I need help picking out my next welder

[outdoorlife2005]

Hello everyone,

I'm seeking suggestions on which Miller welder to purchase. I want a welder where I can grow into (I'm fairly new to welding) I also want one with the auto set up features since I'm still new and I feel like it will really help me learn the proper way to set up the welder for what I'm welding.

Here's the kicker....I'm seeking a welder that is an all in one package, OR if I have to buy two different welders for the price of a welder that can do it all to save money I'd go that route. I don't have a problem with storage.

What I want to be able to weld is auto body panels, exhaust, vehicle frames, pipe, square tubing, etc...I want to be able to weld up to 1/2" steel. I want to be able to TIG the auto body panels since it seems that's the best route to go with those. As far as welding frames I eventually want to weld together a doom buggy/go cart etc...

I see Miller just came out with a Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC welder. Looks like it is around $2,900-$3,000 shipped to my door with the full package.

https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/miller-multimatic-220-ac-dc-multiprocess-welder

Here's a link to that one. What do you guys suggest? I'm stuck on the Miller brand. Or if there's two different welders you guys suggest that would be better that equals the $3,000 I'm open to them.

$3,000-4,000 is my budget. I just know I want to buy once and cry once. I want something I can use the next 10-15 years.

I currently weld with an old AC/DC Lincoln welder. The tombstones is what guys call them around here. It is at least 25 years. Works good I'm just ready for something nicer, better, and something that I can do more with.

 

[Wamsutta]

The XMT350 jumps into my mind after reading what you want to do --- but you'd have to get a separate wire feeder for MIG.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Buy MADE IN USA. Buy a Miller or Lincoln. My shop is all Miller Blue. My Miller Matic 200 is over 40 years old and it has never failed. I have a Miller Plasma cutter and a 180 SD Miller.
If you intend to do light gauge welding, avoid flux-core because of the extra heat. If you buy some imported Kitty Kat welder with no local history, where will you get parts or service in a decade or less?
Your Local Miller Dealer may be the best source of information to match a machine to your needs.
I am less inclined to buy a used welder on Craigslist. I buy many things on CL, but I am always a little wary of used electric anything.

 

[outdoorlife2005]

The XMT350 jumps into my mind after reading what you want to do --- but you'd have to get a separate wire feeder for MIG.

Thank you!

Buy MADE IN USA. Buy a Miller or Lincoln. My shop is all Miller Blue. My Miller Matic 200 is over 40 years old and it has never failed. I have a Miller Plasma cutter and a 180 SD Miller.
If you intend to do light gauge welding, avoid flux-core because of the extra heat. If you buy some imported Kitty Kat welder with no local history, where will you get parts or service in a decade or less?
Your Local Miller Dealer may be the best source of information to match a machine to your needs.
I am less inclined to buy a used welder on Craigslist. I buy many things on CL, but I am always a little wary of used electric anything.

I definitely want to buy a brand new unit. I don't want to buy a used welder. it just isn't worth it to me. You never know who used it or what they've done to it.

Thanks for the information.

 

[xman_charl]

2 car garage

AHP....$785
PrimeWeld....$800

Everlast $1,200
MTS 211Si Multi Process

bought them all new over
3 year period

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Charl

 

[sberry]

You can skip a lot of **** here. First, the AC/DC you have now is a world class machine. I am a career welder, 40 years in to this, have "better" machines and it's what I use for stick in shop. It is very good.
Second, a single, even simple wire feed in the 211 class,,, and others is the machine for you, if you don't have one you will. Skip this tig **** so obsessed on here and a lot by beginners don't know squat. Auto set won't help you learn anything, I am not really sure how well it works but a simple unit with 2 knob is good as it gets and may be better. Most of the world's auto body is welded mig. Last thing that would occur to me is to pick the slowest, most expensive and fussirst process

 

[sberry]

You don't need to Jim Friggin Lincoln right off. Buy 1 thing and learn it well. Small feeders are the workhorses in small shops, one of the best, MPC, on this forum in regards to rebuiding auto body uses it. A 350 is not for you, wayyy to expensive and way too complicated. If I didn't need dvi the list would be shorter although no one that ever got a new Miller 211 has been sorry.
I have 4 feeders, 3 I use more, 1 I use most. It's only due to wire size and I have extra bottles. If I was in that part in biz might have a 140 with 023 for a steady diet of sheet. But a 180-210 is hyper tuned for 030. A pro mig 180 or Hobart 190 are also very good and the Linc with a 5 speed is can't miss.

