Looking to mig weld 1/4" for $500 or less

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Is it possible?  I know I could watch craigslist and snag one if I'm quick but I would like to find one sooner but I don't want to regret the purchase.  I am leaning toward the HF 180, but the feed problems (jerky) i had with my old HF dual mig makes me nervous. I am open to any brand.Suggestions?
Reply:Any thoughts on this one?  Still open to any other opinions though.http://www.amazon.com/Forney-308-Wel...20v+mig+welder
Reply:Buy a good, used Lincoln tombstone stick welder. You can pick up an AC/DC one for less than $500. AC only can be had for $100-$200. Save your money for a good MIG welder. Hobart 210 or Miller 211. You'll regret your purchase of a cheap Chinese machine.John 3:16(2) Miller Pheonix 456(2) Millermertic 252Dynasty 210DXHobart 210MVPDoringer D350 SA Cold SawScotchman 350LT Cold SawWebb 10x50 MillWebb 15x40 LatheGeka Bendicrop Ironworker
Reply:Where are you located?
Reply:Already got a buzz box... Im in west mi area
Reply:why does it have to be MIG?Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Cleaner and easier to weld thinner stuff.
Reply:your title is misleading in that case. You may want to say something like "up to 1/4 inch", otherwise you are going to get a lot of guys assuming you are only welding 1/4 inch plate and telling you to get a stick welder Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Oh, and I am not very hopeful that you will find a decent MIG that will handle 1/4 inch for under $500. The Hobart 140 says it will do 1/4 inch and is about $520 at TSC. But I don't think there is a 120 volt welder that will realistically do 1/4 inch. They are 1/8 inch machines at best. I am not sure I would trust my Hobart 190 to do 1/4 inch to tell the truth. At least not something structural.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Hey Jim do you plan on using gas shielded wire?
Reply:Look for a used Lincoln SP175 Plus. It will do 1/4" and I've seen many of them on Craigslist for $500 or so. I had one for ten years and gave it to my son to get him started welding. The newer model, SP180 ? is very similar but will take a Lincoln spool gun.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:Two machines to keep an eye out for are the Lincoln SP 150 and the Lincoln SP 200.I owned a 150 for a long time. Great little machine, but still holds a large spool of wire and big cylinder. 1/4" would be around the top of its output range, but it'll get it done. The SP 200 is the bigger brother of the 150. Both are genuine floor model machines with running gear. The 200 has a higher output range that will handle 1/4" no problem and then some.I've seen several of them sell in the $500-700 range. For most intents and purposes, as Lou said, finding a 150-200 amp MIG welder for that kind of money is gonna be a stretch. Not impossible, but not an every day occurrence either.Good luck with your search.IMHO of course
Reply:Visit  Tennessee.  500 MIGs are pretty common.  I am/was gonna list a lincoln180c.  However all this talk about price of MIGs has got me rethinking my price.???
Reply:Yes i do plan on using gas shielded
Reply:http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welders-...spool-gun.htmlYes its a chinese brand and I know some have had problems with Eastwood.   I've had mine for a few years with no issues, I use it 3-4 times a month so not heavy usage.   On sale with a spool gun for $479.  I haven't used my spool gun yet so I can't speak for its quality.
Reply:Ok so here is another forney that's a little bigger that welds up to 3/8 or so they say.  I talked to forney and these welders are made by HELVI in Italy to there specifications.  HELVI actually makes welders for craftsman and some Hobarts he told me.  So compare these to links and see what you think.http://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools...=36-67508894-2And then look at this one:http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00TGS...7HL&ref=plSrchIt's more than my budget allows for now but I may save a little more and give it a try.  They are very similar looking and the forney wins for the price and they have a real good warranty.So that being said how about that Hobart I linked?  Anyone have one and happy with it?
Reply:Miller has a awesome rebate in progress, http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00152Purchase a 211 and you get a free spoolgun plus rebate ! http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/Spoolmate_RebateFlye.pdfhttp://www.millerwelds.com/landing/b...content=online
Reply:Your title is misleading. I was gonna say: "bring your1/4" job to me and I'll do it for $500 as long as takes me under an hour. ". :