Reccomendation

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Hi Guys. First post.....I am in the market for a welder for around the house/farm. I am interested in the combo, mig, stick units. No particular reason, it just seemed to me to be the most versatile. If separates are more advisable, I'd go that route...Any recommendations from you from you guys here on the forum? I am not interested in cheap. I want good. \Any comments are appreciated. I also plan to go over to Airgas and get some co2  and argon tanks along with other consumables and the newer fast darken helmets.I have done welding in the past using borrowed welders.....Now I want to get my own...Thanks in advanceRay
Reply:Combo MIG/Stick units are expensive, multiprocess units.  For home/farm use, you are way ahead to get a powerful MIG that does it all, or a MIG for the thin jobs and a Stick for the heavy jobs.For up to 1/4" jobs, which would probably do most anything you need to do, look at the brand new Hobart HH187.
Reply:This is not a recommendation but seems to be what you are looking for. I believe they are in a reasonable price range also. I however did not like the Customer service I received when I called to ask questions and get a quote  .http://www.htpweld.com/products/mts/index.htmMac is correct in my opinion in saying the HH187. I wish I waited another month and I would have got that instead of the HH180  . The HTP above is Mig, Tig, Stick. I can not however tell you if they are any good. Maybe somebody else can chime in.Drivesector Hobart Handler 140Hobart Handler 180Ready Welder 2Hobart Air Force 400Airco Stinger 225Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."OZZY"
Reply:I use a powcon 300sm (dc multiprocess) and a feeder.  It does dc stick as well as anything I have used and does wire better than any non-inverter wire feeder I have ever worked with.  I got everything used and I have about $900 in the whole setup...but, I did some serious shopping and bargin hunting to get that.  If you are wanting it now, count on spending anywhere from $1400-$2200 for a good used dc multiprocess and decent (translation...operable) feeder.  New, they really get pricey...you can easily have $4000-$6000 in a new multiprocess and new feeder.  Patience is required to get a bargin in this market now-a-days.  I just saw a powcon 300sm sell at nearly $1000 on ebay!!!...I am tempted to sell mine if folks will pay that.  I wished I had saved the link...it's gone now...Even though I really like my setup, I would have to agree that the newer migs are coming in higher amperages at lower prices...they are pretty hard to beat for most situations.  Add that to a nice used ac/dc stick machine and you would be hard pressed to find a job they wont do well.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Smithboy, I agree the 300SM is very smooth with stick.   I use mine with a Cobramatic feeder and push-pull torch for aluminum.   The PowCons are good little machines.That HTP multi-process welder looks very interesting.   Anyone know how much it costs?The HTP MIGs are good welders too.  I've been very happy with my MIG200 for the last decade and a half .
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33Smithboy, I agree the 300SM is very smooth with stick.   I use mine with a Cobramatic feeder and push-pull torch for aluminum.   The PowCons are good little machines.That HTP multi-process welder looks very interesting.   Anyone know how much it costs?The HTP MIGs are good welders too.  I've been very happy with my MIG200 for the last decade and a half .
Reply:Thanks for the info.  Sounds like a great price for a machine that can MIG and DC TIG in one unit!   They should come out with a 200-amp version of it sometime, probly sell alot of them.