Another welder question.

[Brunt Force Trauma]

Since some upstanding citizen decided to break into my garage and steal a bunch of my tools, including my welder, I am in the market for a new one. I was looking at the miller 211 because it seems to be a versatile, and decent little unit for what I will be using it for. I have access to a 220v outlet for now, but I am not sure that wil always be the case. I am looking for advice before I buy anything. So far I have needed to weld thin sheet, all the way up to 5/8" steel and some aluminum. Budget is $1000.

What would you buy?

 

[spdwaver]

I just got finished with doing a lot of research into buying a welder. I wanted to get more welder than I currently need. This led me to looking for anything more powerful than a 211 or 212; a 252 is what I really wanted to get, but could not afford. Then came along an old Millermatic 200 in many forum discussions: this welder can weld 1/2" (possibly more) and is considered a 250 amp-class welder (220V).

I decided to go ahead and buy the MM200 based on all of the good things I was reading about it, but there is also the "Vintage" series 250 that is considered a very decent welder. I may get one of these as well.

One more good reason to buy a used (but working) welder, is that if it is stolen, it is not that much of a loss.

If you definitely want to stick with a welder that will connect to both 120 and 220 circuits, then a 211 may be your best - or only - option.

Sorry that you got all your stuff stolen.

 

[fj40charles]

Millermatic 211 is not going to work well if you're planning on welding 5/8" steel.

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

I have only had to do 5/8 one time. I guess if I ever need to do it again I can take it to a welder instead of paying a lot more for a machine that I may never need. the 211 or 212 should be more tha enough to fit my needs. I am pretty set on either a miller (first choice) or a lincoln, since I am familiar with them and the are known to last. I really like the 252, but the price is painful. Looking at used 251's as we speak. If anyone else has any input I would appreciate it.

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

So now I am trying to figure out why the 212 is $500 more than the 211?

 

[fj40charles]

So now I am trying to figure out why the 212 is $500 more than the 211?

Two totally different machines.

212 is a fullsize machine with MUCH better duty cycle.

211 is a small welder that will use 8" spools, dual voltage, more portable, but much less duty cycle.

 

[spdwaver]

So now I am trying to figure out why the 212 is $500 more than the 211?

I spent $550 on my MM200, with a bottle. But, this is for a used machine, which may not be what you are after.

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

Just notice the spec difference on the 2 machines. I was just looking at the max material thickness. Yeah. 212 seems like much more of a workhorse than the 211. However, I know the 211 would be fine form 90% of my needs. Its that 10% that bothers me.

I am not against getting a used machine. But haveing someone to hold responsible if something doesnt work is nice. Although, I do drive a 20 years old truck with 200k on it, so I guess I am comfortable with a bit of gambling.

 

[fj40charles]

IMHO, better to have and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Millermatic 200 is an Excellent welder with a great arc. Of all the welders I've owned and used, I'll always have a Millermatic 200 to use.

If you were to spread the difference in cost over the life of welder (say 10 years for example), the difference you pay each year is really a non issue. 10 years is not really a good example since most quality made welders will last MUCH longer than 10 years. My MM200 is over 20 years old works perfectly. The only maintenance it may need would be some capacitors since caps have a useful life.

If you ever plan on doing spray transfer and or aluminum, you might consider the more powerful machine. Running a small welder and running it near or constantly exceeding the duty cycle will not result in long life.

One nice feature of the Millermatic 212, 251/252, 350 is the Miller Reach. You can use it as a dual feeder or use it reach further from your CV power source.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/wire_feeders/millermatic_reach/

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

Ok. Really good points made in here. I am convinced. 211 is out. Smallest I am going to go with is the 212. Going to look around and go from there.

 

[Pin_Head]

Get something heavy that the tweekers can't haul off by themselves and the chain it down.

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

Get something heavy that the tweekers can't haul off by themselves and the chain it down.

haha... I hear you. I am going to drill eye hooks into the wall of my gargage, then weld chain in them. Then i am going to wrap the chain around my toolbox and welder. If they manage to steal that, then they are on some sort of drugs I'd like to try.