what new mig to buy?

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I am in the market for a new mig machine.  I currently have a sp-135 and it works well but I want to add a spool gun to the mix to weld aluminum.  I have a tig machine but I'm still perfecting my technique.  I have been looking at a powermig 215 or a miller 212 or equivilent.  My budget is about $1200.00 for the machine.  I am not oposeded to buying used.  I went to the weld shops here and there are a few machines that fit my budget.  There was a airco mig-pak 250 with a spool gun for $600.00.  the machine looks ok but it is a pretty old machine.  I will not be using it a ton but I want a good functioning machine.If I need to buy a more expensive machine I will just save some more money and wait a little bit.  I have seen some used lincoln 255 go for $1200-$1500.  Just wondering what you guys think.  I am not a production welder but I do do quite a bit of work for friends and pick up a few odd jobs here and there.
Reply:Millermatic 211
Reply:Millermatic 211
Reply:Originally Posted by LadrhogI am in the market for a new mig machine.  I currently have a sp-135 and it works well but I want to add a spool gun to the mix to weld aluminum.  I have a tig machine but I'm still perfecting my technique.  I have been looking at a powermig 215 or a miller 212 or equivilent.  My budget is about $1200.00 for the machine.  I am not oposeded to buying used.  I went to the weld shops here and there are a few machines that fit my budget.  There was a airco mig-pak 250 with a spool gun for $600.00.  the machine looks ok but it is a pretty old machine.  I will not be using it a ton but I want a good functioning machine.If I need to buy a more expensive machine I will just save some more money and wait a little bit.  I have seen some used lincoln 255 go for $1200-$1500.  Just wondering what you guys think.  I am not a production welder but I do do quite a bit of work for friends and pick up a few odd jobs here and there.
Reply:Originally Posted by vwguy3Millermatic 211
Reply:Originally Posted by LadrhogI am in the market for a new mig machine.  I currently have a sp-135 and it works well but I want to add a spool gun to the mix to weld aluminum.  I have a tig machine but I'm still perfecting my technique.  I have been looking at a powermig 215 or a miller 212 or equivilent.  My budget is about $1200.00 for the machine.  I am not oposeded to buying used.  I went to the weld shops here and there are a few machines that fit my budget.  There was a airco mig-pak 250 with a spool gun for $600.00.  the machine looks ok but it is a pretty old machine.  I will not be using it a ton but I want a good functioning machine.If I need to buy a more expensive machine I will just save some more money and wait a little bit.  I have seen some used lincoln 255 go for $1200-$1500.  Just wondering what you guys think.  I am not a production welder but I do do quite a bit of work for friends and pick up a few odd jobs here and there.
Reply:I also like the MM212 size machine.  Duty cycle is a key point for meI have the older large version - MM210 - great welder for my needs.Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I don't know, but this comes to mind...Hobart Ironman 230 for $1599http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/stor...230-mig-welderMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:DSW makes sense to me. Used 304 or maxtron w/a feeder will get you into serious piece for less than a new trinket.Syncrowave 300Maxtron 450, S-52E, 30A
Reply:The 211 is currently in the rebate program . The 212 is a higher duty cycle and will take larger spools. The 211 will only take 10 pound. Big money difference . Depends on how much duty cycle is required.http://www.millerwelds.com/landing/build-with-blue/            REBATE INFO
Reply:I am a home hobby guy with a 211 that is about 18 mos old...love it, have never had a problem.If I could change one thing - the gun is getting a little beat up.  I would like to upgrade it to something with screw on barrels, maybe lighter.  I am an old man with failing arm strength.....Retired - "Her job is to Bitch - mine is to give her a reason"Miller Syncro 200Miller 211 AutoSetMiller 375 ExtremeAn old Ox/Acc
Reply:Originally Posted by TxDarthI am a home hobby guy with a 211 that is about 18 mos old...love it, have never had a problem.If I could change one thing - the gun is getting a little beat up.  I would like to upgrade it to something with screw on barrels, maybe lighter.  I am an old man with failing arm strength.....
Reply:I find great deals on craigslist.  Found a a miller 255 for 500.00
Reply:After further review my welder is a sp-130t.  It is the 220 version. I know it is like an older version of the 180. The problem is you can't make it work with a spool gun.   Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Reply:You can get a hobart 190 with spool gun from tractor supply for 900