 

[sberry]

What I say here I learned the hard way. Today could do almost all my work with 1 simple machine. Got a neighbor, an expert, hasn't been down to weld but 1 minor thing in 15 years some he got a MM175.
Have another one bought a 211 and a Dynasty. 50 hrs on the 211 and 5 minutes on the dyn.
I have a 210 with spool gun, havnt turned on the Synchrowave in 15 years,,, and I know how to use it.

 

[matt_i]

On your "weld up to 1/2 inch" requirement are you planning to stick weld this thickness?

I would...but there are mig welders like a 251/252 machine that claim 1/2" capability....

Trying to figure out if you want tig + stick or tig + mig...

 

[sberry]

You have your heart set on blue,,, buy a new 211 and go from there. If you find something you can't do with it then cross that bridge if and when it comes.
Anyone telling you anything different than that is not adding any value to it and doing you a large disservice.

 

[sberry]

There is a difference in listing their favorite and the machines they own or used and the RIGHT one for you

 

[dr_clyde]

In your shoes I'd buy a Millermatic 255 for mig, and a Lincoln SW TIG 200 for the TIG side, then upgrade the TIG later if you find you need more than 200 amps.

That new 255 is a VERY nice machine. Synergic pulse, you can run a push pull or a spoolgun, and is an industrial grade machine.

The SW200 is a hobby grade welder, but is a very good machine for the money.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I am looking at a used Miller 175 for dedicated .023. My MM 200 is just OK with .023, but beter suited for .030 or heavier wire. My friend bought the MM175 and has used it a few times. He has it under a fitted dust cover.
I replaced the original MM 200 GA20C gun with a BINZEL decades ago. Consumables for the Binzel are increasingly difficult to find.

 

[sberry]

I have a small machine for 023. That is something that can be found used easily. While a 255 is a dandy machine it's a lot of money and big to do auto body which is what this sounds like. I could get behind that idea if this was a shop running a spool of wire or 2 a week but we are back again to faves etc instead of picking a practical machine for this poster. The view is from your perch and not likely the same as the guy asking.
I have quized up salesman doing this. A couple of the best don't know squat about welding. I pick a model not on the floor and ask,,,, guy says,, what do you do, well I am afarmer, he has heard of me. He says,,,I can get you a 215 but the juice between it and a 255 isn't much and the 255 is for you. It was a good upsell, I have a 255. It cost 25% more and it applies. It's not 2.5x and may even make it more difficult.
Nothing in the original posts really describes true 1/2 work and certainly not a real diet of it. It's a number pretty much just spit out.

 

[sberry]

The ok is looking, nothing wrong with that and some fishing. In his case if I was looking for more poop than a compact would be considering IM 230 for a grand less.

 

[outdoorlife2005]

What I say here I learned the hard way. Today could do almost all my work with 1 simple machine. Got a neighbor, an expert, hasn't been down to weld but 1 minor thing in 15 years some he got a MM175.
Have another one bought a 211 and a Dynasty. 50 hrs on the 211 and 5 minutes on the dyn.
I have a 210 with spool gun, havnt turned on the Synchrowave in 15 years,,, and I know how to use it.

Thanks for the tips and advice! I definitely appreciate it!

 

[outdoorlife2005]

On your "weld up to 1/2 inch" requirement are you planning to stick weld this thickness?

I would...but there are mig welders like a 251/252 machine that claim 1/2" capability....

Trying to figure out if you want tig + stick or tig + mig...

I want to be able to weld up to 1/2" with stick

BUT I want the welder to be able to do MIG and TIG as well up to 3/8"

I just want an all in one welder 'if' possible.

 

[outdoorlife2005]

In your shoes I'd buy a Millermatic 255 for mig, and a Lincoln SW TIG 200 for the TIG side, then upgrade the TIG later if you find you need more than 200 amps.

