Good MIG welder

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I am looking to buy a MIG welder. Just wondering what would be a good machine for under $1500. Doesn't need to be new. I prefer Miller just because thats what I use at work, but if theres something better I would be willing to give it a try.  I will be using it for side jobs and my own projects.
Reply:You can get a Miller MVP 211 for that price or for a little less the Miller MM180.  The 211 is supposed to be a real nice machine.
Reply:I will need something with more of a duty cycle, and more amperage.
Reply:Millermatic 252 on ebay. Or a hobart ironman from tractor supply
Reply:I doubt it! If you think you know that much you wouldn't have even asked your first question.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeI doubt it! If you think you know that much you wouldn't have even asked your first question.
Reply:If you hunt a bit, chances are you can locate a used XMT 304 and feeder in the $1500-1800 price range. You just need to be patient..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:I know it's probably not what you are looking for, but I just picked up a longevity promts 200. It's been in the box for a week and I finally got time to open her up, now I just need time to see how she welds!If you are set on a miller, keep an eye out on craigslist. Also there is a seller on ebay that always seems to have freight damaged millers, thermal arcs and some other stuff.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I have the miller matic 210 Think I payed just under 1,200.00 for it when I bought it new in 2005 I love the machine has the 3035 spool gun and dual tank racks on it if you look around miller has promos from time to time when I bought that one it came with the spoolmate a miller autodark and the dual tank setup on it. Talk to your local chain welding shop(airgas etc....) alot of them will price match ebay sellers buy it now pricing(thats how I bought mine at the price I payed for it(hell my airgas guy even threw in the big bottles for my gasses just cause I went with him over flea bay...lol)Millermatic 30aMillermatic 210Miller thunderbolt 225 ac/dc/ccMiller HF15-1-wg tigLincoln ranger 10(honda powered)Cebora 175 mig Too damn many tools but oddly not enough......
Reply:Tell us what you plan on doing. The 211 is a heck of a machine with 110 / 220 volt feature too. You can't have only one machine. It is illegal .
Reply:For a new machine, the Hobart Iron Man 230 has the most power for the $$ in your price range. If you can go used, the Millermatic 251 or 252, or the Lincoln 255 or 256 have more features and a bit more power. You should be able to find one locally if you shop around.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Originally Posted by MWaldenYou can get a Miller MVP 211 for that price or for a little less the Miller MM180.  The 211 is supposed to be a real nice machine.
Reply:I would say used Miller 251 or 252 or the Lincoln equivalent.  If you are patient and watch auctions you can do even better on the price.  At that price point, the right auction you can get XMT +feeder or Miller 350P.  Just watch the power inputs.  Its too expensive to convert a 3ph machine to 1ph.As for power/duty cycle.  Typically 200 Amp machines are good enough for hobby or very light industrial.  By that I mean about any project on a car or pickup truck.   In either a production line setting or if your building 'medium' duty trailers (10,000lbs ish), you will want the 250 class machines.As for features.  The Miller 252 added some timers (post flow?) over the 251.  The 251 is a very nice machine just beware it runs hot (its voltage curve is very level - try setting in .5V below where you'd set anything else).  In my opinion it makes for a smooth arc.I know you've dismissed the 211, but I would personally really think about having a machine that is capable of 110V operation.  On my Multimatic I can do 90% of the stuff around my house with a standard 12 (or even 14) gauge extension cord.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX