MM185 vs. MM175

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Hi, I am a real beginner, have lurked on the the board for quite some time, and now need some advise from the "got the t-shirt" crowd :I have piddled (puddled ?) around with some various stick welders over the years (farm boy-necessity driven), and a year or so ago bought a Hobart 135 for some hobby welding, and as a starting point to learn MIG. I weld reasonably well with it, but feel I have outgrown it's capacity. I am into 4-wheelin' and am ready to start building some front/rear bumpers/tire carrier. My design includes quite a bit of 1/4" stock, so I'm dreaming of an MM251, expecting a MM210, but cannot really afford that kind of green for a "hobby".I found a used MM185 at a local welding dealer/shop that has just been gone through and is in excellent shape- but I am not sure if it is really more welder than the new MM175- especially since I can get a brand new 175 for about $200.00 less. Do I get the used MM185, or wait six months and pony up another $400.00 for a new MM210, or do I just save $200.00 and do a new MM175 ( least favorite option) ? Thanx, Leon"Hey y'all---watch this !!!"  Famous last words.....
Reply:I'd go with the MM 185. It is way more machine than a MM 175. You are comparing a 175a vs. a 200a machine. 200a will win everytime. The 185 is "rated" at 150 amps @ 60% duty cycle compared to the 175's 130 amp and 20% duty cycle. The 185 will adapt easily to a spoolgun as well. The 175 will also, but not as cheaply. IMO, the clear choice is the 185.BTW, where in N.Va. are ya? I spent 5 years in Herndon and Chantilly, Va. Still have family in Centreville.
Reply:Originally Posted by DDA52 IMO, the clear choice is the 185.BTW, where in N.Va. are ya? I spent 5 years in Herndon and Chantilly, Va. Still have family in Centreville.
Reply:Small world. I'm thinking you are a tad on the cold side about now. I won't tell you it was 80 here yesterday.   I did a ton of welding up there before I returned to where I belong. Couldn't stand the traffic. Left in '92. My sis in law tells me it got way worse after I left. Did most of my business with Robert's Oxygen. I went to Lee's Gas a bit, but mostly R.O., esp since they had a store in Sterling. Lots better than going to the Merrifield store. Traffic again.Again, IMO, the 185 is the only choice. It is supposed to have a very sweet arc. I haven't actually gotten my hands on one to verify, but I have my eyes on one. It'll go around $750 or 850 if he still wants to get rid of it. Hope you get a good deal, but don't let it slip by quibbling over a few bucks. Just wouldn't be right.Don
Reply:Small indeed, Don...Several years ago, I built a stand-alone Loading dock for Lee's Gas there in Manassas. It was about 40 x 75, block walls, 8" reinforced concrete slab. They later installed their new refilling station there, much safer than refilling bottles indoors. I haven't been by there probably in ten years. Thanks for reminding me.And yes, the traffic is horrendous, almost rivaling LA for worst rush hour.  Leon"Hey y'all---watch this !!!"  Famous last words.....
Reply:Never went to their Manassas store. They were refilling oxy inside their Merrifield store, though. My wife if from there, born and raised. She was amazed when she got here and saw the highways. She had never seen so many and all with feeder roads and turnarounds. I wasn't. I already knew what a highway system should be like.  And the bad thing is, San Antonio ain't that great.The DC metro area's aversion to proper highway systems has definitely been their downfall. Yes, small roads are nice, but when you need to move several million people daily, they are a must.....as they found out way too late.