What is BEST MIG VALUE?

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Hi All, There are some great projects posted in these forums and decided to join! I'm new to the forum and relatively new to welding. I learned basic O/A gas and stick welding in high school - 40 years ago, and have literally only soldered on electronics since then. So here's my question. I am considering the purchase of a new MIG welder for several projects that vary in metal sizes from 22ga sheet metal to thick plate (yet undetermined). I have a 13hp Chinese generator that puts out 130v-20amps and 230v-21amps with 6kw surge or advertised capacity, I'm not real sure. But an Airgas rep tells me I should get a 230v Miller MIG as opposed to 110v for reasons of current and heat. After I complained about the 180 Millermatic's price ($800) he added that the Hobart 187 is the same thing for at least $100 less. I had also considered Lincoln's MIG equipment but found it very confusing as to which one is comparable to Miller and Hobart. I am at a loss to try and figure out where the BEST VALUE lies. I really want something that will not let me down in the future yet still be low cost.What are your thoughts and experiences? Will prices fall?Thanks in advance for all your advice.SteveJunkYard Tools .com
Reply:If you are considering thick plate, then you need to plan on spending more than 800 dollars. More like 1500.00 minimum.  I paid 1200 on a below cost clearance price on my ESAB migmaster 250 5 years ago.  It is still one of the best quality and value packed machines in the business.I am not sure how your generator fits into the equation.  Are you trying to run a MIG off of it?  I don't think that is  wise.  I'll let others chime in on that speculation.  But I think you need a dedicated 220 outlet to power the machine.  FORGET anything more than thin sheets with a 110 volt machine.  You MAY get one to weld 1/4" thick.  Not meaning to be negative, but this is a common misconception here.  Additionally someone here is going to recommend a Chinese machine.  Do a search here and find out how many people have had issues with them.  The only Chinese machines I would trust would be from Harbor Freight, #1 because they sell more of them than anyone #2 They probably have a local store you can go into to purchase the machine and get consumables and maybe even some accessories. #3 They have a top of the line tech support and a generous warranty policy should you have issues. #4 They probably won't be out of business tomorrow.  #5 They provide readable operator's manuals (most of the time, there are exceptions).  #6 There "torches" and the like are also interchangeable with SOME other brands if you know where to look.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:Originally Posted by lugweldIf you are considering thick plate, then you need to plan on spending more than 800 dollars. More like 1500.00 minimum.  I paid 1200 on a below cost clearance price on my ESAB migmaster 250 5 years ago.  It is still one of the best quality and value packed machines in the business...
Reply:The 110v mig is best for sheet metal and up to 3/16" andthing up to 1/4" or more is pushing the unit to its MAX. Even then on 3/16 -1/4" would be multiple passes. I would recommend sinking the money into a 230v unit on a direct power line. You said something about 40 acres and being away from the main landline for power. What would you be using it for that you can't bring the work to the unit in  the shop?Yes you can run it off of a generator but you would require abig enough generator to handle the load. If you already have a generator then I would take its power output rating to the supplier of the Mig welder and ask if it will work on that generator. If they cannot answer the question try to get the Mig manufacturers online site,  find their contact info and then either send them an email with your question or phone them. Yes you can ask online at their forums as well.Hope this helps,Tom Oh and personally I use  Miller out in the fieldCo-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:Originally Posted by rookie_steveHi All, There are some great projects posted in these forums and decided to join! I'm new to the forum and relatively new to welding. I learned basic O/A gas and stick welding in high school - 40 years ago, and have literally only soldered on electronics since then. So here's my question. I am considering the purchase of a new MIG welder for several projects that vary in metal sizes from 22ga sheet metal to thick plate (yet undetermined). I have a 13hp Chinese generator that puts out 130v-20amps and 230v-21amps with 6kw surge or advertised capacity, I'm not real sure. But an Airgas rep tells me I should get a 230v Miller MIG as opposed to 110v for reasons of current and heat. After I complained about the 180 Millermatic's price ($800) he added that the Hobart 187 is the same thing for at least $100 less. I had also considered Lincoln's MIG equipment but found it very confusing as to which one is comparable to Miller and Hobart. I am at a loss to try and figure out where the BEST VALUE lies. I really want something that will not let me down in the future yet still be low cost.What are your thoughts and experiences? Will prices fall?Thanks in advance for all your advice.Steve