What do i need

[WildBill]

Hey guys im new to this forum im Bill. I got a questino for you guys . im goning to be blunt , what do i need to jump to the next level,duh let me tell you what i have, I have a miller ac/dc buzz boxs, victor st900fc cutting , metabo grinder ,sawzall, hand drill, vise , anvil, forge and my favorite about 100 sheets of 1/4 through 1 inch steel ( a little over 2 by 4 feet)

[Dave Haak]

WildBill,

This is an easy question to answer. It depends on what you want to do/make............
................lathe, mill, brake, plasma cutter, benders......larger work area...........

Dave

[WildBill]

well at the moment in time im doing light fabrication for my self( jeep stuff , balcksmithing stuff and general repairs) and friends, i have acsess to a lathe, mill and brake but very rairly need them . it just seems i need to boost my productivity

[Dan]

A MM 251 or MM 210, metal cutting bandsaw, and a drill press would make a good start towards the next level.

[WildBill]

my local retool has an atlas power hacksaw for about 100 or a peice of junk vert bandsaw for for about 200 would the hacksaw would it be worth it or just wait for a good band, i also have found a nice old delta drill press but i think they are asking 600 so i might just buy a jet or newer delta what do you guys think , how much would a miller 210 or 251 run me??

[Scott V]

The Miller 210 runs close to $1150 or so,if you look around.I think I know what you need,a helper to move all that steel!

[WildBill]

youll never guess how i move the steel i have an old snowmobile jack the has two skid that are about 2 feet apart and 3 feet long and it wheels the steel around reall nice and i can raise and lower as a temporay welding bench.

[Dan]

The MM 251 can be a budget buster at around $1700. Scott gave you a pretty close price on what a MM 210 goes for around here in Oregon. For the price though the MM 210 is a very nice machine.

A power Hacksaw is kinda slow, but much better then manual labor. You can get a good new 4" X 6" metal cutting for $250 or less, which cuts alot quicker then a power hacksaw. However, I prefer my 7" X 12" Jet. A new 7 x 12 usually sells for $850 to $900

[WildBill]

my budget right now is about 2500( just sold some jeep parts) but anyways i just got thinking would it realy be nescary to bump up tothe 251 since i have the stick machine is there any real adavatage , also just looked in harbor freight and they had a vert bandsaw in that price range are theres any good??

[Sberry]

I agree, if you are doing much welding at all you need a wire feed. Way faster and way easier for small parts too. If you are welding lots of bigger heavier joints all the time you would like the 251 machine better. If you had to you could o to .045 wire even. For maintance and repairs that 210 looks like a great deal and should handle .035 well.

[WildBill]

well i think tommrow im going down to the welding store and going to look at the mm 251 thanks alot guys, any suggestions on gas mixstures

[deere_x475guy]

WildBill, I have a MM175 I bought about 3 months ago and now wish I had gotten the 210.

I would recommend a good mig machine along with a bandsaw. Sounds like you have pretty much the rest of the basics.

Bob

[deere_x475guy]

I use c25. Your welding store will know what this is.

Bob

[WildBill]

My soon to be wife told me to thank you guys she said im might be able to put the cataglogs down tonight. you guys have me convnced on the mm 251 i think and ill def look into a band saw

[cope]

Wild Bill, see if your dealer still has any Miller Vintage machines left or can get you one. They were in the 2002 catalog but dropped in 2003. I have heard nothing but good about them. Look on Miller's site under owner's manuals for more info.