My soon to be after Christmas present

[Topcat]

Right after Christmas is over, I plan to buy a mig welder. I have narrowed it down to 2. Anybody have either one of these? So I'm asking which one should I choose and why? Any personal experience on either one I would like to hear about. This will be my very first mig welder ever owned so I would like to know what I really need to look for. Thanks.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130061460941&rd=1,1

And...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130061462100&rd=1&rd=1

[Rev-It-Up]

   That sounds like a great present to give yourself!  I would really love to learn how to do that.

[whitesatinmopar]

TC, what do they say about great minds  I intend doing the same after Christmas, so far the model that caught my attention is the Hobart 180, basically has the same features. Cost is around $600.00/$650.00. Question on the e-bay listing you posted, is it a true auction or is that the total price? Wonder if the guy sells below cost if that is his highest bid received? The free shipping is a big plus 

[72hemi]

I'd go with the Miller. I have a Miller 172 and love it.

[crazy larry]

I've got a Hobart it's the best tool in the garage.

[4Cruizn]

Looks like a cool after Christmas Present!   

[dougs bs23]

I own a lincoln promig 175 that i bought on  Came with auto darkening helmet, flow meter and 80 cu.ft bottle and in the 2 plus years I've owned it  it's paid for itself.  Oh ya once you decide and all your friends and neighbors know you have it, you'll be doing lots of welding for everyone.  If i were loking for another one I believe I'd go with the Miller 175.  Either one you decide on youll be happy once you get the feel of it.   Good luck and happy welding

[Topcat]

The Miller is more money I see. Why? They seem pretty identical. The smell of burning metal....mmmm. 

[torredcuda]

The Miller is a better machine 175 vs 135 & better duty cycle etc. but the Miller runs on 230V and the Linclon runs on 115v-something to consider as 230v is not always available.The Miller of course costs more also so It`s up to you if you need the extra power.Most 135 110v machines are more than enough for general automotive work.

[chrisII]

I think the miller is a better welder. if you have the 230v avalable buy the miller you wont regret it.

[Topcat]

That's something else to consider.
My 220v outlet is 30 feet away from where I will be working. If I did go with the Miller, then I can upgrade the power cord to handle the distance for it. Is the Amp/volt draw heavy on either one for the distance I have?

[KellysCuda aircard]

I think the miller is a better welder. if you have the 230v avalable buy the miller you wont regret it.

I am a welder by trade, have been for 18 years. Both are good machines, but you will be better off with the 230v. You can get the lincoln in a 230, but miller has been building them longer, thus they might be better at it. My welder at home is the lincoln 230, I build a 50 foot extension cord and its great. 230v power will cost less money to operate, the duty cycle is better, you get better welds on heavy material (better penetration) and you can run bigger wire if you like. All in all your its worth while to run 230v, even if you have to get electrition to wire it in.

[Topcat]

Thanks everyone for your input on this. I did some mig welding 3 or 4 years ago so I am really looking forward to starting again.

One thing. I'm mainly buying it just for doing sheetmetal. So spending on a mig welder that is more just because it can do thick metal will never be needed.

[Topcat]

only a $200 dollar difference in how they ended. Miller is looking to be my choice now.

[bb71challenger]

I have a Lincoln and it works great but I have heard Miller is a smoother wire feed welder. I wish I would have waited and got a bigger unit but it does great for all I use it on. I am in the process of getting a bottle of 75/25. I dont really like the flux core welds, they are fugly.