Best inverter welder bang for the buck?

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Hi All,Looking for an inverter type welder that offers the most bang for the buck.  Must be able to run on 120, as 240 is not really an option, uless it is real low draw.Thermal arc 95s?  http://victortechnologies.com/therma...htdocs/95s.aspHow about Everlast?  Powerarc 140, 0r will the 160 fit my requirements?http://www.everlastwelders.ca/Powerarc.phpAnother question about the Pricess terminology, does the 160's specs make it a better buy?This will be for my Dad, who is retired, and like to tinker, and build implements for his tractor, and has built trailers for us in the past.  His old Lincold arc is pretty well toast, s needing a replacement for him.  We do have a small Lincoln mig, so needing an arc that is portable and can run off a standard wall socket is a plus.
Reply:I have the Longevity Stickweld 140, dual voltage and was only 229 bucks. I chose it over the thermal arc 95 because of the price and extra 45 amps.  http://www.longevity-inc.com/product...ckWeld-140.php   Longevity 160sx Lincoln 140 miglincoln magnum spoolgunVictor torch and regulators
Reply:Originally Posted by hogI have the Longevity Stickweld 140, dual voltage and was only 229 bucks. I chose it over the thermal arc 95 because of the price and extra 45 amps.  http://www.longevity-inc.com/product...ckWeld-140.php
Reply:Had it a couple of months, had the tigweld 160sx dual voltage nearly a yr. I loan out the Stickweld 140 to friends when its needed,probably has 20hrs on it with no problems . Nobody has complained yet. Longevity 160sx Lincoln 140 miglincoln magnum spoolgunVictor torch and regulators
Reply:Originally Posted by hogHad it a couple of months, had the tigweld 160sx dual voltage nearly a yr. I loan out the Stickweld 140 to friends when its needed,probably has 20hrs on it with no problems . Nobody has complained yet.
Reply:Lincoln or Miller, period.  Everyone else just wishes they could afford one or the other.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Miller Maxstar 150- hands down, the BEST little machine in the business.The rest of the little welders simply can not match the maxstar. Period. I still cringe when I think about the fact that I sold mine. Shoulda sold my mig welders instead.........And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:I have TA 161 STL , I would highly recommend it over the 95S it is 120/240 and also tig it might give him something to tinker and learn. It has the power to do a lot
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcLincoln or Miller, period.  Everyone else just wishes they could afford one or the other.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloMiller Maxstar 150- hands down, the BEST little machine in the business.The rest of the little welders simply can not match the maxstar. Period. I still cringe when I think about the fact that I sold mine. Shoulda sold my mig welders instead.........
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcLincoln or Miller, period.  Everyone else just wishes they could afford one or the other.
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcLincoln or Miller, period.  Everyone else just wishes they could afford one or the other.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloMiller Maxstar 150- hands down, the BEST little machine in the business.The rest of the little welders simply can not match the maxstar. Period. I still cringe when I think about the fact that I sold mine. Shoulda sold my mig welders instead.........
Reply:Have not sampled the entire market and doubt few have. But, I love my 150 STH. It does everything Miller claimed would. For me its worth every $ I spent on it.
Reply:If you're considering a Thermal Arc 95, Global has a pretty good price - $250.http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/to...welding-systemThe 161STL is a great deal at $650. if you can use the TIG.   http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thermal-Arc-...&forceRpt=true"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:Originally Posted by hogI can afford anything i want, i choose not to waste my money on paint.  You need to pull yyour head outa your azz mr dumbazz.
Reply:I did review the 140st from everlast a while back and for the money its a great little welder.   Esp if u want basic TIG functions as well.  They made some improvements since I did the review.    Longer cables and a display that reads correct amp output at either 120 or 240ac input.   I found it not to be as smooth an arc as say a lincoln inverter or the Powcon Inverter but then those are both American top quality machines with a price to match.     Very good low end on tig and stick running 1/16 diameter rod.    I would get the biggest capacity u can afford that is dual voltage.  The duty cycle was very conservative.   I was able to run at 140 amps for 6+ mins before hitting the duty cycle...  more than double its rating..Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1If you buy a LINCOLN   or MILLER   they come PAINTED. If you buy the cheap stuff you may have to paint it.
Reply:I have the ESAB MiniArc 161 LTS and it is a beast.  Very smooth start on tig and when hooked up to 220 it will burn a 5/32 rod great.  It runs 6010 very well as we'll as 7018.  I have welded with the miller and thermal arc.  Neither had as good of an arc as the ESAB.I play with Robots and do some welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by hogFor saving 1k I don't mind the black paint
Reply:Willy B,I think you're in luck for what you're wanting.The reason I say this is ALL the mfgrs are putting new models on the market, and prices for  "old" inverter, single voltage input, no internal gas solenoid, type welders are dropping like rocks.  The little lunchbox welders seem to me to follow computers with regards to tech and $$, just wait and it'll be affordable.I've personally experienced the TA 85; a little lite for what you want, but super cute   and the Lincoln Invertec 130; exactly what you want but 220v input only.I sold both and am working my way up, I think to a TA 201STL for the sake of dual voltage input, built in gas solenoid, 200amp output and high frequency start.Good luck in your search, I think nowdays you can't go too far wrong with anything.Regarding the chicom inverters, it seems their "bad rap' stems from poor customer service more than poor product performace.  Every mfgr is gonna have product failure, it's just how the service rep or salesman deals with it.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Originally Posted by hogI can afford anything i want, i choose not to waste my money on paint.  You need to pull yyour head outa your azz mr dumbazz.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Save the grand, you'll need it  for  replacement machines or parts while the real machines are old and still kickin. One good thing with the imports is that when they go dead you get to buy a newer model  ever year or so.
