Having trouble deciding on a new MIG

[Abeo]

Hi all

My neighbor really wants to buy my Lincoln 140 MIG, and I really want something that can weld thicker metal... So I'm in the market for a new welder.

So I'm having trouble deciding whether I want a Miller 211, or an esab 215ic. Then I start wondering if I want a multi process welder so I can stick weld, but then I figure I'd want an AC capable TIG for thin aluminum (so I'd get a standalone TIG)

I've been going in circles in my head with this for weeks. Are the multi process welders worth the extra money?

I will be building bumpers for my Jeep, but otherwise just messing around and not fabbing all the time.

Thoughts?
Thanks in advance

 

[Bobcat753]

I have the Lincoln 210MP, a multi process machine, and LOVE it. Super easy to set up and welds like a dream. I heavily use the MIG/Stick aspects of it and it is flawless. I have yet to buy the TIG kit for it though. One of my favorite things is the LCD screen where you can easily click and scroll through the menu selecting the exact settings you need.

As a side note, I was dead set on getting a 211 but when I went to my local welding supply the 211 was already sold. They had the 210mp still and I said what the heck and bought it. Best decision I ever made.

 

[dnschmidt]

HTP Propulse 200. Best value per buck in the world and does pulse MIG (basically spray arc) on both steel and aluminum. It does aluminum without the need for a spool gun. Tons of YouTube videos highlighting this machine. It's a Lincoln/Miller killer.

 

[kkroger]

Can't really go wrong with a Miller 211, Hobart 210MVP or similar. If the funds are there go for a bigger machine though, a Miller 252 or a Hobart Ironman 230, either will drive a spool Gun if that is your desire, to shoot aluminum, A Miller Synchrowave 210 I think is the one can run a spool gun and TIG AC/DC... Ive never experienced good luck with Multi Process Machines I am still a MIG/TIG/STICK/Plasma Separate Machine type guy,

 

[Wamsutta]

Weld.com does a 3 part review of the ESAB Rebel EMP 215ic.

 

[pepi]

Better sell that 140 before the fish gets off the hook, having the cash will help you decide.

 

[scooby074]

Miller or Lincoln. In my part of the world Esab is VERY rare, but every store, particularly Air Liquide or Prax stocks M or L.

The Lincoln 210 is an impressive machine and its been a sales success since launched.

Id avoid the Htp, Everlast, Real Gear, Air Liquid (house brand), Esab (unless you have a well stocked local store, AL here has like 2 Esab machines in Halifax and thats about it! God help you if you need any help or parts). Etc etc.

Lots of people in the states suggest these off brands forgetting that they have next to no local presence here and shipping in Canada costs a fortune. Brand availability is probably better in Calgary than here in NS, but something to think about.

 

[American Locomotive]

My buddy loves his PowerMig 210MP. It welds real nice.

 

[WittHay]

KMS Tools has most models of Lincoln, Miller and ESAB on display. My reasoning for picking the Lincoln 210MP over the Miller 211 was that it could stick weld. Haven't used the stick yet, but the mig has worked perfectly. Anybody with some welding experience can easily use and set the machine

I would recommend a separate tig machine, but not sure what welder though. Most recommendations are not readily available in Canada except the blue and red

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Hi all



My neighbor really wants to buy my Lincoln 140 MIG, and I really want something that can weld thicker metal... So I'm in the market for a new welder.



So I'm having trouble deciding whether I want a Miller 211, or an esab 215ic. Then I start wondering if I want a multi process welder so I can stick weld, but then I figure I'd want an AC capable TIG for thin aluminum (so I'd get a standalone TIG)



I've been going in circles in my head with this for weeks. Are the multi process welders worth the extra money?



I will be building bumpers for my Jeep, but otherwise just messing around and not fabbing all the time.



Thoughts?

Thanks in advance

If you want a 211 I would go with a 215 instead since cyberweld has $50 off on the 211 and miller has a $100 rebate on it where as cyberweld has $100 off the 215 and miller has a $200 rebates on the 215

Basically I am saying that the 215 is only $100 more than the 211 after all the rebates, it was a no brainer for me. I just got my 215 about a week ago


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[Abeo]

Better sell that 140 before the fish gets off the hook, having the cash will help you decide.

It's been in his garage since the summer, so it's as good as sold.

Miller or Lincoln. In my part of the world Esab is VERY rare, but every store, particularly Air Liquide or Prax stocks M or L.

The Lincoln 210 is an impressive machine and its been a sales success since launched.

Id avoid the Htp, Everlast, Real Gear, Air Liquid (house brand), Esab (unless you have a well stocked local store, AL here has like 2 Esab machines in Halifax and thats about it! God help you if you need any help or parts). Etc etc.

Lots of people in the states suggest these off brands forgetting that they have next to no local presence here and shipping in Canada costs a fortune. Brand availability is probably better in Calgary than here in NS, but something to think about.

Yeah, good points about the off-brands and Canadian availability. I don't want to be frustrated with an off-brand warranty claim. Red and Blue are well represented in the oil+gas world, so maybe it's best to stick with them.

 

[Abeo]

I'll most likely be buying from KMS, so I'm narrowing it down to Miller, Lincoln, and ESAB. Not going with a house brand, as I had a bad experience with my first welder that lost feed control and had no serviceable parts. I'm not buying from the states, as I don't have the time to drive down to the border to pick it up and shipping to Canada usually makes it cost-prohibitive.

So, the prices of the welders are
MIG:
ESAB EM215ic - $1299 CDN ($1013 USD) +$75 rebate
Miller 211 - $1535 CDN ($1197 USD) +$100 rebate + free cart

Multi-purpose MIG:
Lincoln 210MP - $1757 CDN ($1370 USD) +$165 rebate
-comes with stick welding attachment
Miller 215 - $1885 CDN ($1470 USD) +$200 rebate + free cart
-comes with stick welding attachment
ESAB EMP215ic - $1999 CDN ($1559 USD) +$100 rebate
-comes with stick welding + TIG setup

Laying out the prices all in one place makes things a little more clear for me. The Lincoln and the Miller MP welders come out as a wash, as I can recoup some of the extra cost of the welder by selling the cart. I don't think I'll be doing TIG all that much right now, so I can count out the ESAB MP machine. If I'm interested, I'll get an inverter AC/DC TIG down the road.

So I guess it comes down to red vs blue, and what's available in-store

 

[Gamble]

Everlast on IG has their new 250amp plus mig coming out in jan 2018 and is on intro sale for like $1600 ish. That's what I'm looking to grab
I don't like how Lincoln uses their own tips and nozzles, so you can't use anyone elses unless you change out the gun. I also think the esab stuff isn't all that great from what I have used. But that's just me.

 

[scooby074]

Yeah, good points about the off-brands and Canadian availability. I don't want to be frustrated with an off-brand warranty claim. Red and Blue are well represented in the oil+gas world, so maybe it's best to stick with them.

Nothing wrong with staying with the big 2.

 

[Wamsutta]

So I guess it comes down to red vs blue, and what's available in-store

Did you watch the video review of the ESAB? I think that guy has a good point about sheet metal screws. The ESAB uses socket cap machine screws to hold the cabinet together instead of sheet metal screws; plus it has four rubber bumper handles to carry the unit with. Looks like it's well made.

 

[American Locomotive]

To me, the warranty and support service of Lincoln/Miller more than makes up for any cost savings. I recently e-mailed Lincoln about a part for my old Lincoln 125 MIG I bought refurbished probably 7-8 years ago. They got back to me that same day with diagnostics/troubleshooting information regarding the part, and a part number to get a replacement.

A lot of these cheaper manufacturers pretend a machine never even existed once they stop manufacturing it.

 

[pepi]

Did you watch the video review of the ESAB? I think that guy has a good point about sheet metal screws. The ESAB uses socket cap machine screws to hold the cabinet together instead of sheet metal screws; plus it has four rubber bumper handles to carry the unit with. Looks like it's well made.

LOL, those are a serious considerations, screws and rubber bumper handles?

I am curious as to how that makes the machine a better welding tool.. What am I missing, cannot put my finger on it...

Or just hitting the eggnog little to hard ?

