As Rob suggests, a separate compressor thread would be fruitful. I would also recommend a two stage if you can swing it. I use a Devilbiss 80 gallon 6HP SINGLE stage. I swear it's going to turn orange and lock up some times. I don't know how it survives the beating I give it. Only tool of mine I knowingly abuse.

 

Thanks for the great info. guys. And good advice about the compressor thread.

 

The 175 Plus has a potentiometer adjustment for current instead of a 4 step switch. It is definitely easier to adjust this type of welder. This is a very good welder and I highly recommend it. My Lincoln was a 120v 140A unit with the 4 step control. A word of caution: MIG Welders can do beautiful looking work but with no penetration. Be sure to adjust for good penetration when using one, especially frame and mount work. Stick Welders are much better for strong welds until the MIG skill level come up.

I have been using a Harbor Freight Welder, which uses a 4 step adjustment method like the Lincoln 175. It has been great. I can't see any difference betwqeen it and the Lincoln I sold when I moved. I have a very big and expensive Miller Stick Welder for big stuff and outdoor work (where a MIG welder is useless in the wind) and I use the little MIG welder for sheet metal, exhaust pipe work and small jobs. I deliberately bought the 120V model and a rolling stand to easily use it anywhere in the shop. If I wanted an all around welder as my only welder, I would get a 240V model with a 175A rating with some serious duty cycle. One word: flux core is awfully nice for quick little jobs, and this welder has both provisions with an easy to reverse polarity.

Compressors:

Long ago, I bought a Campbell Hausfeld 3HP mobile compressor, the kind with a cast iron pump, and it lasted and lasted and lasted.....then a place I was working had a dead CH vertical compressor which I promptly bought for peanuts, and put a new CH pump on it with the 5HP motor. These compressors are great for a small shop. They have 30 gallon tanks, and parts are easy to come by direct, and there is a guy on E-Bay who rebuilds CH compressors. Go to CH's website and see what kind of deal you can dredge up. It helps to have a larger tank, but the CFM at 100PSI is the big deal. If what you want it for is air tools, you need 125 PSI, but if you are interested in painting, mostly, you no longer should use a high pressure gun and a high pressure compressor. The high volume low pressure guns are being sold now as a system with a unit compressor which is more akin to a vacuum cleaner. This is what I paint with now. I have a nice Harbor Freight paint unit which holds up to two quarts in the container and the gun is connected with hoses. Does great jobs with minimal overspray. I use almost all base coat/clear coat paints now. A single phase 5HP single stage 125 PSI compressor is big enough for one mechanic's air tools.

Last word is simply if you are going to buy an off brand like Kobalt, which is made in China, go to Harbor Freight and look at their stuff. They also stand behind their stuff and sell you parts. My Mig welder and grinders and drills are all coming from Harbor Freight now. Why? they last just as long and are 1/3 the price. I use my shop for commercial work to supplement my retirement(a lot of supplement) and use my tools a lot. I have air lines run and a lift and water and the floor painted. My air tools have lubricators and moisture traps. If the stuff did not hold up, I would not buy it, but my money comes hard and I try to spend it wisely.

Regards,

Alanco