What MIG to buy?

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So i just sold my Clarke AC Arc Welder (130 amp), and am wanting to move on to MIG (probably start with flux core)i've been pricing several MIG machines, and so far this is what i've come up with:Hobart EZ125Clarke EN130El-Cheapo Harbor Freight easy MIG-100Northern Industrial Mig 130 or 125i really like the clarke, but so far its one of the more expensive ones on that list. i've looked at miller and lincolns but they're both really expensive. the harbor freight is only up there, because i can get one really cheap (under 100$ if they're on sale).im not looking for something that can do like 1/2inch steel or anything, but more into lighter metals, maybe aluminum, im thinkin 3/8ths inch max, down to something like 22 or 24 gauge sheet metal. duty cycle doesnt have be be outstanding, infact all those listed are pretty low on duty cycle (highest is the clarke at 20% @ 130 amps)i just want to get some other peoples opinions about the listed welders, or good alternatives, preferably around the 200$ range if possible, and @ 110v input. (my house only has 220v for the dryer/stove, and im in military housing so i cant alter it to put a 220v in the garage)
Reply:Reality check!You won't find any 110v mig that will do 3/8" material, regardless of brand or price. With gas the max a 140 amp machine will do with a dedicated 20 amp line is 1/8" under perfect conditions. With FC you might get close to 1/4" with the same machine. Expect in reality to be able to do steel thats less than that by 1/16" or so, and even less if the amps are less than 140.Alum usually takes more amps than steel. A 110v machine has to be run at absolute max to do even  very thin alum. Don't expect more than 14g at best even with a 140 amp machine. Also be sure that the machine will run gas and that it's not a FC only machine or you will have no chance at alum.In all honesty, the 220v machine would be a better bet. The 180 amp class, 220v  migs will do 3/8" steel usually, and will do alum to 1/8" usually. The 200amp class migs would be a better bet if you want to do alum, as they will do close to 1/4" alum. Also most 220v migs will accept a spoolgun, and usually thats almost a mandatory addition if you're thinking about alum. Most cheap 110v migs won't accept a spoolgun, you will have to pony up the money for a Miller, Hobart or Lincoln if you are serious about a 110v mig and alum.The best unit out there for most guys to start with is the MM211 in my opinion. You can run it on 110v, and while you will be limited on thickness to 1/8" with gas and 1/4" with FC, it's the best a 110v mig will do on the market. You can also plug it in to 220v when you finally get around to adding it, and it will run as a 200 amp class mig. It also readily accepts a spoolgun for alum. The down side is the high price. But it's less than getting a 140 class 110v mig and a 180 class 220v mig combined.A few thoughts on the Clarke machines. Be advised the company is belly up. A warranty is useless, and parts will only be available while supplies last with whoever still has them. WHEN it breaks, expect to probably have to trash it and get a new machine. The HF stuff is about the same, as they keep switching manufacturers and models. I have no idea about the Northern ones, but would bet the same issues will apply. The Hobart is way under powered. Go with the 140 amp unit at a minimum. The 125 is a sheet metal only machine, and alum is probably impossible with it.Last edited by DSW; 02-15-2010 at 04:34 PM..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:Forgive me. I was looking at another welding forum and a post caught my eye complaining about the Hobart sp 125’s poor performance. Also included in the post is the sp 125 manual, looking through it i was very surprised to learn that there is NO filter capacitor. A filter cap makes a night and day difference in the arc, so don’t waste your money.
Reply:Just to clarify:Hobart 125EZ is a FCAW machine only and from some of the reviews it is a really good little FCAW machine. (Fluxcore Only)I wouldn't be afraid to buy this HTP 120v Machine on special for 349.00https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Campai...d77fa292d2e807Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by transitForgive me. I was looking at another welding forum and a post caught my eye complaining about the Hobart sp 125’s poor performance. Also included in the post is the sp 125 manual, looking through it i was very surprised to learn that there is NO filter capacitor. A filter cap makes a night and day difference in the arc, so don’t waste your money.
Reply:Found a picture of the effects of a filter capacitor and it's effects on the DC waveform.  Though a filter capacitor smooths the waveform, I didn't see a big difference in the arc quality of the HH125 and MM175 (fluxcore) comparison.Maybe it's my old eyes??? Attached Images
Reply:I ended up finding a deal on a clarke 130EN, with gas regulator + accessories for $220 brand new.should be here tomorow. i'll use it some and let ya know how i like it, from the perspective of a n00b to mig. i'll be running it fluxcore until i can get a bottle.
Reply:I have a Hobart 140 set up on the bottle (around $400). I use to weld small jobs here and there with just flux core and a old welder. After getting a new welder and using it with the bottle a few years back I can say that I will never go back unless I'm in a pinch. I do a lot of custom work and I am a part time crew chief for my brothers race car. I have had to make everything from custom parts to repairs and I just flat out like the results you get with practice,determination and great products.Good Luck with Clarke 130EN and let us know how it works outIf you build it they will come: