looking to buy a welder

[blake80]

the time has come for me to upgrade to a bigger more powerful welder. i know i can get a good 230v lincoln (not sure on amperage, but maybe around 200a) for about a $1000. i was just looking around and ran across this machine from northern tools. now im sure this isnt the best welder in the world, but it seems pretty versital for what im looking for. my current welder is a 115v gas lincoln that has served me very well, but now im looking for a little more power and some flexability.

let know what you think of this machine for hobbiest use.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...0163_200520163

[aviator160]

Originally Posted by blake80

the time has come for me to upgrade to a bigger more powerful welder. i know i can get a good 230v lincoln (not sure on amperage, but maybe around 200a) for about a $1000. i was just looking around and ran across this machine from northern tools. now im sure this isnt the best welder in the world, but it seems pretty versital for what im looking for. my current welder is a 115v gas lincoln that has served me very well, but now im looking for a little more power and some flexability.

let know what you think of this machine for hobbiest use.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...0163_200520163

Just food for thought, you might consider the Thermal Arc 211i We have had a lot of success with it and its a Mig Stick Tig Machine for just a bit more money and has good factory representation. We also sell many other manufactures machines. Much more than on our web site.
PM me if you would like to know more.

[LakeNut]

For your price point, I would consider this:
http://m.cyberweld.com/mi211migwewi.html

I have a 140as that I bought before this existed. Any issues I have had have been self inflicted. (Mig gun clamp loose, gun pushing forward, and shielding gas leaking)(bad grounding, dirty liner, worn contact tip, dirty drive wheels)

If I were doing it again the 211 would be a strong contender, if I didn't go even bigger.

Though when it comes to TIG,I will admit I'm having a tougher time selling myself on a dynasty 200DX vs some of the import competition.

[blake80]

tig to me isnt a big requirement, but i wont turn it down either as ive wanted a tig for a while. im really not concerned with arc but with a all in one machine why not have it. my company is a rep for thermal arc, but we dont really deal with welders so i get no feed back on them. i did watch some videos on youtube about them and after what aviator said about having good luck with them im pretty interested in finding out more about them. i really just want to make sure that im getting the penitration that im looking for.

[aviator160]

Originally Posted by LakeNut

For your price point, I would consider this:
http://m.cyberweld.com/mi211migwewi.html

I have a 140as that I bought before this existed. Any issues I have had have been self inflicted. (Mig gun clamp loose, gun pushing forward, and shielding gas leaking)(bad grounding, dirty liner, worn contact tip, dirty drive wheels)

If I were doing it again the 211 would be a strong contender, if I didn't go even bigger.

Though when it comes to TIG,I will admit I'm having a tougher time selling myself on a dynasty 200DX vs some of the import competition.

I have sold the dynasty 200DX as well,,, and my machine I own is a Lincoln Stick Tig inverter that I have much more money in that the market we are talking about. I was just suggesting another option that was reasonably close in price that I have been impressed with of late and have sold several.
Self inflicted is a great way to put it,,, Most the time its the minor details that are adding up to the problems,, not the machine or filler metal or material.

[blake80]

It would be really cool if you could try out welders before you bought them. Its like buying a truck without ever driving it.

[aviator160]

Originally Posted by blake80

It would be really cool if you could try out welders before you bought them. Its like buying a truck without ever driving it.

My Victor Technologies <This company owns Thermal Arc> Rep carries equipment to do demos with in his truck. Check with your Local Welding Supply Distributor or call Thermal Arc and find out who the Manufactures Rep is for your area, you can get a demo set up. We do this all the time here anyway.
I would advise that something to consider when purchasing equipment. If during and after the sale you have support and not replying on trying to get that support just over the phone with someone on the other side of the world.
To bad your outside of my territory.

[RobCons]

I have a Lincoln 180 that works great. I am an ornamental ironworks guy and it easily handles the material I work with. Look on Ebay, mine was around $600 - $650 shipped to the door.

[racin161]

160 is correct Check with Welding supply dealers Ck Supply Miller Hobart Lincoln they can set up a display believe me they want your cash. I'd steer away from off brands just describe to them what your purpose is going to be and go from there.

LOU

[blake80]

Thanks guys. I'm still looking around some