finally getting my first welder, just need opinions

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hi, so my first project is to build a BBQ smoker, i got the tank and now i need a welder.i've been meaning to get a welder for a while now but never really had a project for it. so i'm 99% sure i want a HH210 MVP. main reason is that i don't like buying things twice and i want more than a 110v but i don't want to be in need of a 110v welder and only have a 220v. figured this takes care of both of these problems. i went to my local welding store and they only had a HH180 i believe and a bunch of red and blue welders. the miller equivalent of the 210 was going for 1080 with a free hood or 75 cash back. i found the 210 on northerntool for 900 with free shipping. what do you guys think i should do?i honestly won't be using my welder as much as most of you do but i had needing a tool and not having it and worse, needing a tool but having one that cant quite get the job done.any opinions at all would be great.thanks
Reply:I think you will be happy with the 210. At one time, I believe NT was including a spool gun with the deal, but that may be over with now.FYI, Hobart and Miller are built by the same company nowadays. Miller is the upper end professional line, while Hobart is more of the consumer line, but the Hobart quality is often just as good.Check prices everywhere for the MVP210, you might even beat NT's price.PapaLincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:also forgot to mention that my budget was around 500 but i really want a one time purchase so i can save up and wait but i don't know how long the free shipping will last. i probably wont start my BBQ until it starts to warm up a little anyway.
Reply:Northern has had free shipping for quite a while now on Hobart welders. It could end, but it seems likely to stick around a while longer (just a guess, I can't promise). I have the original HH210 and it's a fantastic machine for home/hobby use. The 110/220v version should make it even more flexible.KevinHobart Handler 210Tweco Fabricator 181iLincoln Squarewave Tig 175
Reply:if your budget is only $500, i picked up my HH 187 at TSC fro $520 about 2 months ago.  it is a 230v only machine and lees amps than the 210 but has served me very well.  just a thought.
Reply:thanks for the replies. right now my budget is 500 but i'll save up for a few if i have to. id rather wait and get the best. the main reason i want the 210 is because of the MVP, if i really had to, i would get a 220v machine but i'd rather not be limited to just welding in my garage.
Reply:Theres one on Craigs list in Roseburg Oregon.  Its a miller Thunderbolt 225.  30 dollars with leads and helmet  Mac
Reply:sorry a little far for me.
Reply:Originally Posted by superwelderalso forgot to mention that my budget was around 500 but i really want a one time purchase so i can save up and wait but i don't know how long the free shipping will last. i probably wont start my BBQ until it starts to warm up a little anyway.
Reply:Also take a copy of any deal you find to your LWS some times they will meet or beat a deal and you can save the whole shipping thing and just walk out with what you wantBeside the fact that you maybe doing business with them in the futureBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck