Needing a second welder

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I have an old Lincoln AC-225 arc welder I bought a couple of years ago for work around our house/hobby farm, and I've been happy with it.  I've used it mainly for working on tractor implements, etc. but I've been wanting to try something more decorative such as a garden gate and maybe a driveway gate eventually.I've read through the 110v MIG sticky, and I've had my eye on a Hobart 187 or 210 for a while, but I've never done any mig welding and I don't want to make a bad decision.  I'm really looking for advise on whether to buy a larger mig to replace the stick welder for the heavy stuff (3/8 plus) which could also handle 16 gauge tubing, or should I buy one of the smaller 110v mig welders for the decorative welding jobs and keep the Lincoln for the rusty, heavier farm stuff?I've thought about this for a while, and I've read a lot of opinions, but I'm not certain which way to go.  There isn't a huge price difference between the Hobart 140 versus the 187 (maybe $160 or so), so the safest bet would probably be the 187.  I've heard that arc welding is better suited to painted or rusty material than mig, so if that's true I'll probably keep the Lincoln in either case.I'm also not opposed to buying an older Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart (or other quality brand), but since I'm not too familiar with wire feeders, I would also appreciate some advise on this as well.Thanks
Reply:have you tried some 3/32  6011 at 50 amps on that 16ga tubing? shoould work nice..
Reply:Thomasalva,  Welcome to the forum.  There is much to be learned by using the search function, but I also am looking for guidance on obtaining a MIG as a second welder.  Like you, I have been reading this, and a couple other forums, for a while, and I still am uncertain about which mig to get.  I like the HH210, especially the offer at Northern Tool that includes the spool gun, but I really don't have any expectation that I will ever get into aluminum projects.  I would like to fab a couple garden gates, and maybe also a driveway gate.  I think the HH187 might be a good welder for this, I just don't want to regret later that I didn't go ahead and get the 210.  I have a Hobart Stickmate for the farm equipment repair and heavier stuff, but I want a mig for tubular frame gates and such.    I guess I don't have much input to your request for help, just that I'm interested in the same info for my own decision.  Anyway, Thanks for asking the question Nctox,  Stickmate LX  235AC/160DC  HH210
Reply:This is just my 2cents, I have two Migs one is the HH140 it has been a very good welder for what I use it for, I ust for just flux wire and it welds 1/4" with 035 wire very well. The other is a MM211 I use with gas, it is a 120vlt and 220vlt, this is a nice ste up. The thing I use these for are jobs on my small farm, I would keep your Buss Box. I have tried the stick side of welding but ..........I have not met the stick gods yet......
Reply:Mig welders are very nice for fitting stuff up, like the decorative work you're talking about. Alot easier to tack things together with mig than stick, IMO. As for which one to get, I'm no help there, I'm only familiar with big industrial machines in the mig dept. The general consensus is that you should buy more welder than you think you'll need.
Reply:I appreciate all the help on this.  As far as the 3/32 rod, I do have some 1/16th I've played with, and I have been thinking about practicing a little more using that approach.  I need to build a chicken tractor or two, and I might try making one out of steel rather than lumber using the small rod since the looks aren't really important.  And yes for tacking, I'm sure the mig would be easier (even though I've never had the chance to try one).  I bought a Hobart auto-darkening helmet about the same time I bought the welder, and it helped a lot in that regard.
Reply:Always a tough decision Spend X get YSpend X-1/2 and Get YYwell might as well spend XX and get YYDefinitely get the HH187 as the minimum Mig machine.Ed 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:I agree w/ Ed. Get the 187, no smaller. I have the MM175 and it does everything I expect of it. The thunderbolt A/C D/C does everything the mig shouldn't.                             MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:If it were me, and I only had a choice between the HH187 and the HH210 (with spool gun), I'd choose the HH210.If you are willing to look at other machines, I would take a look at the Millermatic 211 (dual voltage).  You will probably hear more people say, "I wish I bought a bigger machine" than, "I wish I'd bought a smaller machine".Me personally, I wish I had bought a bigger machine.  I want a Lincoln 255xt.
Reply:Originally Posted by joedirt1966If it were me, and I only had a choice between the HH187 and the HH210 (with spool gun), I'd choose the HH210.If you are willing to look at other machines, I would take a look at the Millermatic 211 (dual voltage).  You will probably hear more people say, "I wish I bought a bigger machine" than, "I wish I'd bought a smaller machine".
Reply:Looks like the MM211 is a good machine, and it's only a $100 or so more than the HH210.  Also glad to have another positive comment about the HH140.  I've never heard anything bad about it, and according to Northern Tool, "260 of 260(100%)would recommend this product to a friend."  I've seen it for around $450, and if it can really handle 1/4" with flux wire, I'm not ruling it out yet.I appreciate all the helpful information.
Reply:Thomasalva,I've had both 110Volt MIG's and 220Volt MIG's and I wouldn't trust a HH140 for 1/4" even with fluxcore.  The 1/4" soaks up too much of the heat and doesn't allow for great penetration for stock this thick. This is my opinion based on welding and cutting the welds apart and looking at the penetration.  However, It's possible a pro might be able to make the HH140 work on 1/4" based on hours and hours of experience.  I would use your stick welder on 1/4" or get the MM211 if you want to weld 1/4".
Reply:If you add your location in the user CP you might get an offer to try out a MIG from someone near you. I have let several try our machines out to see what they liked. CharleyMiller MM252Miller Bobcat 225NTMiller DialArc HF / DIY Cooler2 Victor O/A TorchsetsMilwaukee 8" Metal SawMilwaukee Dry Cut "Chop" Saw 5 Ton Wallace Gantry Various Grinders, Benders, etc.
Reply:I have the HH 187 and really find it to be a great welder, you will soon find out after you have a mig that the old stick welder will be taking a back seat to the mig welder. The stick welder definately has it place but the Mig with gas is so much nicer to use.
Reply:Originally Posted by joedirt1966Thomasalva,I've had both 110Volt MIG's and 220Volt MIG's and I wouldn't trust a HH140 for 1/4" even with fluxcore.  The 1/4" soaks up too much of the heat and doesn't allow for great penetration for stock this thick. This is my opinion based on welding and cutting the welds apart and looking at the penetration.  However, It's possible a pro might be able to make the HH140 work on 1/4" based on hours and hours of experience.  I would use your stick welder on 1/4" or get the MM211 if you want to weld 1/4".
Reply:HH 135, sorry"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I was looking at the Miller 212 myself when I bought my mig.  Ended up getting the 252.  I will second the phrase "buy more than you think you will need", but can afford.  Haven't regretted the decision at all.Millermatic 252"Don't worry, he's got a welder, he can fix anything"