Help me select a MIG welder

[dmw16]

Second this! I got the 211 (and $400 in accessories) at Zoro for $1291 OTD. I then mailed in a rebate that will return $400, and I will be receiving a spool gun. I happened to order a spool gun as part of my $400 in accessories, and plan to resell both spool guns (in an attempt to get the price of the welder lower, since my budget limited me to buying something along the lines of the OP).

After I sell both spool guns and receive my rebate check, I will have a Miller 211, welder cover, welding jacket, 11lb mig wire, auto darkening helmet, some consumables, and gloves for $500. With a little effort, this is an amazing deal!

I was on Zoro and the 211 is $1300 for just the unit...how did you manage to get it for $1291 w/ $400 in extras OTD?

If I'm being honest I'll probably end up with the Lincoln. I like that they confirm it works with their spool gun and for what I'm doing (sheet metal and thin gauge stuff) it will be fine. I really don't want to be into $800 for the limited use I am going to be making of it.

 

[Strouty]

Zoro has 30% off sales.

 

[Strouty]

The miller deal is the best right now. If you don't want the spool gun, you should be able to sell it for $200 pretty easy, maybe more. Then you end up with $400 in accessories for free or a $200 discount off the machine.

http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/Spoolmate_RebateFlye.pdf

 

[dmw16]

Zoro has 30% off sales.

Oh, that makes more sense. Speaking of Zoro, their website *****.

The miller deal is the best right now. If you don't want the spool gun, you should be able to sell it for $200 pretty easy, maybe more. Then you end up with $400 in accessories for free or a $200 discount off the machine.

http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/Spoolmate_RebateFlye.pdf

It's a great deal...just not sure I want to be that deep in. Just a big cash outlay.

 

[Strouty]

Oh, that makes more sense. Speaking of Zoro, their website *****.



It's a great deal...just not sure I want to be that deep in. Just a big cash outlay.

I will agree on both points. People have been getting the $400 back in about 30 days from miller.

 

[theoldwizard1]

For the OP, Here's more factory refurb, a Hobart 190 for $530 and a 210 MVP for $730.

Find the extra money for the 210MVP. Someday you WILL need it !

 

[cagullett1]

I have been thinking about buying another one just to resell, I figure I could make money on the deal pretty easy.

I have been thinking about buying an extra as well and reselling.

It's a great deal...just not sure I want to be that deep in. Just a big cash outlay.

It's a steal if you do what I said above... $500 for a $1200 welder plus some accessories! To be honest, if I would have purchased the welder and bought 3 of the spool guns with the $400 accessory rebate, I would have the welder for $200.

Keep in mind, this can only be done when Zoro does their 30% flash sales. When they do this, the welder is dropped to roughly $890, and you actually get $570 worth of accessories. By purchasing 3 spool guns, and getting 1 free with the rebate, they fetch $200+ easily online.

 

[csp]

Does Zoro send emails when they do these sales or do you just have to watch their site constantly?

 

[BD1]

Does Zoro send emails when they do these sales or do you just have to watch their site constantly?

I bought from them a couple of times and YES I receive emails. Most of their sales are posted in the * HOT DEALS * section. Their 30% off sales when I bought were near Christmas . Locate your want list before hand. As stated their site can be time consuming trying to navigate through it.
You need to be a smart shopper too. Just because it's 30% off doesn't mean it is a super deal.

 

[Mccool]

Lots of good advice here already.

I wouldn't worry too much about the 110v welders being spool gun compatible, as they simply don't have the power to weld aluminum.

I would strongly suggest getting a 220v or mvp machine, whether it be be lincoln/miller/Hobart (I have a Hobart Ironman 230 at home and use a miller 252 at work, both great machines)

Like mentioned above, a heavy duty 220v extension cord works fine, i use them regularly. At a minimum I'd get a Hobart 190 or lincoln 180. Miller's are great machines (the best in my opinion) but the autoset isn't necessary.

 

[sberry]

A light duty cord works fine with a 200 compact.

 

[Strouty]

I have been very impressed with my 211 running on 120 volts. We tested it out with a 25 foot cord for a while and the cord never even got warm. I will say that it is a heavy ***** and I had hoped it would be lighter, but it is still more portable than my big welder.

 

[Showkey]

Some of the "name brand" Chinese welders are pretty good and a lot less money. Longevity, Eastwood, Everlast.

Check reviews on YouTube.

+2 on the Eastwood......I would say better than pretty good .....

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welders-175-amp-mig-welder-w-spool-gun.html

 

[Always Fix'n Cars]

I have the Miller 211 and it works great when dialed in with manual settings. I'm not that impressed with the auto-set feature; it just doesn't seem to work that well for me. I get better results dialing in the settings manually based off the owners manual settings. I do like the ability to weld with 220 or 110, which is why I bought this welding machine.