That new 255 is a VERY nice machine. Synergic pulse, you can run a push pull or a spoolgun, and is an industrial grade machine.

The SW200 is a hobby grade welder, but is a very good machine for the money.

Thank you very much!

I'll look more into the Lincoln sw tig 200. I haven't looked into that one yet.

 

[outdoorlife2005]

I have a small machine for 023. That is something that can be found used easily. While a 255 is a dandy machine it's a lot of money and big to do auto body which is what this sounds like. I could get behind that idea if this was a shop running a spool of wire or 2 a week but we are back again to faves etc instead of picking a practical machine for this poster. The view is from your perch and not likely the same as the guy asking.
I have quized up salesman doing this. A couple of the best don't know squat about welding. I pick a model not on the floor and ask,,,, guy says,, what do you do, well I am afarmer, he has heard of me. He says,,,I can get you a 215 but the juice between it and a 255 isn't much and the 255 is for you. It was a good upsell, I have a 255. It cost 25% more and it applies. It's not 2.5x and may even make it more difficult.
Nothing in the original posts really describes true 1/2 work and certainly not a real diet of it. It's a number pretty much just spit out.

Thanks again

yeah as far as welding 1/2" that's something I do from time to time. I do mostly 3/8" and under. Body panels mostly and exhaust work.

1/2" is when I need to do work on my log lift attached to my trailer or if I'm building something that has to do with hauling logs or handling logs

 

[matt_i]

I want to be able to weld up to 1/2" with stick

BUT I want the welder to be able to do MIG and TIG as well up to 3/8"

I just want an all in one welder 'if' possible.

I'm partial to the Syncrowave 250, even if used. Seems like I see them around $2500 here which aren't new but they are pretty robust. I have a little different need but my mig hibernates most of the year.

Then I'd get whatever 120vac benchtop mig welder you could find for thin sheetmetal and tube frames.

 

[sberry]

My pic file is down for a bit but,,, the machine he has now is a super good stick unit. It's something i would tend to keep since I already owned it,, doesn't get better or easier than that.

 

[Locker537]

From what you say, I'm much move of a novice than you. After lots of debate, I went with a Millermatic 211 because it's a great machine at a great price point.

 

[sberry]

I don't recall ever hearing of an unhappy 211 owner.

 

[sberry]

There is nothing wrong with a 250 synch. That's quite a piece of change but I am not familiar with what the models bring. Many have paid 100-500 for the 300.
I can tolerate something that takes heavy electric and needs a forklift to move but I am partial to modern stuff runs on common 50A service if possible.

 

[dr_clyde]

I don't recall ever hearing of an unhappy 211 owner.

I had a 211 at a shop I used to work at. It's fine for small stuff, but not without its detractors.

The gun is garbage. Really small. Overheats easily and is not very well made. You can't fit the good guns off the 250 class machines. Very annoying.

My 211 cooked a few ground clamps. Just roached them. Sent it in for service and they said it was fine, but the damn clamp got so hot it would bake the zinc plating right off it.

Granted, we were running it pretty flat out, but still. They should size the leads to fit the machine. Can't change them very easily iirc. I think they're hard wired in. The leads are also really short.

Only welder I've ever hit the duty cycle thermal overload on.

If all you're gonna weld is sheet metal, then yeah. 211 is a great little mig. But 1/4 and up really needs a bigger machine.

 

[sberry]

I have never used one. I do have a Hobart 210 and its near flawless. I havnt really baked on it, certainly never hit thermal. Worked good enough I never paid attn to it. The clamp looks like the cheap stuff but has worked well. I never hit thermal on the Linc SPT either and that I have ran a lot. I did have a clamp issue with it.

I will agree its too small to run 1/4 flat out. Get no argument about that and I can see why they don't allow a gun from a 250 on it,,,, someone would surely try it.

 

[sberry]

Body panels mostly and exhaust work.

My neighbor built this contraption with a compact, a MM175.

