Sub $600 MIG ready recommendations?

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I'm looking to get a decent welder for home projects.  I'd like the ability to weld 1/4" with relative ease and anything bigger than that is gravy.  Will likely use flux-core for the most part but I want it MIG ready so I only need a cylinder to convert.  Voltage is unimportant as I can wire whatever I need.Can I get all this for <$600 in a good reliable package?  Please hit me with some recommended machines.
Reply:I am far from an expert, but I would look on Craig's list for a 220v unit,  I found a Lincoln 180C with a 55 cuft tank, cart mask and several spools of wire for $650, have seen units for less without the tank.-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:Thanks for the tip Fred.  I've been watching ebay but hadn't thought of Craigslist.  I guess what I really need help with is which models to watch for.  I'm a complete noob.   I've been the "buy cheap...then upgrade anyway and spend more money" route too many times.  Want to start out right with something that will last.
Reply:Any of the 220v name brand machines, Lincoln, Miller, Hobart. With your price it's going to come down to what you find, not what you want to get a decent machine. Stay with one of those 3 in good shape and you won't go to far wrong.
Reply:Where about are you located? Maybe something will turn up that we can help you with.Edit; Nevermind! I just saw your other thread, Rhode Island!Last edited by tanglediver; 06-22-2009 at 12:39 AM.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Since you need a starting point: things I've read over the past year (yes, the internet).  OBTW: I don't MIG or stick very well.The Hobart Handler 187 has a loyal following, this does not include the HH 180.Millermatic 200 and 212 seem to be well liked. This does not include the MM250 and 250X.Since I'm a Miller guy, I don't know anything about the Lincolns. (I did like the 135C we used in Basic Auto Body)There are places that sell refurb Hobarts at good prices, but I'm not remembering well enough to type it / them. Someone else may fill that in for you.The Hobart site has many threads on the Handler and Ironman series; try a search there if you want too much information for you to process. You can bet that what Dan says over there is true. You'll be glad you went with the 220v welder, what ever you choose.If you'd like, you can go to the upper left, to User CP and fill in your location. It will show up on all of your posts.Last edited by Craig in Denver; 06-22-2009 at 12:59 AM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Ok, I've been reading and looking around quite a bit.  If I was to up my budget to ~$1000 the Millermatic 211 comes into play and seems to be well liked.  I like the idea of having 110v for portability, and 220v for working in the shop.  If I'm gonna drop that kind of coin, are there any comparable units I should look at?
Reply:Originally Posted by ThorskyOk, I've been reading and looking around quite a bit.  If I was to up my budget to ~$1000 the Millermatic 211 comes into play and seems to be well liked.  I like the idea of having 110v for portability, and 220v for working in the shop.  If I'm gonna drop that kind of coin, are there any comparable units I should look at?
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1Nope.
Reply:That 211 sure is sweet.  Definately the best deal going in semi portable mig welders from any brand.  I would have one if  I didn't already have the Passport and need it's lighter weight and portability.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverMiller set a new high mark with the 211 and new is always more fun than used or refurb.
Reply:Pulled the trigger today!  Just setup and fiddled with my new 211 for a bit.  VERY nice machine.  I went with a local welding supply store and it worked out really good.  He basically gave me 2 large spools of wire, gloves and a 60cf bottle (I own it now) filled with Argon/25%CO2...free.  His price on the welder was a whopping $50 more than the lowest internet prices, and he managed to eat the tax.  I feel much better supporting a local business than I do ordering something over the net.  I'll update as I get a chance to work with it more.
Reply:Originally Posted by ThorskyPulled the trigger today!  Just setup and fiddled with my new 211 for a bit.  VERY nice machine.  I went with a local welding supply store and it worked out really good.  He basically gave me 2 large spools of wire, gloves and a 60cf bottle (I own it now) filled with Argon/25%CO2...free.  His price on the welder was a whopping $50 more than the lowest internet prices, and he managed to eat the tax.  I feel much better supporting a local business than I do ordering something over the net.  I'll update as I get a chance to work with it more.
Reply:Originally Posted by ThorskyPulled the trigger today!  Just setup and fiddled with my new 211 for a bit.  VERY nice machine.  I went with a local welding supply store and it worked out really good.  He basically gave me 2 large spools of wire, gloves and a 60cf bottle (I own it now) filled with Argon/25%CO2...free.  His price on the welder was a whopping $50 more than the lowest internet prices, and he managed to eat the tax.  I feel much better supporting a local business than I do ordering something over the net.  I'll update as I get a chance to work with it more.
Reply:Thorsky:I had an Uncle named Thor, and now I live on Thor Court. Thanks for adding your location.  9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Well...........we are waiting for pictures.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Wow, great deal!   Your local welding shop just about paid you to buy that machine!   Guess we all know where  you'll be shopping for your welding goodies!  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Attached Images#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:Hope your new toy works out well. Wish I had one myself!Miller 140 w A/SHF Flux Core WelderDewalt Chop SawSmith O/A TorchHarley Electra Glide Classic
Reply:Sorry guys, no pics yet.   I did get a chance to MIG a charcoal basket for a smoker last night.  Lets just say welding expanded steel is not a lot of fun.  I'll do some real welds soon and post up pics.  So far I really like the machine.  Still need to run a 220v curcuit to my shop...all in due time.
Reply:Thorsky, expanded metal is every bit as real as it gets! I had a headlight go out in the Jeep the other day, so when I was taking out the bulb, I found the bezel with a broken spot-welded tab that needed a couple tacks. MM200 on voltage tap Low-1 and 10% of full wire speed ER70S-6  & steel mix gas (75/25).As David R. says, "Real World Welding"! Attached ImagesCity of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny