I am currently researching the MIG market for a possible purchase.
It would appear that there has been a constant release of newer models over the last few years. Another factor affecting the market is the recent consolidation of the industry so in the United States we have Miller/Hobart versus Lincoln as the major players.
One of the questions I have is this...have the newer models included better capabilities and improvements or is this just a marketing effort to keep the brand in front of the customer?
My guess is that it is a bit of both.
Consider that if one visits your favorite big box store, one will find a number of consumer targeted MIGs (and if you are lucky a low end stick welder). While I understand that the consumer MIGs are targeted for the beginning welder, I suspect the competition that the companies have had to face in this market has resulted in better ease of use, cheaper consumables and better capability for all mig users. I would also think that as these novice users move to better machines as their skills improve and their needs increase, the competition for their business will result in better mid range MIG machines being introduced.
In your opinion, are we seeing that occurring now?
What all this means to my efforts to buy a mid level MIG is whether now is a good time to buy one or to wait for a few years to make the purchase. I have stick and TIG capability so I can afford to wait if need be.
Thanks for any comments that you may offer.
TMT