Hey all And apologies in advance for the crosspost between RCM and SEJW
I'm looking for advice with ragards to the lower end of the mig welder family
I'm curious as to whether there are any real difference between the Lincoln MIG's that are packaged for retail and the SP-135 and SP-175
I'm looking at a Mig pack 15 retail package and trying to find out if there IS any actual REAL difference between it and the SP-175
My primary machine is a Miller Synchrowave 200 but i'm looking for the MIG to try and close the gap on the two biggest limitations of the Synchrowave Portability and outdoor environments.
I've had several instances where a portable outdoor welder is needed over a bench welder that welds great. Mainly for one simple reason I dont have a garage so any big project like automobile welding has to be done outdoors in the driveway
Although I can use Stick welding for outdoor environments portability is obviously an issue and Myself and SMAW will not get along well on the thin materials i usually weld. I wont blame the machine i'll blame the operator but stick and sheet metal are not my cup of tea
Looks like the only difference is marketing because they have the same gun they run the same wire sizes the same wirefeed speeds and the same Nominal amperage and duty cycle. Is there something I'm missing that statistics dont tell? Even the LIST PRICES are almost a dead match.
Am i nuts here and there IS a real difference? or am i thinking along the right lines that the machines are identical except for some labels and marketing?
I am Aware i need to add an appropriate regulator to the mig pack 15 if i'm going to use it for GMAW instead of FCAW but i have the hose and its just a case of getting or using an appropriate regulator for the gas i have.
FYI The biggest reason i'm even considering a retail welder is the clearance price on it at the moment.
Thanks in advance for your help
Brent Ottawa Canada