What would you buy?

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OK, I know there has been plenty of info, generally, about this, but it is easier to just start a new thread rather than searching through various threads to gather all of the necessary info.I currently have a little Lincoln HD3200 MIG welder from Home Depot (hence the HD).  It has been a good machine so far, but I am finding I need more power for some of my projects.  I have even put off some projects until I buy a better welder  I spoke with my local welding shop (carry both Miller and Lincoln) and they recommend buying the Miller 210 instead of a 211 (or a Lincoln--I think the shop prefers Lincoln)  due to the components (more industrial in the 210 and more hobby in the 211).  Personally, I am tired of not having enough power, so I was thinking about the 252 or the equivalent in Lincoln (can't remember what it is called.... 255 something perhaps?)Anyway, here are my questions:1.  Do you agree that the 210 has higher quality components in it than the 211?2.  Does anyone have a good comparison chart between the M 252 and L 255?  Are they equivalent?  Do I get more bells and whistles with one than the other (something I haven't found much info on)?  Anything to be aware of?I have read on a thread somewhere that the miller 252 had a "soft" arc compared to that of an esab.  I haven't heard anything regarding the Lincoln.  Can someone describe "soft" arc to me?  In short, if I am going to spend 2000-2500, I would like to get the best machine possible.  I don't do aluminum welding (yet), but would like to keep my options open.  I have not had any formal training, and still a welding newb.  I don't stick or tig (though I am leaning towards trying tig out in the future).  I am still a "hobby" welder, and that probably wont change, but I figure if I buy nice, I can buy once and have it last me a lifetime (maybe).Thanks for looking
Reply:I have a lincoln 255c it is a great machine. The new 255xt has the spot timer built in, but you can add the spot timer to the 255c for $135. all the 250 class machines will be generally the same with each having some small reason they think theirs is better. I would get whatever I can get the best deal on, I have had both the blue and red, and have used the esab machines. They are all great machines. I wouldnt look at a 210 machine, if your already looking at 250 machines you sound like you have hopes of bigger projects. If you do go for the smaller ones, just remember if youg going to run it close to its upper limits, check the duty cycle.Just some price infoLincoln 255c is listed as $1778 from airgas, and add $135 for the timer kit, and it is the same as the $2015 255xt. The 255c is a older model that they produced until 2008-2009 but new ones can still be found.The miller 252 is listed as $2003I would go with whatever your specific dealer has parts for on the shelf, and will give you the best deal on. Remember the extra $50-100 might pay for itself when you need a part for it and one is a week wait and one is sitting there looking at you on the shelf.Or if the price is nearly identical, what color do you like?If you cannot convince them, confuse them.         Harry S Truman
Reply:Millers Comparison to the 255c (255xt current model has the timers built in the say are optional)http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...matic_252.htmlIf you cannot convince them, confuse them.         Harry S Truman
Reply:Originally Posted by jdh239OK, I know there has been plenty of info, generally, about this, but it is easier to just start a new thread rather than searching through various threads to gather all of the necessary info.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloThis is WeldingWeb. NOT WeldingWebwon....Maybe the spanish weldors can help you with it....
Reply:Originally Posted by 500HpSilveradoMillers Comparison to the 255c (255xt current model has the timers built in the say are optional)http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...matic_252.html
Reply:Originally Posted by 500HpSilveradoI have a lincoln 255c it is a great machine. The new 255xt has the spot timer built in, but you can add the spot timer to the 255c for $135. all the 250 class machines will be generally the same with each having some small reason they think theirs is better. I would get whatever I can get the best deal on, I have had both the blue and red, and have used the esab machines. They are all great machines. I wouldnt look at a 210 machine, if your already looking at 250 machines you sound like you have hopes of bigger projects. If you do go for the smaller ones, just remember if youg going to run it close to its upper limits, check the duty cycle.Just some price infoLincoln 255c is listed as $1778 from airgas, and add $135 for the timer kit, and it is the same as the $2015 255xt. The 255c is a older model that they produced until 2008-2009 but new ones can still be found.The miller 252 is listed as $2003I would go with whatever your specific dealer has parts for on the shelf, and will give you the best deal on. Remember the extra $50-100 might pay for itself when you need a part for it and one is a week wait and one is sitting there looking at you on the shelf.Or if the price is nearly identical, what color do you like?
Reply:Sounds good, look at the Hypertherm Plasma before you make any plasma purchases.If you cannot convince them, confuse them.         Harry S Truman
Reply:If you want one that will really blow the red and blue away, try an Esab Multimaster 260. Little more coin, but way higher in potential and features. Variable inductance, mig, tig and stick capable, spoolgun capable, dual bottle rack standard and one of the best arcs out there.QamuIs Heg qaq law' lorvIs yInqaq puS