Basic Welder Machine Question

[jpearson]

I am totally new to welding. I have a Millermatic 211 that I bought on Craigslist about 6 months ago and have been slowly trying to develop some skills. It came with a few extra tips but I'm on my last one. I also let the tip shroud touch the metal at one point and melted part of it.

Anyway, I need new tips and a new shroud. My question is are these parts standardized and interchangeable between brands and models? I have a hobart dealer right by my house and it would be convenient to just run over there. Or do I need to find a Miller dealer?

Thanks

 

[1grnlwn]

Shouldn't be a problem, Hobarts are Millers. Take the tip with you to match em up.

 

[Spareparts]

Probally the reason you burnt the nozzle (Shroud) is build up of slag in the end, that transfers the arc to the nozzle instead the tip or wire. While you are picking up some tip's and nozzles (these are called expendables) get some "Tip Dip" and keep a small pair of Needle Nose Pliers/with wire cutters on them to keep the nozzle clear and to cut the wire off. That should slow the problem and make the learning process go a little smoother.

 

[brownbagg]

even the tips at home depot will work

 

[sharkytm]

Yup, nothing fancy. You just need the right thread and length, and wire size obviously.

You shouldn't burn through them unless you are doing AL or SS. I'v had the same tip for probably 20 hours of steel welding.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Like sharky said, make sure you get the tip for the right sized wire.

 

[69lm69gp]

Hobarts are Millers.

Nope. The inside of my Miller looks nothing like the inside of a Hobart.

 

[sberry]

They share some of the same parts.

 

[volaredon]

Nope. The inside of my Miller looks nothing like the inside of a Hobart.

depends on age of machines... 30 years or older machine I'd agree. I am not sure exactly when but Miller bought Hobart I'm guessing 15 years or so ago
Now both have same parent company> Illinois tool Works.

 

[welder4956]

If you're going through that many tips and the nozzle is touching the work, it sounds like you could be holding the gun too close to the work. About 1/2" to 3/4" of wire should be sticking out of the contact tip while you are welding. Shorter stickout tends to overheat (and melt) tips.

Hobart and Miller are still separate companies, even though both are owned by ITW. Some Miller and Hobart internal parts interchange, but they are not identical machines or guns. The local welding supply would usually stock tips for several manufacturers, even though some tend to push a particular brand of machine. If they are close, give them a call and see if they have it in stock. The part number should be marked on the tip. Or you can download the owner's manual from www.millerwelds.com and look up the part number.