Where should I buy the new Welder?

[Soft Cars]

After watching these two videos :

1.

2.

I think I have finally decided on a machine. I originally was going to pick up a MultiMatic 255, but an Email from a Miller tech said that I need to have a dedicated 50AMP 240V circuit to run that machine. My 240V circuit is on a 30AMP breaker. The MultiMatic 220 would be a lot more friendly with that 30AMP circuit. I'm actually relieved to get the news from Miller because I need something to push me in the right direction for making up my mind on a purchasing decision.

I have a lot riding on this machine because I plan to use it to help me make a career change. I need to get myself back into practice so that I can pass a weld test from a future employer. None of the employers around here give you anytime to warm up before a test. They expect you to make a very good weld as soon as you walk in the door.

20 years ago I took some welding classes at the local community college. During that time, I managed to get AWS certified in two different weld processes; SMAW and FCAW. Life got in the way and I was never able to pursue a career in welding. But reality has come around and I'm running out of time. It's now or never.

Would you guys buy a machine online or is the local welding supply store a safer move? Most of the stores around here assemble the machines and put them out on the sales floor where they collect dust. I would much rather prefer a machine that's fresh and sealed in a clean box; never opened. But my fear is getting a machine that has problems and have to deal with an online company for warranty or repair work. The guy in the videos bought his machine from Baker's Gas. I know Baker's Gas is a high volume seller and my chances of getting a machine that's fresh and clean is pretty good.

 

[Trav]

I have the Millermatic 211 inverter mig welder, it can weld up to 3/8" in a single pass. IIRC I bought it from cyberweld, never opened box. I paid about 1200 a few years ago.

 

[D60]

My LWS sucks balls and there's no support there anyway.

You can easily step up to a 50A circuit and truthfully if it's a dedicated circuit and you label it "Welder Only" you may (legally) get away with your current setup by just dropping in a 50A breaker depending upon duty cycle.

I wouldn't do that due to potential voltage drop but it's not a big deal to step up the wiring to #6

But I order everything online. Better price, comes to my door, and I don't have to deal with my LWS who is grossly incompetent. The only thing I do there is lease tanks.

 

[Spitty]

A friend bought a Miller welder from a Welding supply store, he paid substantially more than he would have for a similar model from a big box store, but was assured that he was getting a pro model (with less plastic parts) than the consumer model. About 6 weeks after getting the welder and with only a few hours use, the wire feed motor died.
On taking it back to the store he was told that it only had a 30 day warranty (as opposed to the consumer model having 1 year) and that the new parts would be almost as much as a new box store welder.

He got the feeling that being a non pro (not likely to be a big customer) the welding store was not going to do him any favours.

 

[Exhaustgases]

Buy local, let them deal with any damage from shipment. If something is wrong with it no big shipping cost to send it back.