Millermatic 200 or Millermatic 185? (1 Viewer)

[climber8483]

I have seen both for sale, the 185 is about 250 dollars cheaper and in better shape cosmetically, as it is 12 years newer. What are the pros and cons and which would you go for? the 185 is 550 and the 200 is 800. I can probably talk down the 185 easier as it's a family friend that's selling it.

Thanks,
Brittain

 

[fj40charles]

Without hesitation go with the MM200.

More power, better drive roll system, and has the legendary soft arc. Millermatic 200 is highly sought after because of the quality arc, durability. MM200 will have much better resale value. MM200 is very durable because the welder was built at a time when Miller engineers were allowed to over design and build welders to their spec. They did not have their hands tied by bean counters.

Millermatic 185
150 amps at 60% duty cycle
30-185 amps
7 voltage taps

Millermatic 200
200 amps at 60% duty cycle
30-280 amps (I'm guessing close to 300 amp max).
12 voltage taps

If you ever want to weld using spray transfer, then you'll want the MM200.

What color is the face of the MM200? White or black?
If it is really 12 years older than the MM 185, I'm guessing you have a black face model. Late 1980's vintage.
They quit making the MM200 around 1992-1993.

 

[climber8483]

It is a black faced model. What about between a mm200 and the mm Vintage?

 

[fj40charles]

It is a black faced model. What about between a mm200 and the mm Vintage?

They're the same internally. Miller made Vintage after so many people complained about the arc quality of the Millermatic 250. They wanted Miller to bring back the MM200.

They sold/traded in their MM200 for a MM250 thinking it was an upgrade. Power output of the MM250 is not any better than the MM200, but you get the negative benefit of a very harsh arc and difficult arc starts.

MM250 was Miller's first attempt in using an SCR (silicon controlled rectifier) in an all in one mig welder.

Black faced model is good. You'll have the fan on demand.

I have owned and used many different Miller welders. One model I'm not going to get rid of is the MM200.

 

[Gusb]

fj40charles - do you have an opinion on the current Millermatic 212 Auto-Set ?

 

[fj40charles]

fj40charles - do you have an opinion on the current Millermatic 212 Auto-Set ?

Gusb,

Millermatic 212 is the replacement for Millermatic 210. It is a nice welder for welding up to 3/8" in a single pass. Nice machine to have for home or shop use.

MM212 comes with infinitely adjustable voltage control. One nice feature is the ability to run a suitcase feeder.
Miller - Wire Feeders - Millermatic Reach

MM212 will also direct connect with Miller Spoolmatic 15A/30A or spoolmate 200 series.. This is a beefy and durable spool gun. Much better than the 3035 spoolgun used on the MM 210.

Couple of things I like are:

Line Voltage Compensation keeps welding output constant even if power input varies by +/- 10%.

Solid state contactor.
No more replacing mechanical output contactors. Our built-in solid-state contactor circuit makes wire electrically "cold" until the trigger is pulled, and gives you life-long welding output and performance.

Line voltage compensation should result in more consistent power output regardless of input power. Solid state contactor will no longer have the clunking sound you hear when you pull the mig gun trigger.

Specs here:
Miller - MIG Welding - Millermatic® 212 Auto-Setâ„¢

Charles

 

[KLF]

Good to hear your positive comments. I'm buying a MM 211AS this week. Woohoo!!

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Gusb,

Millermatic 212 is the replacement for Millermatic 210. It is a nice welder for welding up to 3/8" in a single pass. Nice machine to have for home or shop use.

MM212 comes with infinitely adjustable voltage control. One nice feature is the ability to run a suitcase feeder.
Miller - Wire Feeders - Millermatic Reach

MM212 will also direct connect with Miller Spoolmatic 15A/30A or spoolmate 200 series.. This is a beefy and durable spool gun. Much better than the 3035 spoolgun used on the MM 210.

Couple of things I like are:

Line Voltage Compensation keeps welding output constant even if power input varies by +/- 10%.

Solid state contactor.
No more replacing mechanical output contactors. Our built-in solid-state contactor circuit makes wire electrically "cold" until the trigger is pulled, and gives you life-long welding output and performance.

Line voltage compensation should result in more consistent power output regardless of input power. Solid state contactor will no longer have the clunking sound you hear when you pull the mig gun trigger.


Charles

So does the 210 have the solid state contactor?

I've had my 210 for 4 years and have been extremely pleased with it. I would buy another.

I have never had any service issues with it at all.

 

[fj40charles]

So does the 210 have the solid state contactor?

I've had my 210 for 4 years and have been extremely pleased with it. I would buy another.

I have never had any service issues with it at all.

210 does not have a solid state contactor. You will hear the contactor close when you pull the mig gun trigger. Not a big deal imho. MM210 is a very good welder.

 

[fj40charles]

Good to hear your positive comments. I'm buying a MM 211AS this week. Woohoo!!

MM211AS is small portable dual voltage welder. I'll be getting my hands on soon so I'll be able to try it out.

 

[davegonz]

Are both of those spool gun compatible? I really wish my Hobart 187 had that capability (without the added spool gun control module).

 

[splitshot]

It is a black faced model. What about between a mm200 and the mm Vintage?

If you find a used deal on either, jump on it. I landed a screaming deal on a Vintage.

Awsome machine..

 

[mytquik]

What kind of deal did you get Splitshot if you don't mind me asking?

 

[splitshot]

Trade out for labor on an electrical job.

Neighbor bought it from his cash strapped brother for $600 and didn't need 2 machines.