I'll put down another recommendation for the 211.
If you're learning, it's a helluva machine in autoset mode because it takes care of the initial settings. You can always tweak it, but I rarely need to. I do a LOT of grinding to hide my messy welds, but when I'm done, the 211 makes people think I know what I'm doing. (I take NO credit - it's all in the machine.) Of course (like everyone else) my first project was a welding cart, but I built it to hold the machine up high (I'm 6'2"), the spoolgun case below (a good investment), all the accessories above, and both bottles behind.
Tall welding cart (for phone apps)
But my second was a new bumper for my Bronco, with compound curves & smooth breaks:
Bronco bumper
After a couple of years of daily driving & knocking down trees, it's holding together.
Stumper test
Yes, the spoolgun is pretty dinky, and finnicky; but what do you expect at that price? It only took me a few birdnests to figure out that I was holding it TOO CLOSE TO THE WORKPIECE. Now that I know to keep it away, I look like I know what I'm doing with Aluminum, too. (No, those welds don't look any better before grinding, but they DO hold together.)
Cast Aluminum bracket repair
And the great thing about it is that many pros use it to make a living, so when you learn how to work it, you can either DIY your farm implement repairs, or start earning money. Those little machines with 20% duty cycle can't keep up with you after a year or 2. But if you decide to quit, you'll certainly be able to sell a 211 and get more of your money back than a cheaper machine.
So my advice for any beginning welder is: buy a machine that's a better welder than you are, so you can learn from it. I got mine off eBay with free shipping & no tax.
Miller 211 delivered
