Welder Suggestions

admin

I have a friend who needs a welding setup and he likes mine. Mine is an SP175 Plus Lincoln Wire Feed Mig. I purchased it over 10 years ago so I am asking what is the new equivalent and is there by now a Mig/Tig combo setup that is just as powerful yet able to do more finesse work via the TIG function? Brand is up for grabs too.. Lincoln is great but would entertain any brand that is as good or better. Price isn't the first concern, quality and usefulness is key. Thanks again all!
Reply:Well my first question to you is what do you want to do?  110v or 220v or both?I could be wrong, but I have not seen an all in one machine that does AC for tig. Usually aluminum is done on the spool gun.Thermal arc has some new all in 1 machines that everyone is buying and some people like and some people dislike.Everyone has an all in one machine. HTP, Miller, Longevity etc etc.Do you care where it's made? All the less expensive machines are made in china.I never used a lincoln 175, but I did use a lincoln 140 mig and it worked great. I like my hobart handler 140 a lot, and read nothing but great things about the 220v models. And I recently got to use a HTP mig welder at a friends house, the 140 model and that thing was nothing short of freaking awesome!http://www.youtube.com/user/ChuckE2009?feature=g-subs-uMy dad has a older blue point (made in italy) and I really like it because it has 10 heat settings and you can dial it in pretty damn well. You would have to find it used though.I think all those small size (like the sp175 size machines) generally all perform about the same.Last edited by Gamble; 03-16-2013 at 12:11 PM.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:The new equivalent is the POWER MIG 180C."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Hobart 210 MVP would be my rec. You can run it on either voltage and it is built a little better than comparable lincolns
Reply:good time to purchase. Lincoln has a Rebate program and so does Miller. Have Him get the Miller 211 or Lincoln 180 Dual. These are both 110/220 volt machines. I like the Miller 211 over the Lincoln. The 211 seems to be the hottest selling machine out there. Many posts about it.http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...g-welders.aspx  http://www.millerwelds.com/landing/build-with-blue/
Reply:Plus miller has that autoset feature that is supposed to be pretty cool. I want to try it.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I have both an older Lincoln 175 Tap machine and the Miller 211.    I looked at the Lincoln 180 before I bought the 211 Glad I bought the 211 great machine twice the welder than the Lincoln 175.I had to buy a new switch for my Lincoln but it is also a great little welder still use it for body work and exhaust pipe.