Trying to decide what generator welder I should purchase.

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Hello. I am trying to decide on an generator welder to purchase for my side business. It would mostly be used for farm repair. I live in canada and I want to keep the price below $5000. My local dealer sells both Lincoln and Miller so that is not an issue. The main 4 I am trying to decide between are the miller bobcat 225($3800) and 250($4700), and the Lincoln ranger 225($3500) and 250gxt. I am still waiting on a price for the 250GXt. I would eventually like to get TIG and MIG accessories for the welder. I would of decided on the ranger 225 if it a had ac/dc option because I want to eventually weld aluminium using TIG. What would you recommend for my needs? and do you have any recommendations about getting around the ac/dc tig issue. Thanks Isaac
Reply:Use a spool gun, no ac required for aluminum.  Also why not slightly used? Then you can get a ranger 305g or trailblazer
Reply:I have looked at used trailblazers but everyone is still wanting 4000-8000 and I cant seem to find any 305's in Ontario.
Reply:Oh boy are you asking a loaded question... Lincoln vs. Miller is like Ford and Chevy... Both are good and will get the job done but far too many people will push their brand.  Go to consumer reports and other independent review sources for help because that's a lot of money.Lincoln Weldanpower A/C 225 D/C 210 /6kw auxiliary (code 9113 & 9108)Lincoln Weld Pak 100 MigMiller Maxstar 150 TigLincoln Scratch Tig 200 ampMiller 8-VS Suitcase Flux CoreHypertherm Powermax 30Victor Torches / Regulators
Reply:ive been fighting this same battle. I cant decide at all, and i was gonna buy new. But i found a 03 miller bobcat 250 with 380 hours (mostly all generator) asking 2k with 60 ft of leads...ive decided this will work if it all goes well trying it out since im just starting a small part time buisness and ill save 2800$ to buy more equipment to run off of it like a plasma cutter or inverter or suitcase. Thats how i made my decision.