wanting to up grade

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i have an old migmate 150 turbo and i want to up grade to a 180 or 200 amp mig.....would like the best bang for my buc....what brand has the best track record for parts and service?....thanks
Reply:ghitch,That is like asking which car company is the best in regards to reliability, service etc.  That is going to depend upon your local supplier, repair center and personal preference of a machine.However,  depending upon your budget,  the American companies are all fine.  I have ESAB myself.  Never had a failure.  I have Lincoln in an engine drive and had a circuit board failure.  You will find people that have had reverse experiences.  If you want to buy on the cheap,  do some research about some of the imported companies.   Give them a call and talk with them, get references and make the decision yourself.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:about a 1000 buc's is my limit....been lookiin' at these 3.....http://cgi.ebay.com/ESAB-MIGMASTER-2...QQcmdZViewItemhttp://cgi.ebay.com/Lincoln-Electric...QQcmdZViewItemhttp://cgi.ebay.com/Clarke-180EN-mig...QQcmdZViewItemIndiana Oxygen is my local dealer....just don't want to piss $ away on a poor quality machine.....thanks for your input...
Reply:Kind of new around here, but not to the trade.  I've had experience using the Migmaster and would totally recommend it.
Reply:For under a $1000,  a Hobart Handler 187 or Handler 210 are very nice units. The Millermatic 180 is pretty good too. I haven't ran the new Millermatic 211 yet.lioncoln's PM 180C is a good unit too; however, top end power wise it does match up with the HH 187 or MM 180.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:My recommendation is either Millermatic 180 (220v) or Millermatic 211 (dual voltage).   The 211 can't be beat for pricing on a semi-portable dual voltage machine from a quality name brand manufacturer.   Miller is a true class act when it comes to customer support too.  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I best deal I have seen lately is the Thermal Arc mig setup. Here is a link to one my LWS is selling. I would think you would be able to find this in the US for a better price.http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-s...AdIdZ129699402Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.