Buying a welder. Opinions please.

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I'm getting ready to purchase my first welder, which will be used primarily for autobody sheetmetal.  I have been looking around and was going to buy a new Hobart 140, but I also have an option on a used Millermatic 130 XP, which is over 10 years old, but did not see much use and looks almost new.  It's never been set up for gas and the owner never finished the first and only spool of wire on it.  He purchased it for 1 project and it has been sitting ever since.  It comes with a cart, helmet, gloves, and apron (all for $350).  Should I go with the new Hobart or the used Miller?  I would appreciate any input.  Thanks!
Reply:Either one will do body work. I'd probably lean towards the Miller for price reasons. You will want to use gas to do body work, so don't forget to add in the cost of a cylinder, and check to see that the Miller has the reg with it.You said  it will be "used primarily for autobody sheetmetal". Understand the limitations of these machines right at the start. They will do up to 1/8" at best under real world conditions. Sheetmetal body work using gas is where they shine, but don't expect much else out of them. If the other part of what you might "occasionally do" is thicker than 1/8" you probably should look at a bigger machine that runs on 220v power, or limit yourself to just sheetmetal untill you have a bigger machine. You can turn down a 220v mig to do thinner steel, but you can't use amps you don't have to weld thicker materials..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:GET A 220V MACHINE!!!!!!I do most/almost all body work and have a 130 amp 110v at home, and a 180 220v machine at work, both running .025 wire, both C25 gas... and the 220v machine just plain welds and feeds way way way better... that and when I do want to weld some thicker stuff there is no comparison at all.Between a $400-500 110 machine and a $600-800 220v machine save the few pennies up and get the real machine and be very very happy every day that you did.
Reply:x2 if you have access to 220v definitely get the bigger machine.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Several years ago I too was looking for a small wire feed to do some auto body repair. Went to a friends and tried his 110v flux core machine. Worked good. After much thought I bought a 220v Millermatic 175 because I wanted shielding gas and possibly more capacity. At the time it was the smallest 220V my LWS offered complete. I spent more than I originally hoped. I remember how amazed I was when I got it hooked up. It can really dial down for sheet metal and is smooth. Flash forward a few years and my friend has added gas to his little wire feed attempting to get my results. One day we discussed his machine and the cost of upgrading. I'm so glad I spent the extra in the beginning. Of course the portability of 110 is great.I haven't used either machine but here are the manuals:http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o1316f_mil.pdfhttp://www.hobartwelders.com/om/0900/o925f_hob.pdfIs it just me or are the hobart manuals and miller manuals typeset by the same guy
Reply:Normally, I would opt for the bigger machine but in this case I would jump on the Miller 130XP.  Miller uses the same type of metal wire transport system as their commercial counterpart.  Hobart uses plastic and composite materials.  I am the owner of a 130XP of the same aprox. age and the only thing I have thrown at it is gas, wire, and an occasional tip.  I also purchased another 130 machine for work during the same time frame.  It has seen a lot of use and abuse and keeps running strong.  This year I had to rebuild the gun with a new liner and freshen up the feed rolls. It just keeps pumping out the wire.  The Miller would be a good choice.  It would work well for sheet metal, shapes, and plate up to 3/16 of an inch, if that meets your needs.
Reply:I sold a 110 and just got a miller 211 its a 110 and a 220 its still new to me but from what i see i will never need another unit again. Welders are one of those things that you never know what your gonna till you get it me personally get the 220 unit if you don't have 220 get a DV unit its the best of both.
Reply:Oh yes one other thing, you should figure out what welder is best gonna suit your needs. Then find a good price on one. NOT buy one based on price!!!!