looking for brand recomendation

[yomax4]

Hello, I'm new to this thread. If I may offer my oppinion. It's red or blue. I personally own a miller 211 with auto set. Has what they call an MVP. Multi voltage plug. 110 or 220. Has a spool gun as an option to weld alum. Will last a homeowner a lifetime. @1200$ new

Good choice if you only need 180 amps. Spool gun is marginal but will do in a pinch. Ok machine.

 

[deereman75]

Where did you get that?

MTS 160 160 amps@ 30% duty 799.00
ThermalArc 181 180 amps@ 20% duty 999.00
MTS 200 Synergic operation MIG 200 amps @25% duty 999.00

Both MTS, have built in gas solenoid valve for TIG operation. TA does not and you have to manually control gas operation. Also we use a Euro quick connect...which is easily connected. No spool gun needed. Wire will feed through gun on mts and has aluminum setting on MIG on MTS 200.
On the plus side for the TA, you have a foot pedal (which is of limited value on a DC lift start tig)...

Sorry about that, I didnt know you changed the prices. When I last looked, the mts 160 was around $1200. Also, I am sure if you put a teflon liner on the thermal arc, you could do aluminum without a spool gun. Someone on here was doing that with a standard liner and a hobart handler 140. I guess I will have to take another look at the everlast before I decide on a welder.

 

[yomax4]

The problem with running Aluminum through a standard non computer enhanced mig gun is you are limited to 10 - 12' and you almost always have to to use 5356 wire and U groove drive rolls. Without a Digital High Definaition Power Suppy, You get dry dull crap looking welds. At least with a spool gun you get 20' and can use 4043 wire for a flat nice looking weld. It is suicide to tell people to buy a Mig welder for doing aluminum with the standard mig gun.. Just sayin.