I did have the circuit board on this welder go bad so I was getting horrible spatter and poor welds. It was under warranty and Miller replaced the board right away.

Here is some more info on my welder and setup - http://offroadaddons.com/making-your-own-welding-cart/

 

[dmw16]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the advice.

With the Zoro deal, the crux there is the 30% off code. Does Miller pretty much continuously run their spool gun deals or will that likely be expired when the next Zoro deal comes along?

I guess I can wait it out since I don't need a welder pressingly...just "need" one if you guys know what I mean.

 

[crab]

I started with a 125 Lincoln with gas, it was a good machine. It was really good for thin stuff up to about 1/8 steel. Sold it and got an e-sab 250 migmaster which I love but the little Lincoln was better for thin stuff, should have kept it. There really isn't a best machine for everything. If you're going to do a lot of aluminum or stainless save your money and get a tig. If you had a tig/stick machine you'd have all the bases covered but they aint cheap and require a pretty high skill level, you can certainly get there but starting out it wont be pretty.

 

[Strouty]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the advice.

With the Zoro deal, the crux there is the 30% off code. Does Miller pretty much continuously run their spool gun deals or will that likely be expired when the next Zoro deal comes along?

I guess I can wait it out since I don't need a welder pressingly...just "need" one if you guys know what I mean.

They say they release one a quarter, but who knows. Father's Day and Independence Day are coming up. You can purchase up to the end of July and still get the spool gun and the $400 (or $200) rebates.

 

[cagullett1]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the advice.

With the Zoro deal, the crux there is the 30% off code. Does Miller pretty much continuously run their spool gun deals or will that likely be expired when the next Zoro deal comes along?

I guess I can wait it out since I don't need a welder pressingly...just "need" one if you guys know what I mean.

The spool gun rebate lasts until July 31st. I'm pretty sure Zoro does a decent sale around July 4th. It's pretty much guaranteed that you will see atleast a 25% off code before the end of the $400 rebate/spool gun rebate. As mentioned above, create your list of things (with item numbers) you want to purchase now, in anticipation of the sale. They only give 24hrs notice before flash sales.

 

[Randy Forbes]

I used to have the MM175 and at that time (2004) the local BMW dealership's bodyshop was using a MM135 (evolved to be the 140, same as my 175 became a 180__pre-autoset hoopla).

I was sold on the Miller, because where I worked at the time had both (110V) Miller and Lincoln units, and the wire feed on the red one was plastic, versus Miller's all metal (the service guys complained of problems with the red ones).

Some years later, I bought the MM252 (LOVE it, btw) and listed the 175 on CL__SOLD IT THAT NIGHT! I think I had it listed for $400.00, but then thought that must've been too cheap!

I expressly wanted a 220v machine, because it puts a definite cap on anybody asking to borrow it!

I guess my points are:
you don't need the autoset function, you'll do just fine on your own
the smaller 110v machines can do probably 90% of what you want
and you can always sell a quality machine when you want (moreso a factor than need...)a bigger one

 

[BigMike782]

and you can always sell a quality machine when you want (moreso a factor than need...)a bigger one

I had a Lincoln SP-250 I bought brand new for my home shop. I got a screamin deal on a new Millermatic 252 so I was going to sell the SP-250. I listed it on CL and got a couple of hits. I thought I had priced it pretty good so the next hit I got I asked and he said if it was a Miller I would buy it sight unseen......buut it's a Lincoln?
I would have bet good money that a Lincoln would sell as well as a Miller but I would have lost......in that case

 

[readhead]

Miller went after the consumer market and it shows in a lot of these threads. They advertise more and they sponsor tv shows and supply machines for a lot of the popular magazines. Lincoln remains the leader in industrial and commercial use. Their consumer line is just the small commercial machines.
It's easy to buy a Miller machine almost anywhere. Hobart is one of the oldest names in the industry. I don't want people to think that blue is the only way to go. There are a lot of good choices, blue, brown, red, orange, green, etc.
I'll admit that I am a red guy and all the machines in my shop and trucks are red. Part of that is service avalibility. Not that I need it much but now and then something breaks down with constant use.
Please understand that I am not bashing any machines. I have seen good work done by every color. Just explore all the options. When the welding is done and someone looks at the finished product the welds are colorblind.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: so i'm pretty sold on a Miller 211 and like the idea of having the extra stuff put in the deal. has anybody bought one recently because i read the thread a week or two ago and can't recall?

do you order directly from Miller or from Zoro and use a coupon that i don't have? can somebody post and let me know how they like there new one or either PM me with the deal and how to get it?

sorry i have to run back out and do a Honey Do, but i'd rather be welding something or anything.

cheers

 

[MarkG]

I got my Handler 140 at Tractor Supply, but I second the motion to buy a 220V if at all possible! It opens up a lot more things you can do, especially if this will be your only welder (for now). Anything over 3/16" and you're probably over your head with a 110V. The other nice thing about the next class up is the spool gun capability.

Having said that, within it's limitations, the 140 is a GREAT machine for it's power level. I agree with toofart-----a dual voltage machine at least gives you options when you decide you want to weld something thicker. At that point, you'll only need a bigger outlet, NOT a bigger outlet AND a new welder!

 

[brownbagg]

i get my welding stuff from cyberweld.com

 

[dmw16]

Miller has a 20% off coupon today only. Not sure if that's a good enough deal to tip me over the edge into pulling the trigger on the 211 (or maybe the 141)...

Of course, their website is currently taking a dump, but I've got until midnight.

What do you guys think?

If I buy the welder and 2 spool guns I end up with:

$1772
-$354 (20% off)
-$400 (rebate)
-150x3 (sell the 3 spool guns)
-----------
$568

Not a bad deal for a $1300 welder. I could always keep one spool gun or get a mask instead of a spool gun, but I think this is the best path to get a good welder into my garage for a nice price.

 

[drivesitfar]

DMW: i'm closer to pulling the trigger on a new Miller mig 211, but not quite there yet.

are you seeing the sales price marked down in this link as the 20% off you mention or is there another 20% off on top of that?

http://store.millerwelds.com/commerce/category?CatID=Millermatic+211+Auto-Set+MIG+Welder

i did like the idea of getting the package deal with the spool gun because i think i can then weld aluminum. still not quite sure because i'm not a welder (yet), but i think the 211 is enough machine for me for about 80-90% of anything i want to do myself. anything i can't do with it i probably would need 3 phase power, but not sure.

one thing i do know is i have yet to find a person that doesn't like Miller welders.

 

[dmw16]

DMW: i'm closer to pulling the trigger on a new Miller mig 211, but not quite there yet.

are you seeing the sales price marked down in this link as the 20% off you mention or is there another 20% off on top of that?

http://store.millerwelds.com/commerce/category?CatID=Millermatic+211+Auto-Set+MIG+Welder

i did like the idea of getting the package deal with the spool gun because i think i can then weld aluminum. still not quite sure because i'm not a welder (yet), but i think the 211 is enough machine for me for about 80-90% of anything i want to do myself. anything i can't do with it i probably would need 3 phase power, but not sure.

one thing i do know is i have yet to find a person that doesn't like Miller welders.

No, Zoro's price is a little higher, but the miller rebate specifically says it doesn't apply to items bought directly from miller (go figure) so the rebate more than makes up for paying about $100 more from the welder.

The spool gun does allow for welding aluminum, but from what I've gathered it's a little more tricky and better to start with steel.

From all that I've read Miller is top end stuff. You pay for it but I suspect it will last me (for my uses) a lifetime.

 

[drivesitfar]

DMV: so let me see if i'm getting what you posted. you are buying a basic Miller 211 with 3 spool guns for $1772 from Zoro. Yes? i couldn't find that deal but i'll keep looking if you don't have a link to post.

then you get Zoro's 20% discount how? coupon or a today only discount?

$400 discount on a mail in rebate from Miller?

do you have somebody to sell the spool guns to and i'd probably keep one or two because they are about 2 times that much if you need to buy one. yes?

if you can do all that i can't see a reason why not to buy it because you see used welders on Craigs for that much and more.

PM me if you want or keep posting on here for me and others to see if you have time.

thanks

 

[dmw16]

DMV: so let me see if i'm getting what you posted. you are buying a basic Miller 211 with 3 spool guns for $1772 from Zoro. Yes? i couldn't find that deal but i'll keep looking if you don't have a link to post.

then you get Zoro's 20% discount how? coupon or a today only discount?

$400 discount on a mail in rebate from Miller?

do you have somebody to sell the spool guns to and i'd probably keep one or two because they are about 2 times that much if you need to buy one. yes?

if you can do all that i can't see a reason why not to buy it because you see used welders on Craigs for that much and more.

PM me if you want or keep posting on here for me and others to see if you have time.

thanks

I will post links when the Zoro site starts working. When they have 1 day sales their site goes bad quickly due to traffic.

The $1772 is the 211 ($1292) and 2 spool guns (2x$239). Then Miller sends a third gun for free along with a $400 mail in rebate.