Reply:Originally Posted by hogLongevity has5yr warranty, no way i would pay 3 times the price for a blue machine with a 2 yr warranty. Google miller maxstar problems, i wouldnt give 100 bucks for one.
Reply:Originally Posted by hogProve it , i think the maxstar can be matched with a walmart sold century or cambell hausefield. Prove its worth 4 times what others cost, i dare ya.Originally Posted by 7A749Miller's warranty is three years.
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=118871       http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...oblem-no-power   http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...0-STL-problems    http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...-Welder-Issues     http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=27012   http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...low-ocv-starup      http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=46392   http://www.polytechforum.com/welding...elp-19959-.htmLongevity 160sx Lincoln 140 miglincoln magnum spoolgunVictor torch and regulators
Reply:You googled maxstar problems and copied and pasted those links. Tell me that the last five links would be deal killers.  Bottom line, your money and your decision. Gotta wonder what drives an attitude like yours though. When I bought my 150 STH, the dealer was upfront about the 6010 issue and I had read about it while researching them prior to purchase so it would be considered a limitation rather than a problem.  If a guy decides he only has $700  to spend then the choice is  limited to certain new models and possibly a good used deal. I can certainly respect that.Someone chimes in that an industry proven model isn't worth $100....??
Reply:Waiting for this "Blue is better" hearsay to be proven.  Anybody care to open one up and compare components against a import ???Longevity 160sx Lincoln 140 miglincoln magnum spoolgunVictor torch and regulators
Reply:ESAB 161LTS for $478. plus shipping isn't bad.https://weldingsupply.securesites.ne...AND:0558101694"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:Originally Posted by 85cj7boyI have the ESAB MiniArc 161 LTS and it is a beast.  Very smooth start on tig and when hooked up to 220 it will burn a 5/32 rod great.  It runs 6010 very well as we'll as 7018.  I have welded with the miller and thermal arc.  Neither had as good of an arc as the ESAB.
Reply:Can easily tell who the Fanboys are for every brand with threads like this...    I agree that ESAB makes some good stuff for the money..   not sure about the new stuff but the older Migs are known for a very nice arc.   ESAB makes some excellent rod too.  Atom Arc has won a lot of praises...  Significant difference in Arc quality between a green 140st and a red v205t.  That is from personal comparison esp on 6010 and 7018.  Not hearsay.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749No, but I can bet you a can of green paint you keep fanning the flames, you'll get a vacation courtesy of the management.We have heard this beat to death a thousand times. I could care less what you weld with or what you spend your money on. Take it to the sponsored boards. Nobody cares here.
Reply:Tic tic tic tic tic tic tic tic tic tic tic tic tic tic tic tic ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I have the 95s you asked about and to be honest I do not like it's stick burning capabilities. It is weak and without much force.Tig on the other hand is surprisingly effective. I bought this machine for easily portable repair of sheet metal and stainless sheet. (restaurant and food processing equipment) It comes with 1/16 tungstens but I have run it with long tapered 1/8 tungstens with no problems. Arc control and stability are impressive for such a pocket machine and it works perfectly for what I intended it for.It will not perform satisfactorily in a heavy repair environment though.
Reply:Originally Posted by hogLongevity has5yr warranty, no way i would pay 3 times the price for a blue machine with a 2 yr warranty. Google miller maxstar problems, i wouldnt give 100 bucks for one.
Reply:A point of view, you can weld with a 12v battery.  The difference between welders is what works for you based on purpose, material thickness, available power, protability, pirce and SUPPORT AND PARTS. If it meets the first 5 of your needs then it is a good welder for you.  20 year warranty would be great if they offered it but they are only as good as the manf makes them. 920-735-4505 that is the number for Miller Repair, I have used it 100's of times have NEVER been disatisfied with the results and have always talked to a service rep. Lincoln. Thermal. most brand name mach. offer the same. But then that kind of support is important to me.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749No, but I can bet you a can of green paint you keep fanning the flames, you'll get a vacation courtesy of the management.We have heard this beat to death a thousand times. I could care less what you weld with or what you spend your money on. Take it to the sponsored boards. Nobody cares here.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749No, but I can bet you a can of green paint you keep fanning the flames, you'll get a vacation courtesy of the management.We have heard this beat to death a thousand times. I could care less what you weld with or what you spend your money on. Take it to the sponsored boards. Nobody cares here.
Reply:Originally Posted by hogwho asked you????
Reply:Originally Posted by hogWaiting for this "Blue is better" hearsay to be proven.  Anybody care to open one up and compare components against a import ???
Reply:Back to the OP's question.What would your dad think about getting a Chinese made welder as a gift? Mine would be pissed, whether it made good welds or not.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:I think hog needs to just plant the seed and move on. It's only a matter of time until Zap puts him in the penalty box! In my case, my V350-pro is the best machine I've ever run. Is it better than an XMT-350? How would I know never run one, until then I cannot comment.Wouldn't it be nice if other people had that attitude?Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by fortyonethirtyBack to the OP's question.What would your dad think about getting a Chinese made welder as a gift? Mine would be pissed, whether it made good welds or not.
Reply:Originally Posted by hogWaiting for this "Blue is better" hearsay to be proven.  Anybody care to open one up and compare components against a import ???