SP175T & Pro-Mig 175 - any differences?

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I'm looking at 175-class machines and have more or less narrowed my search to the SP175T (possibly a HH175).  I saw that Lowe's has a 'Pro-Mig 175' which appears to be the exact machine as a SP175T except relabled and sold through a retail channel.  Price was better on the Pro-Mig, by about $60 and if I signed up for their credit card I could get another 10% off, so net about $110 less than the SP175T (all are plus NYS tax).This morning I was perusing eBay and saw a Pro-Mig 175 for $400 ($430 if I want the standard cart) + $75 shipping (no tax).  At $505 delivered, that's cheaper than the HH175 and close to $200 cheaper than the SP175T from my local welding supply house.One other thing that I wasn't aware of was the price of consumables - any reason Miller/Hobart tips, etc. are twice as expensive than Lincoln?Any insight would be appreciated - I'm a weekend warrior at best, but want to make sure I get a MIG that will last me awhile.Thanks!Jason
Reply:I just purchased a SP175+ at my welding supply.  The word was, correct or incorrect, that the 175+ was made in Cleveland and the Lowe's Pro-Mig 175 was made at a plant in Mexico.  The welding supply was the only place I could get the 175+.  I will pay a little more to buy from my welding supply on equipment & supplies because they have helped me so much on others purchases.  Do what it takes to find an honest business like I have & it will pay off greatly in the long haul.  The SP175+ has variable controls and the SP175 has tap settings.  I have used a spool of wire on mine so far and am happy with my choice, Good luck.
Reply:By the way, I am using Lincoln tips and wire on my HH135 with no problems.  Bought the tips at HoDePo & they were indeed cheaper.  The thing I have to be aware of is that the Lincoln wire & tips are .024 & the Miller/Hobart I have are .025.  The .024 wire runs fine in the .025 tips but not the other way around.  Of course its pretty easy to ream out the Lincoln tips .001 with a tip cleaner.However, I do not think I would buy a welder from Home Depot or Lowe's.
Reply:Well, you can buy at LoLifes, and when you have a problem with the machine, you can sit in their parking lot waiting for them to help you, OR, you can take 590 south to 490 to Monroe Ave exit, and go to Mahany Welding Supply.Mahany will probably come within a few bucks of the price, and they will sell you a REAL machine, not a factory second knockoff.If there is a problem, Mahany will be there to solve it.There probably won't be a problem when you get the machine cause Mahany will have removed it from the box, tested it, and shown you how to operate it.So, how much will you save by going to LoLifes?Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:I wouldnt buy my welder at the lumberyard, but I do get my gas there
Reply:http://haunweldingsupply.com/content/usedEquipment.aspStangnetShop Full Of Stuff. Joey
Reply:Originally posted by dsyork The word was, correct or incorrect, that the 175+ was made in Cleveland and the Lowe's Pro-Mig 175 was made at a plant in Mexico.
Reply:I bought an 80 cuft to go with my HH135 last October.  I've missed most weekends but still using the same C-25.  The most extensive single job has been a fluxcore job.  It is an easy size bottle to move around and keeps your rig compact.
Reply:To throw another wrench in the works, Cyberweld cut their prices on their remaining HH175s.  I can get a HH175 with the basic cart for $537 delivered, no tax. I did call RWS, Jackson, Mahany's, and Danes - RWS had the HH175 with cart for $681 with tax.  I'm going to call back around (now that I have the Cyberweld price) and see who can match.  That $150 difference should cover the cost of a new cylinder filled with C25!Allow myself to second (and third) guess myself....    Thanks for the help and advice!Jason
Reply:I have a Pro-mig 175 that I bought at lowes since I get the wifes 10% employee discount.  I accidentially blew my regulator by turning the adjustment the wrong way.  WHen I called lincoln, they sent me a new regulator no questions asked.  I did ask them what the difference between the Pro-mig 175 and the 175t was, and the only difference is the name.ANdy