I'll just sell the spool guns on eBay. They retail for $239 so I figure if I bank on getting $150 a piece of them I am not likely to be disappointed.

I may add a mask and gloves too since Zoro is having a deal anyway.

The coupon code is today only ending at midnight tonight, code is DADSDAY

 

[drivesitfar]

DMW: thanks for the heads up. i'm still doing a bit more research because i do want to do aluminum and stainless, but for steel that deal sounds great for you. I've heard from several good welders that a 211 is a very nice unit and will do 95% of my work. they know i have some very thick and heavy steel and for those items i might have to get a method to fire up my 3 phase old torpedo Lincolns i own. in case you didn't see that thread here's a picture of my huge Lincolns.

good luck

 

[csp]

This seller is accepting offers on new in box 211s. Notice it is in Canada, but still ships to the US.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Millerm...191?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25a83ebe4f

drivesitfar you're passing up a great deal on what sounds like "I might use" plans. There are plenty of single phase welders that will weld 1/2" with multi pass.

 

[drivesitfar]

CSP: the Miller 211's in what looks like Quebec don't interest me because I'm 4,000 miles from there across the border and guessing it's at least $300 to ship one and maybe more if possible.

the 20% coupons probably come up fairly often or maybe not, but the $400 rebate is good until the end of July with Miller so I've still got time to do some research. also i'm not quite ready to use one so if i miss that deadline maybe something else will come up before then.

if i had the space and something to weld today that i couldn't have my neighbor weld for me then yes i'd get off GJ and get on Zoro's busy site.

cheers

 

[dmw16]

CSP: the Miller 211's in what looks like Quebec don't interest me because I'm 4,000 miles from there across the border and guessing it's at least $300 to ship one and maybe more if possible.

the 20% coupons probably come up fairly often or maybe not, but the $400 rebate is good until the end of July with Miller so I've still got time to do some research. also i'm not quite ready to use one so if i miss that deadline maybe something else will come up before then.

if i had the space and something to weld today that i couldn't have my neighbor weld for me then yes i'd get off GJ and get on Zoro's busy site.

cheers

It's free shipping, but the buyer states he isn't responsible for customs fees.

 

[csp]

drivesit you're not the only one looking for a welder. I wasn't suggesting that you should get one from the eBay seller necessarily.

 

[drivesitfar]

CSP: my bad then because i saw my name in your post and mis understood your intentions.

there are some days i do wish i lived in Canada, but pretty cold this last winter in the east half from what I've heard.

DMW: so did you end up pulling the trigger or did you decide to wait? or are you still trying to get a chance to get through the busy signal?

 

[dmw16]

CSP: my bad then because i saw my name in your post and mis understood your intentions.

there are some days i do wish i lived in Canada, but pretty cold this last winter in the east half from what I've heard.

DMW: so did you end up pulling the trigger or did you decide to wait? or are you still trying to get a chance to get through the busy signal?

I bit the bullet and went for it. I am having reservations, but I'll sleep on it...figure I can always cancel in the morning.

Their website finally came back to life. I never bothered trying to call.

 

[coby65]

I bought a Miller 211 this weekend. $1,159 with the spool mate and $200 dollar rebate makes it $959. After buying the CO2bottle,$160, and the HF welder cart, $149 on sale, I am happy with it and know I will not need another welder for a while.
Big step up from the Hobart 125......keeping it for remote use.

 

[dmw16]

I bought a Miller 211 this weekend. $1,159 with the spool mate and $200 dollar rebate makes it $959. After buying the CO2bottle,$160, and the HF welder cart, $149 on sale, I am happy with it and know I will not need another welder for a while.
Big step up from the Hobart 125......keeping it for remote use.

I am on the fence about keeping one of the 3 spool guns. I am leaning towards selling them all and then getting another one once I've learned the basics and have a need.

I still need to get the bottle and all of that. What size did you get? I was figuring on a small one since I have limited space.

 

[sberry]

No one needs to have remorse on these, they are money well spent. drivesit,,,,,,,,,, concentrate on steel. Alum and stainless get a lot of press but its really a steel world. Deal with that first and the rest of it is very minor and very sporadic if you do general work.
You are on a hobby type forum, its ok but not always truly accurate in the nature of the work ahead, los of speculation that doesn't always flush out.

 

[koditten]

So true, Cary. I bought my spool gun kit 15 years ago. I've rebuilt 3, boat props, and one aluminum truck bed box and one aluminum oil pan. That's it.

I don't ever see myself paying off the thing with work. I make tons of money welding iron.

I've actually thought about selling the setup, seems lots of people want spool guns.

I read these post and try to figure out what people are welding, that makes aluminum welding so attractive.