Mig selection narrowing to HTP mig200

[GregWeld]

If it's not BLUE it's not worth owning.....

[Roberts68]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

If it's not BLUE it's not worth owning.....

Ha! Not to mention then I could rock all those cool "Power of Blue" decals that I got at Car Craft St Paul 2011 with a clear conscience!

I dunno GW, money speaks to me... and to be honest I don't feel like I have as many opportunities for lengthy discussions as I would like.

Kidding aside, can you tell me why to avoid an HTP?

[GregWeld]

No.... I was just poking. Nothing at all wrong with the HTP machines.

Seriously -- welders are like golf clubs... it's way more about the guy running it than it is about the machine. We don't use any of this stuff enough to actually wear them out or burn them up.

My usual advice though is to buy a "better" machine than you THINK you need because once you can really weld - there's all manner of stuff you'll want to be able to do. Not just for yourself but for friends and family etc. Too small of a machine is just so limiting... and you'll have the thing for the next 20 years.

[GregWeld]

Funny about the "paper" comment.... I copied and taped on the OUTSIDE of the door -- a paper chart. That way I can just quickly check - set the machine and run with it. The way the door opens on my Miller 210 half the top of the machine opens and I always have "stuff" up there.

[Roberts68]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Funny about the "paper" comment.... I copied and taped on the OUTSIDE of the door -- a paper chart. That way I can just quickly check - set the machine and run with it. The way the door opens on my Miller 210 half the top of the machine opens and I always have "stuff" up there.

Yeah, I can understand that but slapping tape and stuff all over a nice piece of equipment seems hokey. In fact you should really request a replacement vinyl graphic from Miller and affix it to the outside..... I'm just sayin'.

I really prefer the chart that miller uses showing representative metal thickness as opposed to what HTP provides. Beyond that the 2 knob heat setup might take some getting used to compared to a more infinite fine adjustment of a digital wire speed and heat setting on the Millers I have used.

I know what you mean about the way a miller door flips up. The 252 at work is the same way and always requires some quick creative stacking or rearranging of clutter. I'm not sure how an HTP door opens.

[pronova]

i got an east wood 220 volt mig175 pack, came with aluminum spool gun cart auto helmetand it was cheap , ive used it mostly on body and sheet metal but welded all my brackets to rear end with no problems, had it two years about two weeks ago i had a problem with.not getting gas at nozzle ,called tech line after a little trouble shooting the liner was bad, they sent a packing slip with fed ex i boxxed it up it was picked up and i recieved a brand new welder from them in 4.5 days , its not a miller or lincoln but they offer a 30 day no ?s asked money back gaurantee so i gambled and am so happy , i just ordered there plasma cutter , !!! if u are looking for a good thrifty priced welder check them out they also have a 1/0 unit , just my 2 cents

[SSLance]

Realize this is an old thread but in my research for a new MIG I came upon it. After reading pronova's post I researched the Eastwood MIG 175 and I believe I have found the welder I'm going to order.

Found this thread from over 3 years ago and was interesting reading how the opinions of the welder changed once a few of the members starting actually using the machine.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php...od-Mig-Welders

I realize it isn't a Miller, or HPT...but for a beginning hobbyist welder, it sure seems like a decent entry level setup that will allow one to weld on not only mild steel but aluminum and stainless (think exhaust systems) all with the same unit.

I need to research the plug a bit. Don't think it's a problem but I have a RV style lead and plug on my lift and I'd like to plug my new welder up to that same plug. Should be able to fab up an adapter or just change the plug on the lead of the welder but that might affect the warranty.

Anyway, that's how I'm spending my Christmas morning...welder shopping.

[66fury]

Ive got a miller 252 and ive used others but prefer miller.mine is setup for aluminum and steel which is a plus. Eventually i will get a tig for home but i have one at work for now.miller offers some pretty good prices on migs and tigs under$2000