110v Lincoln Mig Welders X vs. Y?

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I've been looking into getting a decent mig welder to replace my 85 amp Marquette. I was looking at the Lincoln Power MIG 140C, but found the "Pro MIG 140" at Lowes and the  "Weld Pak 140 HD" at Home Depot. They look like okay units, but upon further review I don't believe the commercial units to be identical to the Power MIG 140C. I know this has probably been posted already, but does anyone have any X vs. Y comparison data between two? I know the commercial welders are tapped voltage, and that they do not have the cast roller assembly. The Power MIG goes for about $625, but I know I can get either the "Pro MIG" or "Weld Pak" at about %10 off of the box stores' $524 retail price. Is it worth it to go another $200 for a Power MIG, or pick up a unit at the local chain store? I'm not planning on doing much more than basic automotive welding (1/4" max) and some projects for the lil lady.
Reply:That's about the Only difference between the Box Store models and the Powermig 140CAll of the Box store models are exactly the same- just different names so each store can sell their own Lincoln and not have to price match.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:If your going to be doing up to 1/4", your going to need a 220 machine.Millermatic 251Spectrum 300 PlasmaEverlast PowerTig 250EXEverlast PowerCool W300Harris / Victor OACraftsman 13 Speed Drill PressProTools Air/Hydraulic Bender48" BrakeCompressor, Notchers, Grinders, etc.
Reply:Believe me, I'd MUCH rather have a 220v machine. The problem is that I rent where I live and have no 220v access. Bummer. So here I am hunting down a competent 120 MIG welder (when compared to other 120v machines).
Reply:Millermatic 211 would be the better choice for you. Runs on 110v and 220v. http://store.cyberweld.com/mi211migwewi.htmlMillermatic 251Spectrum 300 PlasmaEverlast PowerTig 250EXEverlast PowerCool W300Harris / Victor OACraftsman 13 Speed Drill PressProTools Air/Hydraulic Bender48" BrakeCompressor, Notchers, Grinders, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by RugarMillermatic 211 would be the better choice for you. Runs on 110v and 220v. http://store.cyberweld.com/mi211migwewi.html
Reply:the only problem i have with that miller is the price. I cant justify spending a grand right now. The lincoln is more within my budget.
Reply:Originally Posted by RugarMillermatic 211 would be the better choice for you. Runs on 110v and 220v. http://store.cyberweld.com/mi211migwewi.html
Reply:I agree the Miller dual voltage machine would allow you to "grow" with your machine.  But, as you stated, limited budget and available electrical output confines you to the previous choices above.  I have the Lincoln Weldpak 180HD (220 volt) from Lowes and it has served my needs fine.  It is the bigger brother of the 140 110volt machine.  If I were in your position of budget, I wouldnt hessitate to go with bassically the same machine (Pro Mig or Weldpak) as the Power Mig 140 but at a reduced cost from the chain stores.  Good luck.Last edited by smawgmaw; 11-06-2010 at 11:28 AM.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Have you thought about the Hobart handler 140,it does go down to 25 amps as compared to 30 amps on the lincolns,might be more useful on the really thin stuff.Just a thought.Maxus Pro-125 MigChicago Electric 90 amp DC flux-coreLincoln Electric AC 225 tombstoneO/A torchM/O mini-torch10 acres of flatland15 acres of holler
Reply:Hey Livelli, I was in the same boat as you (no 220v access and on a tight budget) and have done a ton of research. I'm new to welding and 99% of the stuff I'll be welding will be under 1/4. The Hobart 140, Lincoln Weld Pak 140 and The Miller 140 were my top three choices. I went with the Lincoln because I got a great deal on craigs list.Go with any of those three and if/when the time comes, sell what you have and get that 220v dream machine. I rather outgrow my machine then wait around.
Reply:might look into the Hobartrt handler at tractor supply for less than 350.00  The little migs are great. When you want to go into heavier material, look for an old lincoln ideal arc 250, it will open up a whole new level of metal working for you, and you can keep your small mig for sheet metal and making tack welds for your  stick machine.