Need some advice on welder purchases

[HERB BUTZBACH]

I am new to this board and am about to purchase a pair of welders,i am 67 yrs old ,retired and have been going to a trade school to learn to weld,as it was something i always wanted to learn ,i have 120 hours of smaw,and will finish up gmaw,and gtaw in dec,i have a thunderbolt ac,dc arc welder which i plan to upgrade to syncrowave 180d,i also plan to purchase a migmatic 210,first i am having a electrican run a dedicated 80 amp service line
to my garage shop to safely support the tig machine although,i will probably never use max amps,better safe than sorry,i would like some input from the collective before i make my final decision,also is better to purchase your shielding gas tanks, thanks...herb

[cope]

I think the 180SD and the MM210 would be all I would need. You may opt for an Oxy/Acetylene rig later. I believe in purchasing cylinders but it all depends on how much you use the gas. A 125 would be my first choice. I am 11 years younger than you and I don't like horsing 225 cu ft cylinders around any more. BTW, if $$ isn't an issue I would keep the Thunderbolt too, but I like to hoard tools.

[HERB BUTZBACH]

Cope
Thanks for the reply,i really dont need the thunderbolt,with the 180sd,might be able sell it as it,s only 6 mo old and buy a couple clynders,plan on argon for the tig and c02 for the mig...herb

[WildSide]

Ahem... what are you planning to weld Herb??

[HERB BUTZBACH]

Wildside
I plan to weld mostly mild steel ,some stainless and aluminum.mostly my own projects...herb

[WildSide]

Well sir, I would pick the 250DX to compliment the MM 210 just to keep my welding options versatile I plan on buying both soon myself. If you plan on leasing cylinders compare to owning over the long term.

(OOPS! I meant the MM251 along with the 250DX)

[hankj]

Herb,

I'm in the same bucket. Retired, 62, and always wanted to weld. I started last year with an old O/A setup and a few months later, the MM135. Unfortunately, there was no formal schooling available close to me, so it's been trial and error, but the local welding shops have been generous with critique and advice. Then there are the memebers of this forum, without whom I would never have suceeded. Hopefully, you will benefit from the forum the same as I.

I'll be getting the MM210, probably next month. That and a 180SD would make me very happy. Unless I hit the lottery, there's no Dynasty in my future!

I'd also get an O/A outfit. Unless you get a plasma cutter, you will need the big heat scissors on occasion. VERY handy tool.

Hank

[HERB BUTZBACH]

Hank
Well i am fortunate as i have a community college close by ,and the courses are free after you reach 65,so i have been going to clasess since january,will probably take a additional tig class and finish up next may,i have givin a oxyfuel setup some thought,but i have very little room in my garage shop.thanks for the reply....herb

[MACH4]

Cope
Thanks for the reply,i really dont need the thunderbolt,with the 180sd,might be able sell it as it,s only 6 mo old and buy a couple clynders,plan on argon for the tig and c02 for the mig...herb

Herb,
Check E-Bay for cylinders, I picked up two for the price of a one year lease and the seller had the tanks tested already.
Mike
MACH4

[HERB BUTZBACH]

MACH4
Thanks for the suggestion i will give that a try...thanks Herb

[cope]

MACH4
Thanks for the suggestion i will give that a try...thanks Herb

Herb,

IOC has a good price on NEW cylinders.

http://www.indianaoxygen.com/

Before buying his though, check with your local dealers and give them a chance to compete.

[lramberson]

I bought my cylinders due to the fact I hate rental on something I will always need. Then went to school and found how many tanks I needed Well the inventory is up too 5 including the Oxy/Acetolene set, never can have to many until Hawk suggested Helium in the mix for the DX 200..Guess # 6 will show up soon enough. In my area you can only own 80 Cf tanks so back up is a necessary, but I only carry extra Argon...

[HERB BUTZBACH]

iramberson
i am with you i believe i will buy my own,i think the large ones 80 i believe
what is a good price,seems to run about $150.00,per cylinder around here,but no wants to deal,very firm on miller prices,as well as any consumables,plus 7.1/2 percent sales tax,almost tempted to buy off the internet,brwelding has good prices and free shipping by truck..thanks for your reply...herb

[lramberson]

You won't have a problem with the internet on purchasing, BR is two thumbs up. You might check out Cyberweld also I did not catch what area you live in.