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I have been throwing around buying a wire feed machine for a while, and think i'm about ready to pull the trigger. But before I do that I have a few questions. I would like a machine that would also weld aluminum, probably not mich more than 1/8 inch. The machine would be used at home not for production. Mostly for motorcycle frames some rat rods and aluminum sled decks. I would prefer to buy a used machine just dont know what to look for. I dont care about brand and such just would like the best bang for my buck along with the versatility to do both. Any replies would be helpful. Thanks in advance
Reply:Hobart Handler 210 with a spool gun.Another option: HH 187. But if you decide to use a spool gun, you'll have to buy a separate controller. You will be able to get by without spool gun for welding aluminum with either of the machines, but spool gun is a way more convenient. P.S. Conversely, I prefer to use a separate controller even with my HH210 which is designed to accept a spool gun directly.Have you thought about a TIG machine instead? It may be better for your purposes unless you're going to have very long runs regularly.Last edited by MichaelP; 01-26-2010 at 12:21 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by squirrelchaserI have been throwing around buying a wire feed machine for a while, and think i'm about ready to pull the trigger. But before I do that I have a few questions. I would like a machine that would also weld aluminum, probably not mich more than 1/8 inch. The machine would be used at home not for production. Mostly for motorcycle frames some rat rods and aluminum sled decks. I would prefer to buy a used machine just dont know what to look for. I dont care about brand and such just would like the best bang for my buck along with the versatility to do both. Any replies would be helpful. Thanks in advance
Reply:Used Millermatic 180 and Spoolmate 100 would be an affordable way to mig steel and aluminum.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Ditto on what DesertRider33 said.  I've had a MM175 for 6 or 7 years and just love it!Easy to learn on, easy to use and reliable.  And it will weld 1/4' with a single pass!I saw the MM180 at my local dealer and it comes Spoolgun ready.  They had a package deal that was pretty darn good as well.
Reply:Originally Posted by squirrelchaser... I would prefer to buy a used machine just dont know what to look for. I dont care about brand and such just would like the best bang for my buck along with the versatility to do both.
Reply:Thanks for all the info. I am familiar with the use of a wire feed for steel, Just not for aluminum. Didnt know if I needed a much bigger machine than the HH187 or MM180. The info that you guys put out is very helpful. I wasnt sure on the amp rating that I should get for use on aluminum. As far as a TIG goes that will come later. The wire feed will be more usefull and much faster at this time. The only other ? is is there a differance i n spoolguns for the aluminum, and if so what do you all recomend. Thanks again!!!!
Reply:What is your Budget?CL has some deals where folks are selling the Mig and Spoolgun together but  rare.HH210 with Spoolgun at Northern tool is only 899.00Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by squirrelchaserDidnt know if I needed a much bigger machine than the HH187 or MM180.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1What is your Budget?CL has some deals where folks are selling the Mig and Spoolgun together but  rare.HH210 with Spoolgun at Northern tool is only 899.00
Reply:They are simply excellent. The only one real difference between them and comparable Miller machines is that the latter have infinite controls vs. steps as in Hobart machines. Frankly, you'll hardly ever need this capability. Besides, Hobart welders are significantly less expensive.
Reply:Hobart and Miller have the same parent company. You will find many small differences like MichaelP pointed out. To make the units less expensive they have to cut some where. That said I'd have no issues with a Hobart machine, if cost was a big factor. I'd think of them more like the economy XL version of say a Ford truck, instead of the XLT version with the extras..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