Which one Arcmate 160 or Arcmate 205

[odleo]

Guys, need some advice. I looking at getting a new MIG and do not know which one to get The Arcmate 160 or the Arcmate 205. Anyone used these machines that can give me some advice Thanks

[d4ve]

I have not used either machine but I would say bigger is better. Better duty cycle for more welding time means less likely to stress the system finishing up that last project of the night. Run less beads on heavier material. On the specification tab it says the arcmate205 can hold a 44lb spool but only says a 10lb on the comparison chart so I am not sure which is correct but if it could take the 44lb that would be a plus also as wire is a bit cheaper when purchased on the bigger spool.

Dave

[gilly]

I have not used either machine but I would say bigger is better. Better duty cycle for more welding time means less likely to stress the system finishing up that last project of the night. Run less beads on heavier material. On the specification tab it says the arcmate205 can hold a 44lb spool but only says a 10lb on the comparison chart so I am not sure which is correct but if it could take the 44lb that would be a plus also as wire is a bit cheaper when purchased on the bigger spool.

Dave

I agree,bigger is better.You can always turn it down,but if you have to run it to the max,and it is not enough,there is no where to go from there on that machine.

[odleo]

D4ve and Gilley, Thank you for your responses. I will have to geive it some more thought. Right now the 160 fits my budget better, but I like the idea of more power as y'all stated you can always turn down but not up

[Gadget]

My rule of thumb is always buy bigger than you think you'll ever need. Then it will usually be a year or two before you wish you had bought bigger yet.

[KHK]

Other than the price and max amps, the 160 is about 8 in shorter and will not allow the use of a 44 lb wire spool. The 205 will not allow the use of a 5 lb wire spool.

[odleo]

KHK, I read the specs againand I did not catch that the 205 would not take a 5 lb spool Thanks for the info this makes the decesion for me. I will save a little longer and get the 205. Are ther any other issues that y'all can think of reference to the 205.

[samsberr]

I've sure been very happy with my 160...no complaints...
95 percent of my welding is accomplished with this welder
the other 5% is done with my stick welder...

[tomsign]

odleo,
for what short time I had the 205, I loved it, I wished it had more amps.
it was a very nice unit and worked great.
read Stans review on it

[odleo]

Tomsign, I have read Stan's review and he let me try the 205. I liked it but I alwaqys like to get more than one opinion. I trust Stan's opinion on ant=y type of welder or equipment I have asked about. Stan advised me that he had not used the 160, so I thought I would ask here for more information