I would strongly recommend keeping an eye in the Want Ad Digest (or
local equivalent) for a used Miller. I bought a genuine, industrial
strength MIG with spot weld panel for ~$800 with all the jewelry. New,
it's ~$2k.
Might take a bit longer, but I will never buy another welder (until I
move up to TIG anyway...:-})
Bob
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Douglas Shook [mailto:shook@usc.edu]
> Sent: Saturday, September 18, 1999 7:17 PM
> To: Shop Talk
> Subject: re: Welders
>
>
>
> Tom Shirley wrote:
> >
> > I'm in the market for a MIG welder. I already have a
> Lincoln with the
> MIG
> > conversion, but it's only a 2 position 70 amp rig. Not enough power
> for big
> > applications. I'd like to get something that has variable power
> setting but
> > not the 4 or 6 position knob. Something with a rheostat for infinite
> power
> > selection. I'd like something around 120 to 150 amps.
> >
> > So, the usual questions.
> >
> > What brand, how much, where can I get it, etc., etc.
> >
> Hi Tom,
>
> I haven't bought it yet, but I spent considerable
> time researching makes, models, output, local
> suppliers, name credibility, price, etc., and I
> have decided to buy the Lincoln SP170. The "t"
> model is a 170 amp, 220VAC, infinitely adjustable
> from 30 - 170 amps, 30% duty cycle at 130 amp. It
> only requires a 20 amp 220VAC circuit. The SP170
> Plus also has infinitely variable wire speed.
> Retail prices vary from low $600 to $800.
>
> They would appear to be good fits for most
> automotive welding -- not quite the industrial
> level of the $1,000+ units, but well above the
> little 125VAC units.
>
> I have learned from comparing prices, one has to
> be careful -- sometimes the cart is included,
> sometimes the argon tank and regulator are
> included, sometimes the helmet and a good deal of
> wire are included, and many times, nothing extra
> is included. These extras can add up to $150 -
> $200 difference in the actual price.
>
> I have not bought it yet, though, so this
> information it totally based upon reading specs
> and talking to various "knowledgeable" sources. I
> would like to hear from someone out there who has
> a Lincoln 170SP to get a hands-on evaluation.
>
> regards,
>
> doug
>
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