what welder to buy

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I am in the market for a new welder.   Right now I have a lincoln ranger welder/generator  and a 110 lincoln mig welder.  (Yes I know your opinions about 110 units)  I want a mig welder with the option of adding a spool gun.  For the most part I do random "farm welding" projects.  My local shop is pushing either a lincoln 180 dual or a miller 211.  I am not sure these welders are big enough for me.  I do find myself welding fairly heavy steel from time to time.  Money is not a major concern.  If I can't afford the welder I want I will keep burning rod with my lincoln till I've saved enough money. Your opinions would be great.
Reply:Are you looking for a shop machine or portability?
Reply:Shop machine, already have the welder generator if I need to travel
Reply:If you want a bigger shop machine, you are either looking at a cabinet style stand alone mig, or a power source and feeder. I see advantages to both.A used power source and suitcase feeder might give you the best of both worlds. A VS type feeder should work with most CV capable power sources like say an XMT 304 as well as allow you to run heavy wire in the field off your Ranger. You are probably looking at $1200-1500 for the XMT used, and $450-600 for an older style VS type feeder. You could buy the feeder now and run it off the Ranger, and add the power source when you find a deal on one.Cabinet style migs  would be a bit less money over all used and a bit simpler if all you need to do is shop work..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:Assuming your shop has 220 and given the fact that you say money is not an issue id go with a miller XMT.  Not only will you be able to do the type of mig welding you need but you will also be able to Tig, and stick weld in the shop with it.  Furthermore, down the road if you ever decide you want to upgrade your capabilities more you have the options of adding a water cooler and a pulse module to it.Last edited by AMW; 01-04-2015 at 03:36 PM.
Reply:I agree, if money was not an issue,  XMT would be the way to go.   Endless options to grow with on that. Based strictly on your stated requirements: a mig welder that will accept a spool gun, and you think a 211 is too small, I would look at a MM252 and a Spoolmatic 30A.  Minus stick and TIG capabilities that would give you a pretty well rounded set up for farm repair/fabrication.  But if you need stick you have your Ranger.
Reply:Don't screw around, buy this setup, and never look back! All the power you'll ever want!  Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400