What size welder should I buy?

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Anyone have advise? I am building a sand rail and have my frame already welded the shipper welded it for me, now I am needing to add mounts and etc to it a d want a MIG welder wire fed. I am having 220/230 run into my garage. I have bought different welders both 110v, a d they sucked. I am looking to stay under 800.00 or lower if possible. 500.00 sounds great. I want plenty of heat if possible. Does anyone out there have any advise on shielded MIGS? Which model I should beLooking at, or to buy. The metro will not exceed 3/8 thick but would like one to do any job I might need on the ranch. ThanksI
Reply:$800 for a 230v mig is doable, but you'll probably be looking at a 180 amp class machine that will do closer to 1/4" than 3/8". If you can still locate one the Hobart HH187 on clearance would be a good choice. If not the HH190 ( newer version of the HH187) should be in that price range. Add a couple hundred and you can get a 200 amp class mig rather than a 180 amp class mig. That would get you your 3/8"  range. Hobart would still be your best bet as far as the most machine for the money..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:are you wanting new or willing to buy used?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:sounds like you have alot going on, chassis stuff, heavy ranch stuff... several options, but your budget is tight or a little small either way..1.  increase your budget and look at an hobart 210mvp or double your budget and get a ironman 230 (the ironman is alot of machine for the money)2. 180amp class machine, as dsw stated the hobart 187/Hobart 190, Lincoln 180c, and buy a used stick welder..3 my choice would probably be the thermal arc 181i mig/dc-tig/stick  I think it would be tough to beat the versatility of this machine..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:my advice is to buy bigger than u think u will ever need.
Reply:Originally Posted by Thresher61Anyone have advise? I am building a sand rail and have my frame already welded the shipper welded it for me, now I am needing to add mounts and etc to it a d want a MIG welder wire fed. I am having 220/230 run into my garage. I have bought different welders both 110v, a d they sucked. I am looking to stay under 800.00 or lower if possible. 500.00 sounds great. I want plenty of heat if possible. Does anyone out there have any advise on shielded MIGS? Which model I should beLooking at, or to buy. The metro will not exceed 3/8 thick but would like one to do any job I might need on the ranch. ThanksI
Reply:The biggest you can afford in my opinion.  I bought a Miller 140... and while I love it and all, I should have gone bigger because now I'm limited by it.  :-(JoeMiller 140 Autoset (2010)Miller Syncrowave 250 (1996)
Reply:It would be a good idea to use 6 gage wire when wiring ur garage.That would cover you if you decide on a MM 252.Jack
Reply:Buy a good quality 250 amp class machine used.  Most that are for sale are barely used, and the older Miller Migs were built like tanks.  Limited electronics = less expensive and easier repairs if needed.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum