Another new welder thread and rebate question

[charlestmann]

There have been several of these lately! I have been reading old threads, watching YouTube and looking at welding websites for the last 3 days.
I started to drive to Harbor Freight on Wednesday morning to buy their Titanium Easyflux 125 for $179 with coupon. At the last minute I decided against it. I need a simple welder for about 15 tack welds on 1/8 inch mild steel. Nothing structural, just a screwdriver and tool holder modification/attachment for my US General 5 drawer cart. This welder would do what I needed for this project but my fear is that I would regret buying it and end up buying a nicer 240 volt mig unit that would also do flux core which would render the Titanium unit useless.

After much research I have decided to go another way and get a Millermatic 211 (907614) along with a cheap stick unit, either the Titanium stick 225 or maybe a Holbart stickmate 160i for a $150 more.

I have noticed that Miller has had rebates ($200) in the past but I don't see one right now. I am willing to wait if the rebates seem to occur at regular intervals. It would make the $1,315 price a little less painful. Does Miller tend to do these rebates every year?

If I wait on the rebate from Miller I can pickup the cheap stick unit to complete the tack welds I need for my current project. I know that I probably will not use the stick unit much after I get the Miller, but it will be there if I need to do something offsite/outdoors.

I have 240 volt circuits for the welders but I like to have the 120 volt option on both machines.
Also, I'm good on the welding education and have appropriate PPE, tools and a table. I'm not interested in used units or anything that has to do with Craigslist!

Any insight on Millers history of rebates and/or suggestions on the stick unit?

 

[sberry]

I don't know rebates but the stick with the 211 is a good team. If I was starting over that type of thing would be the combination I would be looking to do.

 

[lis2323]

I can’t help with Miller rebate info either but I am certain you won’t regret your 211 choice [emoji106]

 

[charlestmann]

If I was starting over that type of thing would be the combination I would be looking to do.

Good because my decision was based in part on your thoughts in a similar thread from 2018. Reading your posts made me rule out the Miller multi-process that is a few hundred more. Considering your background I really appreciate the info you have provided on this subject.

 

[sberry]

The only thing I might add to this is that if I was pressed about it could do the same work with a different machine than the 211 for 4/500 or so less with a basic model. Prices on them have been flat for so long that they had to keep coming with new features to be able to get the price up. New imports are part of this factor too.

 

[charlestmann]

The only thing I might add to this is that if I was pressed about it could do the same work with a different machine than the 211 for 4/500 or so less with a basic model. Prices on them have been flat for so long that they had to keep coming with new features to be able to get the price up. New imports are part of this factor too.

Understood. I have been looking at some cheaper and import machines too. I give value to the Miller warranty so I factored that into my decision. I've looked at the Titanium 170, Holbart and some Everlast units. I still keep coming back to the Miller though. Assuming some value for the warranty I think I am paying about $300 or $400 extra to have the Miller name and nice blue color.

 

[bczygan]

Understood. I have been looking at some cheaper and import machines too. I give value to the Miller warranty so I factored that into my decision. I've looked at the Titanium 170, Holbart and some Everlast units. I still keep coming back to the Miller though. Assuming some value for the warranty I think I am paying about $300 or $400 extra to have the Miller name and nice blue color.

We have all Miller at school. And not just 211's. For TIG we use Dynasty 210 DX's.

For stick and MIG we have XMT 350 CC/CV with feeders. Some are water cooled and some have foot pedals without cords. We even have one set up with a gun for aluminum. Of course there is the giant Syncrowave for those who want a transformer behemoth.

Spoils us.

Bill

 

[charlestmann]

I decided to go with the Everlast PowerArc 161STH for my stick option. More options than the Holbart and better than the Titanium. At $489 it's over my original budget but it seems to get really good reviews. I guess I'll know when it gets here next week. I am going to keep an eye on the Miller to see if any rebates are offered. I don't have to get the mig unit right away.

Thanks for the input on this decision.

 

[ItsNemo]

Why wouldn't you step up to the Miller 215 so you get stick in one unit?

 

[charlestmann]

Why wouldn't you step up to the Miller 215 so you get stick in one unit?

The 215 does not run 6010 according to Miller. I would also prefer to have the mig as a separate unit based on advice from GJ members (Sberry in particular) which can be found in other threads.