders either.  About $150-$200, give-or-take, for an 80-125 ft3 cylinder.  And for MIG you would probably need at least three different cylinders, one for steel short-circuit (C25) and another for stainless (tri-mix or 98-2 argon-oxygen) and another for aluminum (plain argon).And that doesn't include the cost of filler metals.  MIG spools of plain steel 70S-6 wire usually aren't too pricey ($35-$50 or so for a 10 pound spool), and aluminum isn't all that pricey either, but stainless wire is more expensive.How much does that $1000 have to buy?  Everything, machine and filler(s) and cylinder(s)?  That might be tough to do.  It all adds up.  Just three 80 ft3 gas cylinders would be ~$450 to buy!  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:As much as I'd love a TIG, I need something that'll lay down thicker beads, and can be used out of position. I've done some TIG on a scratch-start machine, and I can't imagine trying to use it upside down under a boat (which is what the work is for). We'll also be welding outside, and FWIU, MIG is much more forgiving about a little bit of wind than TIG. Plus, I need something that can lay down a decent amount of weld without taking all day. For example, I've got an entire deck for a boat to weld, its about 30' of 3/16" AL plate to seam weld. For me to TIG it, it'd take a lot longer than if I MIG'd it.I've got an argon tank at the shop for the TIG (now long gone), so that's covered. As for consumables, we can address that later.Any welders I should be looking at, specifically? I'd love a TA 185ACDC, but I don't think thats in the cards, at $2K for the machine.This is hardly an industrial setting. Maybe 2' of welding a month, on average. This deck barge is going to get farmed out for sure, just using it as an example.
Reply:Best advise when you finally decide what welder you want try doing a keyword search of your search engine of Miller MIG Welders. You''l find some places online that offer better prices than you local welding supply house  that way you can get more for your buck.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Oh, I priced it from CyberWeld, one of my favorite online welding supply stores. My LWS has agreed to match CyberWeld+10%, so I'm gonna buy through them. They are a good local store, and have great service.
Reply:well see searching helps  especially if you can get your local supplier to beat the price and maybe even throw in some free wire.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:The 211 is a great machine, get a spoolgun for it to use on aluminum, and have at it.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:if all i had was a gand id go with the mm211
Reply:If it must be mig, I would look for a used MK Cobramatic push-pull feeder and torch set, or an old XR push-pull feeder torch set, then look for a good power supply to run the feeder.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op