Thoughts about a Millermatic 250

[69LC]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 14 year old Millermatic 250, 220v single phase welder with a big tank for $1100. It's been well taken care of and not beaten. I will be going to check it out tomorrow morning and will have an opportunity to try it out early next week.

Does anyone have any thoughts or issues with this model of welder, and does the price with a big (non commercial) tank seem reasonable? I have been borrowing and bartering to weld my hinges and need my own equipment. I anticipate needing to weld heavier parts than the current hinges.

A friend is trying to set me up with a 6 year old Miller 172 suitcase welder for $700 and no tanks. I'm inclined to make the bigger welder deal work.

Please advise.

 

[Dynosoar]

That is a nice machine, price seems to be inline with what they go for.

 

[69LC]

Thanks. I don't want to impulse buy and don't want to get less than I need.

 

[PAToyota]

The 250 was pretty quickly replaced with the 250MP, 250X, 250X w/ meters, and then the 251. People have said that the original 250 had some issues including poor arc starts, sluggish weld puddle, harsh arc, and a low quality spray transfer arc. I've never used one, though. But I do have a 250X that I've been using for the past seven years without issues.

 

[69LC]

PAToyota, I hand copied your comments and asked the seller directly. He said he never had any issues like you described. The machine looks clean and well maintained. I think we will be buying it as soon as possible.

 

[PAToyota]

As I say, I've never used one. Those are the issues that you see coming up on the welding forums when a 250 is mentioned, though. Personally, I have no complaints about my 250X.

 

[fj40charles]

I'd pass on the MM 250. Not one of Miller's better welders.

 

[pb4ugo]

First I must say I'm not a great welder. I've owned 1 for the past 10 yrs or more, & it works fine for me. I purchased it used & in great shape for about the same price you stated.

 

[KLF]

A good friend has the MM 250, he's a experienced fabricator and one of the better welders I know. Used to run a fab shop out of his garage. He is not happy with his welder, he mentioned some of the issues that PAToyota did above.

 

[Pin_Head]

Check out the Miller welds forum. There are several posts about problems with early MM 250s and which serial numbers have what changes.