'new welder' machine question

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Hey guys I'm new here and to welding. I've gotten lots of help from here already and am very excited to further my abilities and start welding regularly.  I am looking for a machine.  I think a good used mig. In want to do vehicle modificatons and fabrication.  I found an old trailblazer 250g I think I can get cheap. Its amp selector is going bad I guess. He says it welds too hot or too cold. I was wondering if these can easily be converted to run off a cord and engine?  It'd be nice to have it but would like both options. Also, if there's any models that you would suggest I'd love to here it. I'm looking mostly on barter threads and don't have a lot of cash. I was thinking a fixer upper might be the way to go. What's the minimum power you guys think I should look for? I want to be able to weld 1/4 -3/8 steel easily. I'm not sure what's ideal for me. Thanks!
Reply:You'd be better off looking for a use Lincoln AC225.
Reply:Thanks cope! The lincoln ac225 is an arc welder isnt it? Im looking for a good mig welder.  He says this one is 3 phase and it comes with a 3 phase generator. I think Ill look for a lincoln. How big of one should I look for? Thanks again...Jonathan
Reply:MultiMatic 200 buy millerMiller Trailblazer 280 ntS 22 p 12 suitcase wire feeder Miller high frequency box dynasty 200 Millermatic 252 Millermatic 211 Miller XMT 300 Miller spectrum 2050 plasma cutter Cutmaster 42 plasma cutter. Miller dynasty 350
Reply:What's your budget ???  Miller 211 is a popular mig setup. Itis a multi-volt machine too, 110/220 single phase.    Stick would be AC/DC Miller thunderbolt or Lincoln. Both 220 single phase.
Reply:Thanks. I'm looking in the $200-$600 range. I'm also trying to involve trade to help on cost. I found a Lincoln weld-pak 180hd that looks tempting. Not sure if its powerful enough.  The Miller250g he said he wants 950 for all. Kinda high. I'd like a smaller unit that could possibly go in the truck but not so small I can't weld with it. I'm gonna stick with Miller or ill take a Lincoln for the right price.
Reply:Hobart Handler 187 or 190. (Hobart and Miller are both ITW companies.)
Reply:If it was a cheap fix, don't you think the seller would have fixed it already, esp if he is telling you what is wrong.   probably the cost of repair makes it not worth the investment for himTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Ok. I found a Hobart rc256 welder comes with a three phase generator.  I think I can get it for a good deal. Some tools plus maybe a couple hundred bucks. What do think?
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawIf it was a cheap fix, don't you think the seller would have fixed it already, esp if he is telling you what is wrong.   probably the cost of repair makes it not worth the investment for him
Reply:There isn't a lot you CAN'T do with that 180HD. If the price and condition is right, think about that one for a first time machine. That having been said. you really need someone in the know to look these machines over for you.__________________
Reply:OK. The 180 is gone. Grrr. I just can't find any of the ones mentioned here.  I found 100hd. A Clarke en150. Hobart 110.... small stuff like that. Small cheapies or real big stuff like $3000. What the smallest I should go?
Reply:If I'm looking for portability, I'd stay away from a 3phase unit and generator(?). Looks like a bunch a additional headaches and maintenance.As far as 1/4", thats a minimum machine of 135amps, 3/8" is the 187amp range.IMO
Reply:Originally Posted by drujininIf I'm looking for portability, I'd stay away from a 3phase unit and generator(?). Looks like a bunch a additional headaches and maintenance.As far as 1/4", thats a minimum machine of 135amps, 3/8" is the 187amp range.IMO
Reply:I can pick up a tri- arc 160 in a trade. Should I go for it?
Reply:Anyone? I was gonna go for a Lincoln 140 but thought it might be nice to have a bigger machine. Guys says it works great and to come try it. It looks newer too which makes mme wonder because i thought they were extinct long ago. Do you know if  they are  hard to maintain and get parts for. Would parts be way more than Lincoln parts. I'd like a dependable welder. I guess they're the same as the airco dip stick 160 ?. Does someone still make these under a different name or are they obsolete?  What would you choose? It can do mig/stick/tig. Thanks for any opinions!