Decisions, Decisions

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Ok, I need some helping making a decision from the older and wiser among the forum.I am going to replace my old off-brand 135 welder next week.  I had just about decided to go with a Miller Matic 210 and be done with it.  Well, I got to thinking about this last night and realized that I very seldom work on anything thicker than 3/16 material anyway..might venture into 1/4 once in a very great while and could just make 2 passes if I had to then, anyway.  For about $300 more than I was going to spend on the MM210 I can get a 175 class machine plus a plasma cutter...which way would you go?  Like I said, I mainly do sheet metal and 1/8 inch wall tubing welding...(prices are from my local welding shop who I prefer to deal with)A. MM210   $1339B. MM175 and Century 125c plasma cutter (blue  stuff) $1607.54C. SP175plus and Pro-Cut25 plasma cutter (red stuff) $1999.74D. SP175Plus and off brand plasma cutter he carries in same class $same as BOption C would really stress the budget on this, really had $1500 - $1800 as a max in mind...Last edited by bhays; 06-22-2006 at 08:22 AM.
Reply:How bad do you need a plasma?  What it really comes down to is would you rather be able to do the heavier stuff and wait on a plasma or get a plasma now and trade up welders again later.  I would lean towards getting the 210 now and hoding off on the plasma cutter.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:I would get the 210 and not look back. It is way more machine than the 175. It will be smoother and have a much better duty cycle in the same ranges as the 175...and then you can go up even more when necessary. The added capacity will make a difference one day.As to the plasma, Miller is coming out with their new Xtremes now. They may be worth the wait. Time will tell.
Reply:If you do a lot of sheet metal, there is no question that a plasma cutter will be an extremely useful tool.Now, I've not run a MM210, but everything I hear about it is good.  I HAVE owned a MM175, and was extremely pleased with its performance and would own another in a heartbeat except that they make the Passport now which is even better!MM210 guys:  Miller says it's good down to 22-ga. and the MM175 is good down to 24-ga.  Why?  Is the MM175 really better at the EXTREME thin side?  I can say that yes, I have welded 24-ga. with my MM175.  It works!Do you have a job RIGHT NOW that will require the plasma cutter?  If not, buy the MM210 because, that's right, because YOU CAN!!Then, when you NEED the plasma cutter, you'll find the way to justify the coins and Miller might have one of their newest models ready to go!
Reply:since it appears that your not limiting yourself to red or blue, you may want to check out the lincoln powermig 215. in the off chance you can get a deal on one locally. even if you can only save $100, thats $100 towards your pro-cut (or more metal to play with), and your still getting the same class of machine.just pointing out yet another option for you to consider looking into. AFAIK either machine should be a good one.now in response to your question, i agree with those who say buy the best machine (mm210) you can now, and push for a plasma cutter later.i know, 2 toys are better than 1. but 1 really cool toy kicks 2 decent toys but anyday
Reply:Here's my 20¢ .... unless you REALLY need a plasma cutter RIGHT NOW, go with the MM210 then save for a better plasma cutter later. If you need to have stuff plasma cut occasionally in the meantime, find someone to do it for you. That's just my humble opinion
Reply:Of course the ultimate answer would be to find a deal on a reconditioned or off-lease 210-215 amp welder (either color) and then get a pro-cut plasma cutter for about the same price as the MM210 new, but striking out on those sorts of deals...
Reply:I had a well tought out response yesterday that went off into the bit bucket, so you will gdet a condensed and quick version today.First what are you doing now for cutting materials?     If youo have a welder that sort of works I might be inclined to elevate the plama cutter to a higher level of importance?    After all good fit up can do more for a weld than a fancy welder.   This would allow you to put of fthe welder for a bit.Is thei a professional cause.    That has a huge bearing on how to proceed with the welder.    As does the actual appliation.As some have mentioned the good quality 175 amp welders are a very good deal.   In my opinion they would cover what you have described already.     As fo the "215" class welders from Lincoln and Miller I wouldn't waste your time if this is non professional work.    They are to big for the work you have described and aren't exactly portable.   If you are a professional or involved in aluminum work then that rules out the "215" class machine also, you really want a "250" class machine at the very least.Note that you really didn't define well what you where doing or the materials.    None of the welders you identified for example would be good for 1/4" aluminum.    Also certain types of fabrication wires would be best used in a larger welder, for example flux cored gas shielded 0.045" wire.    So unless there is more info as to what you are up to we as a group are shooting a bit in the dark.Dave
Reply:I've come to the conclusion that finding good deals on used welders requires being born under the right sign.   I can find no other explanation.For example I started looking for a MIG welder a several months ago and had zero luck.    This included swap sheets, Craigslist, e-bay, local papers and a few questions thrown at the hot rodders I know.    Came up with nothing reasonable.    So when that tax refund came in I ran down and got a 175 SP.    Good deal and all but immediately afterward all sorts of welders started showing up locally.This has also happened when looking for drill presses and lathes.So I figure I'm condemmed to buy new tools for the foreseable future.   In the end the price isn't always that huge so maybe the warranty and other good feelings from new tools are worth the money spent.DaveDave Originally Posted by bhaysOf course the ultimate answer would be to find a deal on a reconditioned or off-lease 210-215 amp welder (either color) and then get a pro-cut plasma cutter for about the same price as the MM210 new, but striking out on those sorts of deals...
Reply:Originally Posted by wizardI had a well tought out response yesterday that went off into the bit bucket, so you will gdet a condensed and quick version today.
Reply:Ill give you my take.  Go for the 210, much better machine.   Get yourself in touch with a Mr. Jack Connors, he sells the Riland machine welders and plasma cutters.   They look like a great deal and you wont regret itIF it Catches...Let it Burn