Welding Tips and Tricks

I'm in need of a new mig welder with spoolgun capabilities. I have a lincoln 175 that's almost twenty years old and has done more than it ever was designed for, its been a great machine but I need more amps and spoolgun for aluminum. I've watched Jody's videos of and read 100% great reviews about the Hobart Ironman 230. I was set to pull the trigger on the Ironman until amazon sent me info on the Thermodyn fire power 1444-0312. It has more amps good duty cycle and automatic spoolgun switching but can find no reviews good or bad. 1/4 inch steel is generally the thickest I'm fabricating with but on occasion 1/2 and 1". Half inch aluminum would be the thickest I would fab with. I know one inch is thick for either of these machines without multiple passes but is rare and usually the base material for attachment of other brackets so full 1" penetration is not necessary. I'm no pro, but "hobbiest" just don't apply. This welder needs to last and perform up to the high standards that my little ole Lincoln has. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

If money isn't a big worry, look up the Millermatic 350P Aluminum.

That would be an awsome machine I've looked at it and others but money is tight with two younguns and a third on the way. If my livelyhood dependeded on a welder day in and day out, no doubt it would be in consideration but my need is for general repair on heavy equipment, trailers and light to moderate fab work. I've got $2500 budget for welder, spoolgun, bottle, and odds and ends. The Ironman 230 fits my needs 98% of the time in the shop, is priced right, and by all reviews I've seen is a good value. I've got a bobcat mobile welder for the rare times that I need to weld thick structural steel. The fire power gives more power for less money and can be had with Tweco guns. I know Thermodyn is a Victor company so I hesitate to call it an off brand, but not finding a single review, good or bad, would have me concerned.

I understand the money. The company I work for just bought one, that's how I know about it. Check out Longevity welders. They are pretty inexpensive and there are a lot of reviews available.

There's a 350P here in Chicago on Craigs for $1500. I picked up a Lincoln PM 300 for $1600 a couple years back, so deals are out there.

Anything 1/2" or more is going to be multipass regardless of your machine's power.

I'd go with the Thermadyne over the Longevity; as you say, the Victor brands have a solid support structure. S/F....Ken M