Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneZ
Actually, I think I'm going to treat myself and double the budget for a Miller 211. It's probably nicer than I deserve, but damnit, I want a Miller. Plus a buddy of mine had a good point that a 120V machine is nicer for doing sheet metal work and the 211 is a dual voltage machine. Always good to be versatile.
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120v machines aren't really worth it. Low duty cycle, don't control as well. Get a 230v machine. I have a Lincoln 180 Pro with the wiring kit and gun for aluminum. I can weld just about anything with the right gas. If you can, weld with MIG and gas. Flux core is dirty and the weld isn't as nice. Takes practice to make it look nice. The only upside to flux core is that you don't need gas most of the time.
Miller makes a good machine. Also get a good cart that will hold a gas bottle. If you don't get a good cart. You will be kicking yourself later, and hating the cart.
Gas bottles. I have 3 that I lease for 5 years at a time. CO2 for carbon steel, Tri Mix for stainless steel, and Argon for aluminum. You can buy the bottles out right if you want to. But if the bottle or valve goes bad. You're stuck with it.