 

[sberry]

The SW isn't a hobby machine. It's a small machine. It isn't designed to weld all day on material heavier than it's designed for. Another neighbor just bought one, I think dressed out it was about 4 grand maybe? I havnt priced out a 255 with all the dressings but probably north of 3. So,, a 7 grand outfit to weld some mufflers and auto body sheet with the occasional bracket on some light logging stuff on occasion.
Many of these larger machines don't even come with drive rolls for small wire,,, they must not think most will buy them to weld mufflers.

 

[sberry]

This is not an "industrial" customer. Doesne even mean he is not professional, but there is a difference. I started my career as an Ironworker. I have used a lot of machines. Electric, lots of 600A and 400A engine drives. When someone asks me about general work I take accurate stock of their position. Because my early experience I hopefully don't apply it to a guy doing auto body.
I also used about 50 Dialarc and Idealarc. If a guy has a full shop in logging or excavating then this is a machine he might utilize, if not the AC/DC buzzer is likely suffecient. Worked well enough I never upgraded it in my shop, in fact have a 300A sync, ran half a rod when I got it to see if it worked, havnt burned one since.

 

[scubadoober]

In your shoes I'd buy a Millermatic 255 for mig, and a Lincoln SW TIG 200 for the TIG side, then upgrade the TIG later if you find you need more than 200 amps.

That new 255 is a VERY nice machine. Synergic pulse, you can run a push pull or a spoolgun, and is an industrial grade machine.

The SW200 is a hobby grade welder, but is a very good machine for the money.

Nailed it. This is exactly where you need to start. You could look at the 212 or 252 for budget reasons instead of the 255, but the above would be ideal. Especially considering the rebate on the Squarewave 200 right now.

 

[sberry]

Bought my first portable early on, SA200, bought it because I used them on the job and it was the best according to others,, later bought a smaller compact with A.C. power, easier to carry, should have been my first machine. I have made the same mistake over again.
This is what brings much of my opinion today about starting simple, about adequate, about economical. Some stuff i tried didn't work as I tried the wrong scale, was harder to get the right machine once I was invested and paying for the wrong one.
It took me a long time to make this second nature, I started with the "best" of most everything. Today much more satisfied if it works, like to utilize stuff i already own.
This doesn't mean I won't buy new or don't advocate it but I double check to make more sure it will pencil out.
This is born from more stuff i done wrong than right. Sometimes it's even easier to consult for others than myself. I still fall in to this on occasion.

 

[Ign]

Buy MADE IN USA. Buy a Miller or Lincoln. My shop is all Miller Blue. My Miller Matic 200 is over 40 years old and it has never failed. I have a Miller Plasma cutter and a 180 SD Miller.
If you intend to do light gauge welding, avoid flux-core because of the extra heat. If you buy some imported Kitty Kat welder with no local history, where will you get parts or service in a decade or less?
Your Local Miller Dealer may be the best source of information to match a machine to your needs.
I am less inclined to buy a used welder on Craigslist. I buy many things on CL, but I am always a little wary of used electric anything.

As of 12/16 the Lincoln 256 was made in Mexico. They're conspicuously quiet about COO on their website but I emailed them directly and they responded.

Now, obviously some time has passed since Dec '16 so maybe things have changed. And I cannot speak to any other Lincoln machines - it seems you'd have to inquire about each specific machine given their "mum's the word."

I honestly was not that concerned about the Mexico build and still chose the 256 at the time over the MM252, only because it was about $400 cheaper. I love the 256, fantastic machine, forgiving arc, just a joy to use. I am NOT saying a MM252 is not just as good or even better, I just didn't believe it was $400 better. Price deltas fluctuate depending upon rebates, which of course is primarily dictated by time of year. It is - or was- possible to get the MM252 within $100 to $150 of the $1860 I paid for my Lincoln 256 if you catch it at the right time. Again, a lot can happen with prices in 2 years so my figures are based on old data.

Ironically my HD carries the tips for my big *** Magnum Pro gun. But a HD which is 50 miles S in "another district" only carries the baby tips for the hobby machines.

