I just got a Lincoln sp-135t from a guy at work for $250 including a harbor freight auto darkening mask. I haven't used it but it looks feels sturdy and works with both gas and flux core wires. You can get them on ebay in the mid $400 range.

 

is this unit THAT much better than the chicago electric 151 dual mig though?

 

duty cycle is the only real benefit there might be. 15% @ 115amps on the 151. 115 amps is a little heavy for exhaust work, at 70amp its gonna be more like 45%. which is pretty nice

 

well Im looking to weld other ---- like traction bars, and some fairly thick plating

Would I just be better off with the dual mig 151 from chicago electric for like $225, or this lincold weld pak for $450??

 

ill let you know how my 151 does. you can buy them for $160 still...

 

I found a mig pak 15 for $400 brand new locally

Worth the cash?

 

got the 151 today and i love it. swapped out the .030 spool for a .045 spool of flux and re-welded my rollbar for my toyota. lays as good if not better than the hobart handler 140 i used before.... which are $550, give or take. cheap *** welders ftw! duty cycle is near 40% on max 1.

 

If your going to do thick ---- I'd reccommend something running off of 220V, like a 180. I have a hobart 180 mig, and I love it. It lays some of the cleanest welds. I got a kit, welder, cart, gas, setup, wire, gloves, a wire brush, and a slag hammer (useless if your using gas) and auto dimming helmet for like 700 at tractor supply. All I had to get was a tank.

 

True. Lincoln SP are better.

 

Good luck trying to get a good weld on 1/2" plate with it.