Welder recomendations

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Hello,  Ben on the site for a long time and finally have a garage to build a truck.  I need a welder/welders and have searched soooooo much I am confused as to the best setup.I want the best setup for the least money...  Big surprise.  So a AC/DC miller ab/p    To stick thicker material and still have tig.  If I get this how big of  a Mig should I get?  Do I need a 240 machine?Or get a Thermal Arc 211I?Or a Thombstone Ac/DC and a Mig and forget about tig...I am looking to build cars and trucks.  I will not weld anything structural,,  Just get everything ready for an experienced welder for now.Thank you in advance..Bill
Reply:for mig get a hobart ironman 230  best/cheapest mig machine money can buy  plenty of power for automotive welding http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_47864_47864
Reply:puty72,  Thanks for the reply!So get this and forget about the stick?  Can I get away with this machine and not get a TIG?I'm just thinking bout exhaust work and not sure yet cause I haven't built anything yet.Thanks again Bill Originally Posted by puty72for mig get a hobart ironman 230  best/cheapest mig machine money can buy  plenty of power for automotive welding http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_47864_47864
Reply:Originally Posted by Truck21Can I get away with this machine and not get a TIG?
Reply:DSW Thank you!I was looking and there is a miller 320 ab/p in my area with torch and pedal  I think it is a rebadged Airco unit for $700.  I was thinking of offering less.  The best thing is, I can wait for a DEAL because I am not in a hurry BUT I am not always sure what I should be looking for.  Thanks again Bill Originally Posted by DSWReally depends on what you plan to do. Mig, stick and tig all have their own specific uses.Tig is useful for thin materials and detailed welds. It's often used on stainless and alum. It naturally give you the "dime" look and give you the most control over the weld puddle. With auto stuff tig is often used to do headers and tube work as well as some suspension stuff and cages.Mig is a good "all round" machine. You can weld sheet metal body work up to heavy steel, if your machine is big enough. With a spoolgun it can be used to do alum 1/8" and over, but the gun is a bit bulky for some applications. Mig is definitely the way to go if you want to do body work and it's used in some cases to do other stuff like cages.Stick is good for "heavy" steel. 1/4" and up is a good range, though it can be used on thinner stuff. Stick usually has limited use in auto stuff, unless you are doing bumpers, trailers and other stuff using heavier steel.A nice tig like a Miller 330 AB/P would get you going on a budget. I'd still want a mig if you are going to do auto stuff to do autobody work. You can get by with a small 110v mig, but I'd opt for a 230v unit so you have more power to work with. A small 110v mig tops out at 1/8" under best conditions. A 230v mig usually will do 1/4" and up on the max end, depending on how big the machine is. You can still however turn it down and do sheet metal. There are plenty of older used migs out there that can be found inexpensively if you look. A nice older MM35, MM200, MM185 can often be found under $1000 if you look for a while. A nice AC/DC tig and a good 230v mig will cover almost all your bases.
Reply:oh and I only plan to do auto work.  Bumpers cages frames body and such...
Reply:you shouldn't need a stick machine then for what you plan on doing. i'd get a mig first then later a tig.
Reply:OK So I'll be looking for a good MIG to start.  Any other suggestions?  In this market there are a lot of good deals if you know what to look for.  I just need help with what to look for.  Are there other MIG machines that might be a better deal than the Hobart Ironman 230?  What kind of price would be a good deal for one of these?Thanks again Bill
Reply:deal wise you wont beat the iron man 230 for $1500 unless you find used. new millermatic 212 $2,100 & 252 starts around $2800.  new lincoln powermig 216 and 256 around around $2400.  these are all 230/240v machines with build in wheels for easy maneuverability  that have a max output between 200-250 amps which will be plenty if you have to weld 1/4 and 3/8 material. also all these machines are aluminum capable with addition of spoolgun which are sold separate unless you buy combo pack.
Reply:Originally Posted by puty72deal wise you wont beat the iron man 230 for $1500 unless you find used. new millermatic 212 $2,100 & 252 starts around $2800.  new lincoln powermig 216 and 256 around around $2400.  these are all 230/240v machines with build in wheels for easy maneuverability  that have a max output between 200-250 amps which will be plenty if you have to weld 1/4 and 3/8 material. also all these machines are aluminum capable with addition of spoolgun which are sold separate unless you buy combo pack.
Reply:the HTP 2400 is good deal from a great company. Nothing but good dealings with them.http://www.usaweld.com/ProductDetail...e=602401-ST-24 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:It would help if you'll take a minute and ad your location to your profile so we know approximately where you are located. Lots of guys browse CL regularly and they may have some suggestions on things to look out for.That 330 is in the mid to high range considering it's a rebadged unit. I typically see the Millers running $400-900 and the Airco marked units running $100-200 less in the middle up upper end. If you can get it in the $500-600 range you should be good, but not knowing condition and what all is included, it's tough to make a good call. what you found might be a good deal if it's got extras and in really nice shape.Migs, depends. the Ironman 230 is a really good deal on a full sized "shop" mig. You can also look at some of the smaller units like the Hobart HH190 or the dual voltage migs like the Hobart HH210MVP or Millers MM211 that will run off both 110v or 230v power. You can do up to 1/8" off 110v power or up to 3/8" on 230v with those, so top end wise they are pretty close to what you would get with an Ironman 230. Big advantage with the Ironman is duty cycle. It will weld all day long on settings that would trip the thermal overrides on the smaller units.Plenty of other options available in used migs as well. I could spend all day listing units and still not cover most of them. Best bet is if you see something to post up a link and we can tell you more about that particular unit..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:For car stuff avoid a stick welder if I  were you I would get a nice combo machine like the Thermal Arc Fabricator 211. The reason for avoiding stick is it doesn't fair so well on thinner materials but with a 3 in 1 machine you can have mig and tig for the car stuff and stick if you ever run into a different type of project.Lincoln pro core 125 14''chop saw7 inch grinder,2-4.5 inch grinders,electric die grinder.Half inch drillAnd alot of hand tools
Reply:Down side of the multi use machines is few are AC/DC capable tigs, so that leaves you not being able to tig alum. If that isn't an issue, then they are a nice option. If you need/want the ability to tig alum intakes and so on, then you are still back to needing a separate AC/DC tig. At that point it's usually cheaper to go the separate unit route and just buy a dedicated mig vs a 3 in 1 machine..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:A good sized mig is all you need for building a truck. You will rarely weld anything over 1/4" so you could get away with even a smaller 220v mig. Tig is about 1/3 the speed when it comes to welding on vehicles since so muck cleaning and prep is involve.If you need to weld aluminum tig is nice but a spool gun on a mig will work well too.I built lots of rigs with a small 180 amp mig.
Reply:DSW I updated my profile to include my location so if anyone sees a good deal PLEASE let me know!I am a little torn because I might need to weld on an aluminum intake here and there.  Here is the ad for the 320 ab/p:Older Miller 320 a/bp tig welder with brand new weldtec water cooled torch and consumables. Its branded as a Airco Heliarc... but its all miller. Comes with the footpedal which regularly goes on ebay for $200. SMAW, GTAW. Stainless, aluminum, steel. Whdya think?
Reply:I pulled up Searchtempest and took a quick peek using a random zipcode for Rhode Island (02840) using "welder" as the search term.http://www.searchtempest.com/results...min&maxAsk=maxI saw a number of Millermatic 35's listed. One recently for $875, and two older ones,  The one for $875 isn't great, but if he comes down a few hundred it might be worth it. You can pick up a new Hobart HH190 or HH210 for roughly that price range. 2nd one is almost 25 days old, but it's still up and the price is really nice at $400. The MM35 is a 175 amp mig, so it will do up to 1/4".http://newlondon.craigslist.org/tls/4284054685.htmlhttp://capecod.craigslist.org/tls/4251237975.htmlI didn't see the 330 listed, but I might have missed it..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:A MM 35 could be any were from at least 30 - 40 years old. I'd be hesitate to purchase a unit this old due to the high possibility that several internal components may have reached the point, or are close to the point, of needing to be replaced.For truck welding, the ability of the dual driven wire drive system on my Ironman 230, MM 210, ESAB Migmaster 250, to perform well with a 15ft gun lead seems like it could be a BIG plus.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Originally Posted by DanA MM 35 could be any were from at least 30 - 40 years old. I'd be hesitate to purchase a unit this old due to the high possibility that several internal components may have reached the point, or are close to the point, of needing to be replaced.For truck welding, the ability of the dual driven wire drive system on my Ironman 230, MM 210, ESAB Migmaster 250, to perform well with a 15ft gun lead seems like it could be a BIG plus.
Reply:http://nh.craigslist.org/tls/4288515632.htmlhttp://syracuse.craigslist.org/tls/4272486902.htmlNoticed these today.....
Reply:$1200 for a Millermatic 210 is asking way to much.  If I am remembering correctly the MM 210 was discontinued around 2007, and they were selling for around $1300. I spend $1400 - $1500 on a new Ironman 230 over $1200 for a MM 210.  The 230 gives you 5 more voltage taps, more top end power,  a higher duty cycle, and much better low end for autobody sheet metal.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Looked at these today.miller welder 211 - $700 Hobart Fabstar 4030 Welder - $400http://albany.craigslist.org/tls/4288805356.htmlMiller Mig Welder Complete Set up-Millermatic 172 w/ gas bottle & cart - $400Ironman 250 Welder - $1000Hobart BETA-MIG 251 $1.500Seems to be something that's a good deal out of these.
Reply:Ironman 250 is probably the best deal of the bunch. Loads of power at a decent price. The MM211 is another good unit. Price sounds about fair/ Nice thing about the MM211 is you can run it on 110v power and do up to 1/9" or on 230v power and do up to 3/8". The Ironman has more top end power, but it's a 230v only shop unit.I see advantages to both of those machines, depending on what you want to do and how you plan to use it, as well as your budget. Dan can probably give you more info on the Ironman 250 than I can.The other 2 Hobarts are older units and are out of production. That Linde is also an older unit as well. The MM172 is an older machine and I'm not that familiar with  them enough to make a call on how good a deal that is, but the price doesn't look bad if the machine is clean and runs well..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Output power wise, the Ironman 250 is similar to the Ironman 230. The 250 gives you a little more duty cycle. The Ironman 230 exists though , because the Ironman 250 had two obvious weaknesses. The first being there are only 7 voltage taps to choose from. This number of selections is to low for the output power level that the unit covers. Notice with the 230 you get 12 voltage tap selection. This was a significant improvement. The 250's other weakness is the wire drive.  The 250 has the same single driven wire drive assembly that Hobart used on its compact units for quite a few years. To correct this weakness Hobart went with the same dual driven wire drive that Miller had been using for years on their 200, 250's ,  and 210.Millermatic 172 is a compact 175 amp unit.  It's going to be a borderline 1/4" unit for critical work. It only offers 4 voltage tap selections to choose from. Four tap selections are two few to cover the output power range.  The 40 amp low end makes it a little on  the hot side for auto body sheet metal.Last edited by Dan; 01-16-2014 at 10:56 PM.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:I found this today.MODEL SCP 200 C $425The 1 thread I found says it is a really good old machine.  single phase version of the cp 200.It has an external airco wire feed unit on it. comes with the bottle.Guy wants $700 for a mm200 without bottle or regulatorAlso the mm211 listed above.  Was thinking of offering $500 maybe paying $600?
Reply:You won't be disappointed with a MM200.  It's a 280 amp welder with a buttery arc. Some argue it's the best Miller ever made. Duane here can walk you through any repairs.  I had one and still would if I had more room. If it's clean, I think even $700 is fair.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Here's the link to cl adhttp://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/4281126663.html
Reply:Has the spot panel too.  I think it's worth it.  Try to get for $5-600.  Add a Q300 gun for $125 from eBay.There's a couple of good rebuild threads on them.  Will post mine.  Someone else did a great job on the miller part on this forum.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Here's Doug's http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...ght=Mm200+redoTA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Here's minehttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...ght=Mm200+REDOTA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by Truck21Here's the link to cl adhttp://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/4281126663.html
Reply:Originally Posted by DanThe MM 200 has a reputation of being a very good unit. However, $1000 seems high for an older unit that could potentially  need some parts replaced to bring it up to like new performance.  The gun definitely looks like it needs replacing.  There have been a few threads over the past few years pointing out improved performance by replacing the filter caps. If the contactor has never been replaced , it may be time for a new one.
Reply:Well I just picked up this unit today.  I haven't run the 240 to the garage yet so short of plugging it in to see if it works how can I tell if I made out?Guy plugged it in turned it on but didn't have a bottle and nothing to weld.$350
Reply:You made out. Take the wrapper off.  Look inside and blow/brush all the dust off.  Allot of people here swear that they wash the insides with soap and a power washer, but that still scares me. Make sure the jumpers are set to the appropriate voltage.  I can't tell what voltages your machine is set up for.  It says it on the front plate.  Look at the capacitors near the back, check for any leaks.  You did great. That machine is bulletproof.  Again, Duaneb55 is the resident expert on that machine.  He can help you with any issues.  The only problem I had with mine was with CR1 which I fixed myself.If I were you, I'd start looking on eBay for a Bernard Q300 gun.  You can nail one for around $125, you may do better.  The old style gun you have is tough to find parts for and they aren't cheap.  IIRC, it was somewhere around $80 for a Miller set for the gun with two nozzles, diffuser, insulator, etc.You can put a Teflon liner in the old one and try to weld aluminum without a Spoolgun.  Then you can pull all of your hair out and have a stroke.Last edited by Drf255; 01-27-2014 at 04:56 AM.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Congratz. You just bought the last MIG machine you'll ever need. Clean the old dozer up good and run the hell out of it for another 25 years.The actual duty cycle begins when you flip the switch on and ends when you turn it off.........or run out of wire.The entire board of directing thieves of Miller, Whorebart, Illinoiz central or whoever owns that company now should be thrown in a volcano.A Chinaman should duplicate that machine to a tee and put the rest of the junk brokers out looking for a job at Target.If I were 20 years younger I'd do it !If these guys ever bought a welder it would be a MM200Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Originally Posted by BurpeeThe entire board of directing thieves of Miller, Whorebart, Illinoiz central or whoever owns that company now should be thrown in a volcano.
Reply:Originally Posted by Silicon-based+1.