was going to buy tombstone but the guy was no good

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I had the tombstone I found on Craigslist, a few guys responded to my original post, advising me to go with the Mig. I tend to agree, It is unlikely I will be welding anything large, probably 3/8 and smaller, so the mig would be fine, but theres the 140, 180 3200, man, why so many different models. The 110 V input would be conveient but the limited output could limit the possible projects. The 180 sounds good, but then you have sub titles, C, HD etc. I'm ready to hit the Big Box store and buy a 180, or should the 3200 work O.K. HELP A BRUTHA OUT! BVC (white boy)
Reply:I say Hobart Handler 140. I think its the best bang for the buck. I have done up to 1/4" with .35 flux core. People will say it cant do that thick but it says in the specs and inside cover that it can. I would say it can as long as its not something life threatening also added insurace of beveling and a gap is highly suggested.With that in mind the price is great and its a great machine! I got mine refurbished for $400 and they go on sale new all the time for around $450. Tractor supply carries them and I am not sure who else. I cant comment on the lincolns although I find any store you can walk into costs more than online.
Reply:BVC,Don't panic and buy the wrong machine. Lots of us on here bought a 110v MIG, enjoyed it for a while, but ended up selling (or keeping it) and buying a 220v. If you can swing the $200 difference and have access to 220v, you will never regret it. Just as soon as you start learning and enjoying welding, you will see lots of things you never thought about that need welding.My buddy says it best, buy the dog you want. The only difference is what you pay the first day. After that the food, vet bills, fences, etc. all cost the same. Same with welders. The helmet, grinders, wire, gas, etc. all cost the same.Northern Tools and Tractor Supply both carry Hobart and run them on sale pretty often. Look for the Hobart 180. Tractor Supply had them with helmet and spool gun under $900, factory fresh. Other on-line dealers have good prices, but give your Local Welding Supply a chance to get your business, it may cost you just a little extra but then they will help with questions, a good deal on gas, etc.Or look on Craigslist for a good used unit. I see them all the time under $500 for Hobart, Miller, or Lincoln. Buy a brand name so you can always get parts, get it serviced, and expect to go a long time with no problem.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:BVC,Just me, but if I had to buy a home welder again I would seriously look at the MM211, even if it meant waiting till the $$ came available.  It is 115 and 230 volt ready.  Haven't heard a bad thing about them YET, but it could happen, with the miller quality it probably won't.  Same could be said for any of the other name brand machines but as far as I know the 211 is the only one with dual voltage.  I have a Hobart Handler 187 and it is an excellent machine, but would probably go with the 211 today.Oh yeah, there are so many different machine choices for sale because we keep buying them
Reply:Well I suggested the Hobart Handler 140 because he said he was going to get a tombstone on craigslist. Those are usually $50-$150 for AC only. $400-$500 is a big jump from $50-$150 but not as big as $900+People always say they wished they saved for a bigger machine. But thats coming from the point of view of starting out small. I started with a Handler 140 and my next purchase was a used tombstone for $150 so for about $600 I have a wide range of capabilities for a fraction of the cost. When I am at work using the big mig machine I wish I had my small one all day. The big migs are clunky to cart around and you cant just throw them in your backseat to go weld at a friends house. Also on my work machine the torch is alot bigger and alot more unwieldy. There is always a place for each type and theres many ways to skin a cat. Who is to say you cant sell your small mig to put towards a bigger one?You should state how much you are looking to spend aswell because it all really depends on alot of factors. But your getting good advice so far so good luck Last edited by Skeluhtor; 08-19-2010 at 09:29 AM.
Reply:Thanks, for the info so far, I'mstill trying to figure out this website, how to post and reply. The Tombstone, I believe is a great machine, but I'm thinking 180 Lincoln, I will look into the Hobart, and Miller. The cost,of course, is a factor, but as a general contractor, the best money I ever spent, was on quality tools you can count on, and don't need replacing till you've gotten your moneys worth out of them. It sounds like the 220V input mig, is wear I need to look. If I can find a good used one, great, it might come with gloves, helmet, etc. I decided to rebuild the dump trailer, now I have a 60 gallon compressor to run my new sand blaster, and a spray gun to shoot primer and paint. It's easy to justify as the cost of having these things done for you are outrageous, and most of us have more time than money these days, at least the contractors. BVC