 

[ishiboo]

Everlast on IG has their new 250amp plus mig coming out in jan 2018 and is on intro sale for like $1600 ish. That's what I'm looking to grab
I don't like how Lincoln uses their own tips and nozzles, so you can't use anyone elses unless you change out the gun. I also think the esab stuff isn't all that great from what I have used. But that's just me.

That seems like a LOT of money for an Everlast MIG. I don't think they make a bad product, but for $1500 you can get an Ironman 230, and for $1800 you can get the Ironman 230 with a spool gun. Hobart IMO would be a much better investment.

I've been incredibly happy with my 252, but I strongly considered the Ironman prior to the Zoro 30% sale. $1780 shipped was not a bad deal. Picked up the Spoolmatic 30A for $350 off Facebook... it was a factory spare and had sat on a shelf.

I've used the spool gun a few times for steel, I've found its a lot quicker to change the wire in than the main gun, and it works great for quick tack welds without a mask when you can't see as it doesn't bird nest the wire and create a mess. So the spool gun option for the 230 seems like a good choice too, IMO. I can't wait to justify doing some aluminum with it.

 

[Abeo]

Did you watch the video review of the ESAB? I think that guy has a good point about sheet metal screws. The ESAB uses socket cap machine screws to hold the cabinet together instead of sheet metal screws; plus it has four rubber bumper handles to carry the unit with. Looks like it's well made.

Watching them now

LOL, those are a serious considerations, screws and rubber bumper handles?

I am curious as to how that makes the machine a better welding tool.. What am I missing, cannot put my finger on it...

Or just hitting the eggnog little to hard ?

Easy there. No need for negativity for someone trying to help. Also, it's not a hard stretch to think something that has good build quality on the outside carry through the machine.

 

[Ballistic Jello]

If you want a 211 I would go with a 215 instead since cyberweld has $50 off on the 211 and miller has a $100 rebate on it where as cyberweld has $100 off the 215 and miller has a $200 rebates on the 215

Basically I am saying that the 215 is only $100 more than the 211 after all the rebates, it was a no brainer for me. I just got my 215 about a week ago


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Can you help a clueless welding noob out here with some more insight on the advantages of stepping up to the 215? Been set on the 211 for a year or so but somehow a spare $1,038 has failed to materialize in my bank account.

Everything I've read says this is a great choice for those with little welding experience, well made, forgiving and Miller's good customer service behind it.

 

[Wamsutta]

LOL, those are a serious considerations, screws and rubber bumper handles?

I am curious as to how that makes the machine a better welding tool.. What am I missing, cannot put my finger on it...

Or just hitting the eggnog little to hard ?

These top machines from the top USA companies are so well matched - that sometimes it comes down to the small details that are useful for making a purchasing decision.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Can you help a clueless welding noob out here with some more insight on the advantages of stepping up to the 215? Been set on the 211 for a year or so but somehow a spare $1,038 has failed to materialize in my bank account.



Everything I've read says this is a great choice for those with little welding experience, well made, forgiving and Miller's good customer service behind it.

Unfortunately this noob can’t really give you good advice either since I have yet to power up my new machine yet either!

I upgraded to the 215 since I would like to be able to stick weld outside if need be


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[Abeo]

I don't like how Lincoln uses their own tips and nozzles, so you can't use anyone elses unless you change out the gun. I also think the esab stuff isn't all that great from what I have used. But that's just me.

Looking into this, Lincoln uses the same tips as tweco, which is what the ESAB has. I didn't know that the Miller MIGs used a different tip... I have a pile of Lincoln tips right now... again, something else to consider

 

[Gamble]

Looking into this, Lincoln uses the same tips as tweco, which is what the ESAB has. I didn't know that the Miller MIGs used a different tip... I have a pile of Lincoln tips right now... again, something else to consider

Well kind of. Standard Lincoln/esab everyone uses tweco mini consumables. The 210mp uses the Lincoln pro consumables which are proprietary to Lincoln.

Miller is different for sure, but lots of people make miller stuff.

Also bigger stuff (generally 200+ amps) will use tweco #2 or tweco #4 consumables.

 

[bdbecker]

Funny how people in different parts of the world could be considering the exact same question at the same time... I literally jumped on GJ to start a thread asking this same question about the same welders. My Dad asked me to help him pick out a mid-sized MIG welder (he already has a Lincoln tombstone for SMAW). I'll be curious to learn what you choose and what the deciding factors were.

 

[xman_charl]

Use this everlast for mig. 2 years old...

Got some additional features for mig, like burn back...

Have used Lincoln migs in the past, okay welders.

Charl

 

[E.Marquez]

HTP Propulse 200. Best value per buck in the world and does pulse MIG (basically spray arc) on both steel and aluminum. It does aluminum without the need for a spool gun. Tons of YouTube videos highlighting this machine. It's a Lincoln/Miller killer.

Noticed the manual has no part numbers associated to the "parts" page.
Nor is there verbiage reference where one gets replacements parts from?
The HTP web page has a parts page, but looking at it, only a few replacement parts are available..http://www.usaweld.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=MIG+HTP+MIG 200

What that means is your buying a disposable tool, that when broken or has a worn out part.. you throw it away.

I did email USA Welding and asked for the availability and price of the Pro pulse 200 LCD display and the wire drive motor, in case they were available and just not on the site.....those parts are not available for retail sales.
This machine might be great out of the box, but it goes in the dumpster when it is broken or has service wear items needing replacement.

That is why you buy a Miller, Hobart, Lincoln ext..service and support after the sale.

 

[E.Marquez]

I have had a Hobart Ironman 250 since 2002, it has run 20lb of wire in
a day @ 3/4 to full power welding 1/4 to 3/16 to 1/2" all day when I was building trucks and trailers. These days its doing more 3/16 and less most times, but still cranks out the 1/2" plate single pass welds occasionally.
The only part it as needed is a new gun liner and set of rollers..though the cooling fan is starting to make some noise so might be time for a replacement before it fails.... 15 years old, and I can order a replacement fan OEM on line and have it in 2 days. try that with a non name brand machine.
I also have a miller 141 set up for gas and a Lincoln 140 set up for flux core. both of those are my road welders and used with a 6800 watt generator. All three are work hours and regularly used at max duty cycle. The Lincoln should have died years ago, its been caught in the ran both during transport and in use. Over heated to the point of shut down, under volted while in use the day i overheated a Gen set in a Texas Summer day with no air flow and the Gen set died slowly (so running under speed and volt) unnoticed at first, and I continued welding till the gen set seized the motor.

Because of parts and service after the sale, id not invest $$ in a machine not a brand name.. thats not saying the non name ones dont work, it is saying, when they wear out a part or you drop a part on them snapping off a switch, cracking the display, wearing out the wire drive motor or fan...will you be able to get parts for in in 4, 7, 10 years?

Hi all

My neighbor really wants to buy my Lincoln 140 MIG, and I really want something that can weld thicker metal... So I'm in the market for a new welder.

So I'm having trouble deciding whether I want a Miller 211, or an esab 215ic. Then I start wondering if I want a multi process welder so I can stick weld, but then I figure I'd want an AC capable TIG for thin aluminum (so I'd get a standalone TIG)

I've been going in circles in my head with this for weeks. Are the multi process welders worth the extra money?

I will be building bumpers for my Jeep, but otherwise just messing around and not fabbing all the time.

Thoughts?
Thanks in advance

 

[risc]

I got the Esab, haven't used it a ton but the mig auto-set features are basically like cheating.

 

[dnschmidt]

HTP has been around for a very long time. Everybody that has dealt with them considers their customer service second to none. I'll happily take my chances with HTP.

 

[dscheidt]

Noticed the manual has no part numbers associated to the "parts" page.
Nor is there verbiage reference where one gets replacements parts from?
The HTP web page has a parts page, but looking at it, only a few replacement parts are available..http://www.usaweld.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=MIG+HTP+MIG 200

What that means is your buying a disposable tool, that when broken or has a worn out part.. you throw it away.

I did email USA Welding and asked for the availability and price of the Pro pulse 200 LCD display and the wire drive motor, in case they were available and just not on the site.....those parts are not available for retail sales.
This machine might be great out of the box, but it goes in the dumpster when it is broken or has service wear items needing replacement.

That is why you buy a Miller, Hobart, Lincoln ext..service and support after the sale.

I used to have an HTP. I was able to get replacement parts for it, including a new control board. (It had bad capacitors. They replaced it for nothing, even though it was a few months out of warranty.)

