Millermatic 211 MVP

[kulangot]

That is a nice unit. Cool that it can also do TIG if you get the setup for it.

My point with buying on the Internet (eBay) is if anything goes wrong with my Miller, I put it in the truck and take it up the street to Airgas. They fix it right there. No shipping, no phone call run around, and my money stays local.

KLF...that is exactly what I thought too. I bought a Millermatic Passport from Airgas and it had issues right out of the box. So, I called Airgas and they said to call Miller - my local air gas does not do repairs. Miller asks for my serial number and says that even though I just bought it, it was over a year old and they would not honor the warranty.

I called customer service and they said they would warranty it but the local Miller rep denied the claim. He offered me a ten percent discount on a new one at full price. I declined.

That's right, Miller's Warranty states the warranty starts the day the machine is made, not the day you buy it. Go read it for yourself. The real lame part is that they changed the warranty after they build my machine.

They would not even give me telephone support and told me not to even try to fix the machine.

They wanted me to go to a place that quoted me almost as much to fix it as I paid for the machine. NOT air gas, not even a local welding supplier and about an hour drive from my house.

I will never buy a Miller again! I have owned about a half dozen Millers since 1995

 

[PFDD]

Well that warranty change to production date is about the most stupid business decision I've heard in a while. I was about to pull the plug on the 211 especially with the 15% promotion ongoing, but unless I could find one fresh from the production line, I'll pass. Nice to have such deep committed support from Miller too for a product that lists for ove $1k....

 

[kulangot]

Don't get me wrong, I think Miller makes a great machine but that warranty policy change and the in fighting between the store, the local rep, tech support and customer service is out of control! If it was up tot he lady at customer service I would have had a new machine! She was awesome.

Definitely something to keep in mind when you choose what welder. I like the inverter based machines that can run off 110 or 220 but when I look at what they cost to fix out of warranty I think I'll stick with a rectifier. Most welders have circuit boards in them these days but the boards in the inverters cost half of what the machine does. No thanks.

Esab and Lincoln the warranty starts the day you buy it.

The regional rep for Miller had the audacity to say that if I bought last years model truck that the warranty is up and that is why you get a good deal. That is so untrue as the warranty starts the day you sign the papers.

The guys at my local welding supplier said they heard that Miller started doing this because of the glut of machines bought by third parties to sell online. Some where stores out doors in shipping containers and had water damage. When I pointed out that I had a receipt for AirGas they shrugged.

Bummer!

I sold all my Miller Machines at a loss after this. Will buy ESAB or Lincoln next.

I still think they make a great product that I have used for almost 20 years. So check the born on date when you buy! Especially if you get an inverter.

 

[Tapage]

there is any model in ESAB or Lincoln comparable to the 211 .. ?

 

[climber8483]

Tapage,
Look back at post 10-15. FJ40Charles (the welder guru) posts up about a thermalarc and the hobart.

Brittain

 

[Diesel Cruiserman]

Thermal Arc 211i

Just got the 252 thermal arc, very very impressed so far

Rob