help! what is a good welder for me.

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Hi, i am looking at buying a mig welder and have about 1000 dollars to spend maybe a bit more if i have to. The main thing i want to be able to weld is my car body and sheet metal however i would like somthing that is also usefull for slightly larger gauge projects such as manifolds etc anyone know of any good units to get? i want somthing that is reliable and that is going to last! i was looking at some on ebay but am not sure if these are any good as they dont seem to be a BRAND http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....8499&rd=1&rd=1 any suggestions
Reply:If i was to buy another welder under a grand it would be a Millermatic 180. 220v and enough power to do almost anything you need. Just add a gas bottle and start welding...Bob  http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...llermatic_180/Bob WrightSalem, Ohio  Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:one more thing to consider. The new lincoln 180 now have a spool gun that you can use for aluminum.  You probably could pick up the welder and the spoolgun package for $1000.  Not sure you would need the aluminum capability but something to look at.  ~JacksonI'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Hey Wisey,I have to agree with Bob Wright & Jackson with their suggestions on the Miller or the Lincoln. Personally, I am a Miller fan (my own), use a Lincoln at work, and I burn some serious rolls of wire each month. Both brands are a pleasure to use, work flawlessly, and most dependable. If you have a bit more than a grand to spend, I would really look into a Miller 210, mainly because you would have that additional power for one of those "just in case" jobs that may arise. If you are considering doing aluminum in the future, a spoolgun is the way to go. In my own personal welding arsenal, I have (2) dedicated aluminum MIG welders, and 2 spoolguns for those "quick change" jobs with varying metal thicknesses. Do some homework and determine what will suit you needs for now and tomorrow....Good luck...DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Wisey,I don't know where you're located but I have a practically new Lincoln Power MIG 200 for sale, located in Southern California.Here is a link to the ad: http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=12427I think that this welder will do exactly what you are looking for.- Paulhttp://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Here's a link to the manual on that Power Mig 200. Goes down to 30 amps and up to 200 amps. Impressive looking duty cycle if you happen to be the sort that rides 'em hard. http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...et.asp?p=33440
Reply:thanks for the offer and its a nice looking welder but i live in melbourne australia so too far away :P ill have a look at the lincons and so forth, how can you have a aliminium specific welder? what is differnt about that too a sheet metal welder or a welder that does both?
Reply:Check out the new HH210 also.  You'll find reviews of it (and also the very nice MM180) at www.hobartwelders.com/mboard.  Several of us personally own and tested the HH210.  Can be purchased with the spoolgun also, but that option would go slightly over your budget.  Was your budget in USD or Aussie bucks?
Reply:hmmm aussie dollars  also not sure if i can some of those brands over in australia..... hmm ill have a bit more of a look on the web, does any one know a brand called cig weld?
Reply:I think they sell miller's there. For the types of welding you mentioned, I would be looking at the miller DVI. Its a 110/220 unit combined so you get the best of both worlds. I find the 110 units better at sheet metal. I know the 220 units turn down to the same amp setting but I think the 220 unit hits harder when starting the arc were the 110 unit doesn't. To me it seems to make a difference but thats just my opinion. The other good thing about the DVI is that you can use what ever power source you have available when needed. helps in some cases. Hope this is of some help to you.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Look at the specs for that NBC 250...amp range is minimum 50 to maximum 250.  I could be wrong, but 50 amps is probably too much for autobody sheetmetal, especially when using the preferred .024" size solid wire.They do offer a 30 day money back guarantee.  If the return shipping charge isn't too dear, you could try it out for a month.WeldingWeb forum--now more sophomoric banter than anything else!
Reply:you're better off with a name brand.  easier to find parts and consumables for.  Lincoln has a 3 year warranty.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:Originally Posted by jamlitthe miller DVI. Its a 110/220 unit combined .