Need some equipment advice

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Looking to buy a new MIG in near future.  Can't decide between the Lincoln 256 and the Miller 252.  Would like to hear from some that have owned or used both.Also, I think both of these come with a regulator and I was wondering how that compares with a flow meter.  Better, worse or the same for running 75/25.Any advice for on line welding suppliers would be helpful as well.  Would like to find a good source for things like band saw blades, nozzles, tips etc. I still have a roll or two of wire left over from my last machine that bit the dust but what is the best wire for mild steel welding, just general use stuff for square tubing, angle and plate welding?Last but not least, what is the best auto darkening welding hood for the money.  I know there are high end and low end ones but the best bang for the buck is generally in the middle.  I would like one with a large as lens possible.  Never owned one of these and thinking of getting one.Thanks in advance.
Reply:I bought the mm 252 because its what my las had they hadn't sold the 256 yet nor did I know anyone who used one. I had excellent luck with Miller before. As for hoods I have the Jackson true sight and like it. Large window lots of functions. I have had good luck with Indiana oxygen company online I use e70 s 6 wire in .035 solid wire with 75/25.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:I just p/u a MM 252 about 2weeks a go, I moved up from a MM211. I am still working on finding the sweet spot with the 252. The fan- on- demand is nice. Over all it is a very nice unit, a lot more than I will ever need. As for the Lincoln I am in the dark, the first welder I p/u was a Lincoln weld pac 100.......well it was a start.
Reply:On that fan on demand......... I have a Lincoln 255 borrowed from a friend.  Everytime you strike an arc the fan comes on and stays on for several minutes even if it is just a tack.  Does the Miller do that or is it truly on demand?
Reply:Originally Posted by 1ShotOn that fan on demand......... I have a Lincoln 255 borrowed from a friend.  Everytime you strike an arc the fan comes on and stays on for several minutes even if it is just a tack.  Does the Miller do that or is it truly on demand?
Reply:Originally Posted by 1ShotOn that fan on demand......... I have a Lincoln 255 borrowed from a friend.  Everytime you strike an arc the fan comes on and stays on for several minutes even if it is just a tack.  Does the Miller do that or is it truly on demand?
Reply:Any good sources online for band saw blades?  I found a couple and they wanted almost as much for shipping as the blade.  Blade I need is 11' 6"  3/4 12 teeth.
Reply:Like the other guys, I can only comment on the 252. I do a lot of welding and it's a great machine. I've had it for a year and never had any problems.I didn't even look at lincoln, I just liked what I heard on the reviews and any other research I did.
Reply:I decided on the 252.  Hope to get it next week if I get time.  Thinking on getting a Miller Elite at the same time depends on what my supplier has on price on one.  Found them online for $245 and if the guy I'm getting the machine from will get close to that I'll get it.Ordered a power cord for my old B&D wildcat earlier today so now if I can just find some decent band saw blades I'll about be back in business.What manufacturer does everyone recommend for .035 solid wire?  Guy I am getting the machine from buys made in China stuff by the pallet and I have seen his welds and they look good.  Look being the key word there.
Reply:If you look in the safety section, you will see the helmet I got free when I bought my 252It's on page 4Miller 252Miller Bobcat 225Lincoln MigPak 1801959 Hyster forkliftHarris OA torch
Reply:Miller 252, Enco for saw blades, Miller pro-hobby helmet.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Got the 252 today.  Have not even hooked it up yet, probably be a few days.  Ordered some blades from Enco, should be here this week, thanks Boostinjdm.Price on the welder had gone down from the quote I got Monday but the price on a Miller Digital Elite had gone up about the same amount.  Passed on the hood for the time being.