New hobby welder LF gear

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Hi everyone - I just finished my welding class and am looking to purchase my 1st welder. I am on a strict budget - $500 max. I really enjoy doing TIG but I know I can't afford that to start (though I am looking at a Lincoln Invertec V155 w/ the TIG package - if I can just get the guy to respond to emails) so I am thinking to start with a MIG setup.Keeping in mind that this will be used for hobby welding in my garage and that I know that if I wish to get more serious I'll need a more serious rig: Are the Harbor Freight tools a complete non-starter?
Reply:For $500 you can get a used Lincoln or Miller 110v or even 220v mig and be alot better off than buying a Chinese one.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Appreciate the input - I have been looking for a rig on Craigslist but haven't found anything in my price range yet. Is there a better place to look? eBay is weak on welders.Ray DMiller 211TANSTAAFL  N 40º 11' 31.6" W 82º 55' 9.5"
Reply:i bought a 110 volt Lincoln MiG welder at Lowe's for around that price about 2 years ago. been learning and building stuff ever since. so far I've built 2 garden arbors, bird feeder station, weld cart, of course, and assorted other small things. i love it. it says it can weld up to 5/16. I'm not welding anything structural so I'm not worried about good penetration.
Reply:What area are you in?  I see deals on Craig's List fairly regularly.  Ebay isn't worth the hassle in my opinion.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:If you'd like, you can go up to the left side of the page, to User CP, and add your location. It will show up on all of your posts, where mine says Colorado.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:lol - my location is in my sig but it takes some effort to find! I'm in Ohio, near Columbus. There are lots of 'deals' on CL here but few that fit my parameters. I am really hoping the Invertec guy gets back to me as that looks like the perfect setup to start with (given my desire for TIG that is).Ray DMiller 211TANSTAAFL  N 40º 11' 31.6" W 82º 55' 9.5"
Reply:I found a Clarke 135SG I can get for around $200 - any opinions?Ray DMiller 211TANSTAAFL  N 40º 11' 31.6" W 82º 55' 9.5"
Reply:That would probly do if you want a descent 110v mig for cheap.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:OK - found a Millermatic 35S for $500. I'd have to rent/buy the tank but this looks like a welder that could last me a long time?Ray DMiller 211TANSTAAFL  N 40º 11' 31.6" W 82º 55' 9.5"
Reply:Yep, Millermatic 35 will last a long, long time.  That one has likely been around for a couple decades already.  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Is $500 a fair price for a unit like this in good condition?Ray DMiller 211TANSTAAFL  N 40º 11' 31.6" W 82º 55' 9.5"
Reply:Yes that is a fair price.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:OK - purchasing a PowerMate AC/DC stick with HF TIG box and Bernard cooler with lots of consumables for $700 and found a Millermatic 30B MIG box to attach to the PowerMate for $200 on eBay - I think I'm set except for getting my garage wired for 220. Thoughts or comments?Ray DMiller 211TANSTAAFL  N 40º 11' 31.6" W 82º 55' 9.5"
Reply:Hangon a minute.  Is that PowerMate AC/DC stick welder constant-current & constant-voltage, or just constant-current?   If it's constant current only, I wouldn't bother buying the mig feeder for it.   The Millermatic 35 you talked about earlier is a much better way to mig weld than a constant current machine with feeder.  The Millermatic 35 is a real mig welder.  You will love welding with it.  Constant current with a feeder is a big step down from a true mig machine.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I talked to the guys at Miller about that 35S MIG and we determined that the seller was seriously over-priced for that unit. I figured on the 30B that for $200 if the PowerMate power supply isn't good enough my next one will be and I'll have the feeder already.Worst case scenario - I sell the feeder and TIG cooler and buy a MIG stand-alone machine.Ray DMiller 211TANSTAAFL  N 40º 11' 31.6" W 82º 55' 9.5"