Need opinions on a new welder

[Runner]

flux core wire is for welding outside in the wind where the gas gets blown away.   it isnt what id learn to weld with. its way harder to get a decent flux core weld than it is with solid wire and gas.  if it were me and i was setting up the welder for bodywork i would get a spool of .023 wire ( and the .023 tips) and i would use argon/co2 mix gas.   if youve got the cash and dont mind spending it, the miller you sugested would be a nice unit and would last you a long time. millers are great welders.     miller and hobart are one in the same company.   i have a hobart 175 220 volt machine and it has been great , i love it. if i was on a budget ( like i am)  id get the hobart 187 unit ( wich seems to have replaced the 175)  the one really big plus about a 220 machine is, it makes it harder for people to borrow it.     the other thing id get is a nice auto darkening helmet.  i have a hobart helmet and its nice and light.   this is a big plus when you have it  sitting on your head for hours working on something.   mine is a 2 sensor hood but if i had the extra cash id get a nice light 4 sensor hood.

    something like this     http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/3011006.html?id=Gn9vIIM9       good luck with your welder purchase!

[Rack]

Thanks Runner.

I bought this one last night...

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/weldinghelmets/prohobby.php


And I can get the Millermatic but I'd have to wait 3 or 4 months if I do. I'm probably gonna get the Hobart Handler 187. I'd only have to wait a couple of weeks to get that one.

THanks for the advice on the wire spool and tips. I'll be referring back to this thread when I start welding. 

[Chatt69chgr]

Miller has a sale of sorts going on for some of their MIG welders.  It's a rebate if you also buy their spool gun (for aluminum welding).  For what it's worth dept:

http://www.millerwelds.com/about/news_releases/2008/articles224.html

[Rack]

Thanks, Chatty. I had already ordered my Hobart Handler before you made your post. 


Anyway, my welding helmet came in today....






The welder should be here by monday. Now I just have to get all the accessories I need, call the electric company and make sure the transformer can handle the load, and then - of course - learn how to weld.