What would I gain

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hello,This is my first post, But I have been lurking a for a few days. Any ways here is my question.I have a 15year old Century Powermate 70, My neighbor has offered me $100 for it.If I sell it my Uncle will sell me his seldom used Lincoln 3200HD for $200. So assuming I only weld using Flux core wire, what would be the advantage of the3200HD over the powermate70.        thank you for your advise.
Reply:What are the specs on each machine (input current/voltage, output voltage range, stepped or continuous adjustment, wire feed speed range, wire thickness range) ?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:hi, This what I know about the welders. (not much)they are 110v input.the century out put max is 70 ampsthe lincoln out put max is 135the century voltage selector has only hi and low.the lincoln has 4 settings.I have been told the lincoln 3200hd is the same as a lincoln sp135 plus.
Reply:With the specs you have mentioned so far, the Lincoln would be my choice between the two.   The Century is barely enough to do anything with.  The Lincoln will at least get you in the ballpark.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:yeah I kinda figured the the lincoln was the better machine. I am wondering if whatever advantages there will be are worth the extra money. I would like to make a small gate and some other ornamental stuff.thank you
Reply:It is not the same as a 135 PlusPlus Models have Continuous Voltage selection3200HD has Tapped Voltage selection.Not a bad upgrade for 100 bux as it does offer Solid Wire and gas iffin' ya want it.but just running Fluxcore I would bet it is a wash- My little Lincoln pretty much sat on one setting anywayEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:thank you for your input.  so would this be the same as the standard sp135?If I do attempt to try MIG Would I be able to weld 1/8 to 3/16ths. in non load bearingapplications. such as welding decorative scrolls on a gate or planter box.sorry about the total noob ?s. I still have a lot to learn.
Reply:No problem on 1/8" --  3/16th" need a little prep work on the 3/16"For 100 bux I say get it.but gonna cost ya more $ switching to Solid wire and gas as ya gotta get a jug o' Sheilding gas.This welding thing just cost moneyEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:i am an advocate of the small mig for the beginner..but you already have one..dont ..--put the hundred toward  more machine...maybean acdc tombstone that  will give you room to grow on..or an o/a setup....
Reply:Thanx for replying guys. Broccoli1 -  Thank you for the info. I was concerned about the 3200s capabilities while in MIG mode.Weldbead- I see your point about going bigger, however I have no way of getting 220v in my current home.(apartment).While the powermate 70 is a wire feed I do not think it can be adapted to MIG. The O/A set up is something I have not considered. Am I wrong to assume the 3200hd is a more capable machine due to its 135 amp rating vs the Power mates 70 amp rating?I guess thats the crux of the matter: Is the 3200 a more capable machine? Thanx again for any advice
Reply:The Lincoln mig is a more capable machine than your 70 amp Century.  Get the Lincoln, it is very well worth it for the price!   If you don't have 220v available, don't even bother with a stick welder in the 110v class, not worth it.   The 110v Lincoln mig will do just fine for what you're trying to weld, provided you bevel the thicker joints for penetration and do multiple passes to fill, cleaning properly between each pass.   Use .030"  fluxcore E71T-11 wire for thick joints that matter and .023" to .030" ER70S-6 mig wire and 75/25 Ar/CO2 gas for your thinner stuff.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Thanx Desertrider33, I appreciate the info on wire types and sizes. The more I think about it the more sure I am the lincoln the right way to go.
Reply:GO FOR THE LINCOLN"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:farmersamm - what did you write in your post? I could not read that tiny font Thanx for the advice