About to buy a MIG.

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I've been researching various MIG welders for a couple months, I did welding in high school, and was thinking about getting into it, possibly freelance, farm repairs, general auto, etcWhile I re-learn the trade, I was wondering about the good and bad of welders, In my area there are some fair priced 220volt units, miller and lincoln.But today I saw a monster sitting in a pawn shop, someone had just dropped it off. its a Arc Benchmark Pro,manual can be found here.http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o121989b_mil.pdfmy question: is this a good machine for $245.00?and can consumables be found for it easily, it says made by miller, so i'm hoping things can be found easily.I don't want to buy a tiny little welder that is not worth a damn, and I want to make sure my investment is a good one.thanks.
Reply:I think you would be better served to put the $245.00 toward a later model machine with higher output capabilities. 70 or 90 amps (depending on the model) ain't a whole lotta grunt.Just my $.02Rex
Reply:Have to agree this is not much of a welder.You need to be looking at the 200 amp out put range to even start to think about welding for hire. Some of the 180amp stuff might get you close but...  http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_passport_plus/ this is the best in class you will find and it sorta sits in a class all its own.
Reply:In my opinion if you have any intentions of going into the farm repair you will be better served with a stick machine.  As FB mentioned you need to be in the 200amp or better range with a mig to consider any type of for hire work.  Take the $250 and buy a good stick machine and save your money until you can buy a decent sized mig.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:can anyone identify this machine?seller wants $400 including small bottle of argon.
Reply:Is that the Westinhouse logo on the front?
Reply:Hi Shadow forget that older one, the Benchmark. As for that last one that looks like a Westhouse symbol on the front well I would stay away from that as well. The older machines are fine if you have the experience in working with them but they are hard to fix as parts are impossible to locate,For most of my farm use I use a Lincoln tombstone. Been around for years easy to get parts and easy to fix.  For auto use a 220volt mig is better.But keep checking around and don't jump on the first thing that catchs your eye.Spend the extra time annd do some research and also plan to buy a newer unit with more capabilty than you currently need . Plan for your future welding needs.TomLast edited by specter; 03-02-2009 at 11:05 PM.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:I got a little more information.it is a westinghouse wct-1 and is rated at 200 amps.I also was able to locate parts for it at a local welding supply store.So with this being said, is it still a bad deal for $400?
Reply:With money being tight, I went ahead and spent a few extra dollars on a name brand. 220Volt will be difficult to get to where I need it, so I went ahead and got a Lincoln Electric Weld-Pak 3200HD.It came with all the accessories for $352 with tax.Before i ran out of flux-core wire that it came with, I was surprised how quickly mig welding is re-learned, in about 5 minutes i was able to get the hang of it.What do you think of this machine? too limited? sell it now? or is it a good welder?On another note, I think my power inverter in the truck will run this thing. anyone ever do that?
Reply:It's a decent machine, but honestly it is extremely limited.  1/8" to 3/16" material is the limit on the machine.  It would be fine for sheet metal or body work.  I have one in my shop, but it hasn't been used in probably 2 years.  For what I do it is just to limited.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:how would you rate it among the other 110/120volt welders?
Reply:I just said this on another thread, but here goes again. I have a 3200HD and really like it.Yes it has it's limitations but if used within it's limitations it works really well. If I am going to build some thing and use it I take in to account it's limitations. I use 11 gage square tube to build alot of things and this little mig is all over it when used with flux core. I would keep it to about 12 gage and thinner if migging with C-25 alittle thicker if straight CO2.I have used it on the end of about 150 feet of extention cord, which would be a pain in the *** if it were 220 vac.
Reply:On another note, I think my power inverter in the truck will run this thing. anyone ever do that?