 

[kkroger]

I used to have an HTP. I was able to get replacement parts for it, including a new control board. (It had bad capacitors. They replaced it for nothing, even though it was a few months out of warranty.)

Yup HTP are good folks anything you need for the machine will be available from HTP (USAWeld.com)

 

[finn]

My HTP mig is about 30 years old and is doing fine.

Also have a newer inverter tig from them.

Jeff and company are good people and the products are first rate.

 

[scooby074]

Does USA Weld even SELL to Canada??? That HTP is over $2500 CAD before dealing with Shipping, Duty and Taxes. It will be a $3500+ Italian import machine landed here with no dealer support.

A Lincoln 256 mig (a larger, light industrial machine with a good reputation) is $2800ish. Available local, with parts and service coast to coast.

 

[kkroger]

Does USA Weld even SELL to Canada??? That HTP is over $2500 CAD before dealing with Shipping, Duty and Taxes. It will be a $3500+ Italian import machine landed here with no dealer support.

A Lincoln 256 mig (a larger, light industrial machine with a good reputation) is $2800ish. Available local, with parts and service coast to coast.

True enough, you could just get a STELL from Italy in that case same same... Or a Miller 252 or a Hobart 230, Plenty of options.

 

[finn]

Does USA Weld even SELL to Canada??? That HTP is over $2500 CAD before dealing with Shipping, Duty and Taxes. It will be a $3500+ Italian import machine landed here with no dealer support.

A Lincoln 256 mig (a larger, light industrial machine with a good reputation) is $2800ish. Available local, with parts and service coast to coast.

The page linked says they ship most anywhere, clearly, but there are surcharges to ship outside their normal free shipping area, as one would expect.

Looks like they offer five models of mig welders, so if the Cadillac model exceeds your budget, they offer alternatives for less outlay.

 

[850xpeps]

I picked up an everlast imig230. Seems fine so far. Priced much better than comparable. Suggested was a mp welder but I stuck with mig...it’s also dc stick as well. I ordered a spool gun with it. Everlast does have a multiprocess that offers ac tig...... it’s more money. Roughly the same price as me buying a tig from them now. I stuck with mig/stick because I will buy a tig but I think it’s better to have the 2 purpose built machines over a multiprocess although the inverter style technology does help. The imig 230 supposduly does 1/2 “ in one pass...we shall see. Gotta get used to the ipm/voltage control as other welders I’ve used have taps and just a to g or 1 to 10 for settings.


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[achirdo]

I currently have the esab Rebel 215ic. It mig welds at its top end more often than it doesn't. I weld 1/2-3/4 often with this machine. For that thickness I probably should get a larger machine but it does a decent job.

As the for stick/TIG feature, yes it does them. I wouldn't say it does them well. I have trouble running 6010 with it even on the 6010 setting. It can weld 7018 decently. Not great but decent.

TIG is lift arc, very little experience using it on this machine.

It refuses to weld on 110v power with a normal size extension cord. Kicks an error code at me and locks the machine until I power cycle it.

Welds fine on a 100' 220v extension cord.

 

[achirdo]

Actually it is. That's what finally did my Hobart handler 190 in.
All the steel metal screws would either rattle out or strip causing the whole outside case to separate from the frame causing all kinds of issues. But this was after 5 years of heavy commercial use, getting thrown in and out of the back of trucks, drug all around jobsites, falling off of retaining walls etc.

If the unit is going to be transported and lugged around all the time the sheet metal screws make a huge difference. If it's gonna live its life in a cart then it won't be a problem

LOL, those are a serious considerations, screws and rubber bumper handles?

I am curious as to how that makes the machine a better welding tool.. What am I missing, cannot put my finger on it...

Or just hitting the eggnog little to hard ?

 

[Abeo]

Just picked up the Miller 215. It seemed like I couldn't go wrong with blue, red or yellow... So I went with Miller because of the rebates and free cart, and that I've been using Lincoln since high school and wanted to try out Miller.
I went with a multi process welder because the room to grow in the future, but most importantly the built-in programs for different thicknesses.
My neighbor and I agreed on a price, so it's all wrapped up. Will update when it's all unpacked and running