looking for new mig

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hello this is my first threan so please be patient.  Looking to replace my miller 175 220volt mig with a bigger 250 amp class machine, problem is i like everything i see.  Local supplier is kind of stuffy like you need a membership card or something.  Like the pricesof the eswab 280 pro or htp 2400 but my miller has worked its butt of and miller support has been great but money is money.  Anyone have any experience with these companies/machines lately.ThanksMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:i don't know anything about the esab or htp but i still have and use my mm175 but i wanted more so i bought the mm252 with 30a spool gun and love the heck out of not having to disconnect one gun to connect the other. just pull the trigger on the gun i need.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:You might also keep a machine like the XMT304 with a feeder in mind. You can probably find a nice used machine and feeder for what a new dedicated mig in that class would run you. That would also give you the option of stick and DC tig if you added the other components. This is the way I'm leaning on upgrading my current mig..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:Thanks for the advice.  I was considering a multi process machine like a used delta weld or the like in a 3 p-hase unit but that will wait till the new shop comes.  Say jbmprods, is the wire feeder assembly as cheesy on the 252 as people say or are they just being pickey.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Local supplier is kind of stuffy like you need a membership card or something.
Reply:Thats kinda what I was thinkin no tax most places ship free just need to make sure I get a good machine.  I am sure lws would really be happy to work on a machine bought somewhere else.  Although the dealings i've had with miller I'm sure they would take care of me. Local doesn't even have a demo.  Hard to talk weld shop only been miggin for a few years stickin for 15 but am pretty much self taughtMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:I have the MM252 and love it as well.Guy_48Welding is an art......Millermatic 252Lincoln SP175PlusLincoln 225 AC/DC
Reply:the rollers are smaller than the Lincoln 255's but i wouldn't say they are cheesy. haven't had any feed problems so i guess i don't need a couple of 15" truck wheels to push they wire.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:As long as it works thats all that matters. The nay sayers are probably just looking for a reason to justify not owning something else.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:it all depends on your budget and use.Like DSW said, the XMT is a great machine. But to get the total set up you are going to spend some money.I have the Esab 275.  I like it better than any of the Miller or Lincolns. IMO it is a 300A class machine. Not that they are bad because they are not.  The Esabs have their drawbacks our way, namely consumables.  I buy them in bulk, not too many up here have even heard of ESAB let alone use them.  The drive wheels leave a little to be desired also.I know a lot of guys who have a 255 on their farm and love it.  Same with the 252.  All good machines, depends on your preference.  The LWS's up here have them all set up and you can test out all of them and go from there.TB 302 EFIESAB Migmaster 275MM 211 w/Spoolmate 100Hypertherm PlasmaMetal Master, Victor, and Smith TorchesUnihydro 45Wells BandsawArcair K2000Weldcraft Tig rigMiller 12VSLincoln PT 225No one can say I'm brand biased.