New welder advice.

[Kiotikarl]

Hi everyone!
I need advice on the purchase of a new welder. I am looking into either of these brands; Miller shopmate 300DX,Lincoln Power Mig 350MP, and Esab Multimaster 300, that's what is available around where i'm from. I currently have a Millermatic 211MVP mig, Lincoln SP-100 mig and lincoln 225 ac/dc buzz box. I intend on keeping the sp-100 and selling the other two.
I have no problem mig welding, stick welding is another story but i get the job done, even though it's not always pretty. I have no idea of tig welding welding. What i mainly do with the welder:
- Utility trailer building
- Auto body repair
- Anything i can make for my tractor
- Steel welding
Anyhow: i intend on making my own gooseneck trailer, so i need more powerful than my 211. Would a multi process welder (mig/stick/tig) be overkill
Any advice is more than welcomed.
Karl

 

[Shield Arc]

I've never run any of these machines, but I would lean towards the ESAB with the variable inductance. I had a 1980's Linde with it, it is amazing the control you have over the puddle with it.

 

[monckywrench]

We had a Power MIG 350 at work and several Multimaster 260s (in 2007).

The ESABs are easier to set up and run well, but I'd buy the Power MIG and if I had the money later I'd get the Python Plus push-pull setup for welding aluminum.
The Lincoln takes the usual "Tweco style" consumables.

The ESAB is probably the best bang for the buck for what you want to do, but consumables tend to be expensive (shop online, Scott-Gross are sorta reasonable).

I think you'd be happy with either for your expressed use.

 

[Kiotikarl]

Thanks, waiting for the quotes, gonna shop around a bit cause these things aren't cheap. Meanwhile these are some things i built with my 211 to pass time:thumbsup:.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I have an ESAB MigMaster 250. It'll run circles around it's competitors. They made it a long time without many changes. The multi master 260 is the same way. They got it right the first time and it kept up with the times.

 

[Jesse masterson]

I'm sure esab is a fine machine , but blues hard to beat!

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I'm sure esab is a fine machine , but blues hard to beat!

It is but it does....having welded extensively with both.

 

[Jesse masterson]

Wow! That's intriguing but my wife proBley wouldn't be happy !

 

[rcowan]

All things being unequal, I'd go with the one with the best/local support.

RC