process and machine selection for my auto restoration business.

[northerndave]

so with that said... what about the 215? supposedly the same machine as far as mig function, but with the addition of what might be looked at as entry level tig abilities?...

[northerndave]

I'm going to bump this post and certainly not refute the TIG advice, but for now I'd like to focus on one mig question in particular.

lets say a person already has a machine such as a 252 so you are covered on the mid to heavy task range. Your focus is dedicated light sheet metal machine,...

[northerndave]

I've been looking.

...

[northerndave]

Thanks, I'd love to have that machine. I just don't know if I can do it right now. Even in air cooled I'll be around 4 grand by the time I set it up....

[northerndave]

Thanks. I appreciate your thoughts on my old MM175. I haven't entirely ruled out keeping it around for the sheetmetal and investing in one decent mid sized or "bigger" machine for my structural and general purpose use. The 212 is on my short list, it's so confusing with current promotions...

[northerndave]

Thank you Norm.

I do really like the M100 gun for access into very tight spots. Good to hear positive feedback on that machine.

[northerndave]

West of the iron range.

there's a bump upward on the map along the canadian border with a big **** lake in it (north west angle, lake of the woods). I'm a bit west of that....

[northerndave]

I'm going to check with my closest miller dealer which would be Bemidji welding supply. I'm in Badger MN, way up by the Canadian border. Bemidji is 2 or 2.5 hour drive from my shop.

[northerndave]

thank you.

Good points on the duty cycle and I agree, I'm likely operating down in the 30 amp range on my light sheet metal so duty cycle is not likely to be an issue, plus I stitch along very carefully, moving around most of the time I'm off the trigger more than I'm on it.
...

[northerndave]

Hi guys, first post here although I have lurked as a guest for some time.

I hate to throw another "which welder" or "which process" post on the pile... But I would like some input if you don't mind.

Here's my situation, I own and operate a classic car restoration...