 

[bczygan]

Hello everyone,

I'm seeking suggestions on which Miller welder to purchase. I want a welder where I can grow into (I'm fairly new to welding) I also want one with the auto set up features since I'm still new and I feel like it will really help me learn the proper way to set up the welder for what I'm welding.

Here's the kicker....I'm seeking a welder that is an all in one package, OR if I have to buy two different welders for the price of a welder that can do it all to save money I'd go that route. I don't have a problem with storage.

What I want to be able to weld is auto body panels, exhaust, vehicle frames, pipe, square tubing, etc...I want to be able to weld up to 1/2" steel. I want to be able to TIG the auto body panels since it seems that's the best route to go with those. As far as welding frames I eventually want to weld together a doom buggy/go cart etc...

I see Miller just came out with a Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC welder. Looks like it is around $2,900-$3,000 shipped to my door with the full package.

https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/miller-multimatic-220-ac-dc-multiprocess-welder

Here's a link to that one. What do you guys suggest? I'm stuck on the Miller brand. Or if there's two different welders you guys suggest that would be better that equals the $3,000 I'm open to them.

$3,000-4,000 is my budget. I just know I want to buy once and cry once. I want something I can use the next 10-15 years.

I currently weld with an old AC/DC Lincoln welder. The tombstones is what guys call them around here. It is at least 25 years. Works good I'm just ready for something nicer, better, and something that I can do more with.

outdorlife2005,

A lot of good advice here, especially from sberry.

But I just reread your original post.

Your linked machine will do everything you require except 1/2" stick. And your existing machine is good for that. Don't forget the tanks of gas.

Sounds like most of your reason for getting another machine is desire.

So I say go for it!

Bill

 

[sberry]

I do have mine on wheels and could move it but it has a home where by connector its hooked to a loom of sorts. Grounded to welding booth, bench, building frame. There is a Y on the stinger with lead going by door, serve outside and shop floor/welding bay and another stinger reaches welding booth and bench. I got used to 2 stinger Byers before we used wire feed, one for remote and working on machines and one for parts on bench.

 

[speed bump]

After reading through this thread a few times I would suggest not spending $3-4k until you know enough to know what you want. Just deciding I want a blue machine that should do xyz massive range of things is going to get you a welder that probably isn't right for 90% of what you actually do and another $1-5k worth of welders.

 

[dnschmidt]

Why Miller? The HTP Propulse 200 might be the best mig welder on Earth for the money. I've got one and I think it's fantastic.

 

[trackwelder]

Buy two separate machines. If you want to mig weld up to 1/2” steel look for a used mm200. One of the best welders Miller ever made. I have three of them in use currently and I won’t part with any of them. Wouldn’t even trade one even up for a brand new comparable machine.

 

[dogdog]

Buy MADE IN USA. Buy a Miller or Lincoln. My shop is all Miller Blue. My Miller Matic 200 is over 40 years old and it has never failed. I have a Miller Plasma cutter and a 180 SD Miller.
If you intend to do light gauge welding, avoid flux-core because of the extra heat. If you buy some imported Kitty Kat welder with no local history, where will you get parts or service in a decade or less?
Your Local Miller Dealer may be the best source of information to match a machine to your needs.
I am less inclined to buy a used welder on Craigslist. I buy many things on CL, but I am always a little wary of used electric anything.

You really needed to fact check that... both Lincoln and Miller are good welders, but most of their welders are no longer made in the USofA for a while at least 2 or 3 years ....

Buy two separate machines. If you want to mig weld up to 1/2” steel look for a used mm200. One of the best welders Miller ever made. I have three of them in use currently and I won’t part with any of them. Wouldn’t even trade one even up for a brand new comparable machine.

^^^ this..

If OP doesn't have space issue, buying two machine have few advantages....
one obvious one would be less down time, and two machines , you don't have to swap setups when switching between processes.

 

[outdoorlife2005]

Thanks again everyone!

You've all helped me a lot!

 

[sk farmer]

i have a 211 and it has been a great machine. my only wish would be the ability to do stick as well since it is a ***** to pull my old stick welder out of cold storage for the once or twice a year i would like to stick.

i would really like a new miller 215 even though i have not used my stick welder in the 5 or so years i have had my 211 if that tells you anything.