Lincoln pro-mig 140 vs 175?

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Is there enough of a difference between the 120v and 220v models to make it worth the upgrade?Or is a Powermig?  215 amp unit the next logical step?Chris
Reply:Yes.Yes, for an extra $800-$1000 over the cost of the 175/180 class units.If you have 220/240v power available, then you can get a welder with more ooomph than you can get out of a 120V outlet.  If all you have is a 120V outlet, you make the trade-off and get the lower powered unit.If all you are working on is thin gauge sheet steel and up to maybe 1/8 inch or so steel, then the 120V welder is capable.  But the 240V welders can do the thin stuff -and- they can do the thicker stuff too.And no, you can't just make more passes of weld bead on thick material if all you have is a lower powered welder.  At some point, the machine isn't going to put enough heat into the weld to melt -into- the main material even though the filler (wire or rod) is melting.  When that happens, you have a "lack of fusion" or "poor penetration" or "a cold joint/lap".
Reply:Well, I brought home a used pro-mig 175 today to replace my 140.Thanks for the advice!It is still too big of a step for me to get up to the 215+ series.Chris
Reply:Originally Posted by *chris*Well, I brought home a used pro-mig 175 today to replace my 140.Thanks for the advice!It is still too big of a step for me to get up to the 215+ series.Chris