My soon to be after Christmas present

[Topcat]

I'm steering clear of the flux crap.

[KellysCuda aircard]

LOL...The flux core is good if your out side in a breeze, you will get less porosity in you weld with it. Flux core is a no no for body work. Its to tuff to stop and start.

[Krazed]

I'd buy the Miller personally. They're built a bit better in my opinion.

Also, if you're ever looking.. Miller also builds the Hobart welders. So if you get caught  between those two, they're practically the same thing.

[Topcat]

Really!! Thats interesting to know. Thanks.
The free shipping deal on E bay seems pretty tempting.
My brother said get one on Craigslist but I don't want problems from the get go.

[Dustu]

 I have a Hobart works good.Get  one with gas  for sure !

[Topcat]

I'm currently high bidder on the Miller. Cross my fingers.   
If somebody does go higher, they can have it. There's more.

[MyMopar]

I have that Miller 175.  I had  a daytona mig that was a 110v and thought I will only be doing sheetmetal work, just like you.
Well that didn't last for long as I started to weld on axles, make bumpers and other various things so I upgraded.  Believe me whether or not you ever use the full potential of the Miller 175 or not, you will never regret it.  Nice machine for the money, I didn't get mine on ebay, but I paid $675 w/free shipping from a store.  I'll see if I can find the link 

[Topcat]

Thanks everybody for the advice. In less than 30 minutes I should be having one. Stay tuned. 

[Topcat]

IT's Mine!!! my precious!!! 

E bay #  130062360325

Now I still need Gas, Gloves, Helmet, and 220v 30 ft. extension. Oh, and a bunch on Vice clamps

 
Winning bid: US $689.95   
   

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Ended: Dec-27-06 18:05:24 PST
 Shipping costs: FREE
Standard Flat Rate Shipping Service
Service to United States
Ships to: United States
Item location: INDIANAPOLIS, United States

[bb71challenger]

congrats and happy welding!

[Topcat]

Its been a great investment. Thanks for the congrats but this is 5 months ago when I wrote this.

[bb71challenger]

Its been a great investment. Thanks for the congrats but this is 5 months ago when I wrote this.

LOL I know, I was just clearing out my new replies section 

[Bearcuda]

I know this thread is old now and I'm sure you already have your welder, but for others that are looking to get a mig welder, this is the one I have:

FIREPOWER
 Model FP160 Dual-Purpose MIG Welding System

    The FP160 offers indutrial quality "230 volt" performance in a compact portable package. This indutrial heavy-duty unit is designed to meet the needs of both the repair shop and serious DIY user. The FP160 features a four position welding power output control and infinite wire speed adjustment giving you precise welding control.

     The FP160 dual-purpose MIG welding system features quick-change internal polarity adjustment that makes changing from MIG (GMAW) to flux cored (FCAW) welding processes quick and easy.

     The FP160's rugged and portable, professional design delivers the reliability and performance to make it and ideal unit for general fabrication as well as farm, ranch, automotive and light maintenance repairs.  
    
  
 Suggested Retail Price  - $787
Our Price - $565
FREE SHIPPING*    
 
 Dual Purpose MIG (GMAW) or
Flux Cored (FCAW) Capabilities
5-2-1 Warranty  
 Features:

Industrial performance
Uses standard 230 volt single phase current
Welds with or withour shielding gas
Welds with solid or flux core wire
2 lb. and 10 lb. wire spool capacity
Four position welding power control
Illuminated on/off power switch
Illuminated thermal overload indicator
Thermostatic heat protection
Infinite wire speed control
Heavy duty wire drive system  
    
  
  
    
  Comes Complete With:

Geniuine Firepower argon regulator
10 ft. genuine Tweco MIG gun
6 ft. ground cable and 200 amp work clamp
6 ft. power cord (without plug)
Welding nozzle and tip
Spool of .030 MIG welding wire
Instruction manual (English, French, Spanish)   
 
 
Input
Voltage
230V
60HZ  Input Current Amps
23  Welding
Output
Voltage
30  Maximum
Output
Amps
155  Open
Circuit
Voltage
30  Rated
Output
Amps
130  Rated
Duty
Cycle
20%  Maximum
Thickness
Capacity
3/8"  

Dimensions
H: 12-3/4"
W: 9-3/4"
D: 17-3/8"  

Weight
60 lbs.  
 
 

I taught myself to weld at our shop and bought this a week later. It has been an exceptional machine and I haven't had a lick of trouble out of it. I immediately started doing welded art out of junk parts from our shop. I weld little insect and animal critters that I call "Mechanimals". I've sold about 30 or so on e-bay. Sorry, don't have any pics with me here in Iraq. Of course I have used it for automotive purposes as well. I have done my own patch work on my rusty CJ7 Jeep, a patch on my Javelin, and welded things for neighbors. Anyway, this company isn't as well known as Lincoln or Miller, but in my opinion is top notch for the price.