Welder Guidance please

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JohnG again....I missed out on the ESAB MM260, it's ok because they got more than I was going to offer so I guess it would have been another 2 hour drive for nothing.I am looking mostly at used welders listed "locally" but am not adverse to making a new purchase.I do not NEED a spool gun, but I would be displeased if adding one later was impossible/difficult or costly ($500+).I have found a number of new units that have "gun on demand", if that means what I think, that there are two gas solenoids and the machine is designed and SG ready - YEY!I am tormenting over the following choices,Pre-owned:Miller MM250 (I read that they had "issues" with weld quality so were rapidly superceded by the MM252 and 252 models), there are TWO locally for around $1000.Lincoln PM255C for about $1600Miller 35 (cables only, no spare parts in ok condition) for about $500New:ESAB MM 203HTP 200 & 2400Miller MM212Lincoln PM 216Right now, cash is king so I am leaning towards the Miller 35 but I believe that $500 is too much considering it's apparent condition and lack of anything to make it useable.  Maybe $300?The used Lincoln PM255C is also too much for a used welder IMO, maybe $1250?  When you can get a NEW PM255XT delivered with tank for ~$2000 with a full warranty, it seems foolish to pay much over half for used.I have heard (read) good things about the ESAB units in terms of weld quality and customer support.  There are a number of "nearby" (for Texas) LWS locations that handle ESAB.I'm burning up a FORTUNE in fuel looking at junk that they won't negociate on and stopping at the LWS only to find out they want me to spend OVER $2k for a floor model that's in stock.  I have other uses for that money but do not want something that cannot be converted for use with a spool gun, so I am very concerned that the Miller 35 is a no-go.Thanks!
Reply:The MM250's have been around for years. I used the **** out of an old one at work without trouble.  They were replaced by the 251 (which I have) and after three or so years those were replaced by the 252.  Any of the three are going to be a good welder.  I am not aware of any "issues" with any of them.My name's not Jim....
Reply:What is your budget?I bought my DVI 2 for 1200 on ebay NEW.You can purchase a 252 for 2,000http://cgi.ebay.com/MILLERMATIC-252-...item5ad2b90c02
Reply:buy this onehttp://cgi.ebay.com/MILLER-MILLERMAT...item45efe4eafb
Reply:Yup yup, that'd work.But, me no fleaBay!
Reply:Originally Posted by John_GYup yup, that'd work.But, me no fleaBay!
Reply:and you know that welder is located in dallas,texas. I don't think tyler texas is that far from dallas...
Reply:Of the machines on your list, I have the HTP MIG200.  I bought it new nearly 20 years ago.  I have many other machines now, but the HTP was my only mig welder for many years and it still works as good as the day I bought it.  I'm very happy with it. MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:FleaBay = populated by scammers and they don't enforce their own rules, EVER.  Been scammed more than once and won't go back - EVER.  won't use PlayPal either, onwed by FleaBay and sleezy as they come.  BTW, FleaBay WILL report you if you sell an item that a manufacturer has PAID THEM for notifications on, and you get a letter even if you are in the right.  Been there, done that and got a medal.Dallas is about an hour from me, not bad but they could be on the "far side" of Dallas like the ESAB was, that was just over 2 hours of driving to meet the guy on my vacation day and I couldn't find the address and no one answered the phone.  That's a pitfal of answering an ad and I accept it can happen.  Shame on me for not calling again FIRST and telling him that I was on my way.DR, yes I have read your endorsements of the HTP 200 you have.  I would consider it but would need to wait until Monday to get a price.  I think it would be all I "need" and a good fit.  Thanks for the advice.