Miller 211 vs Miller 180 Autoset

[Model A Fan]

I'm coming down to the wire for buying a Miller welder. I'm needing to make a decision before August 1st because that is when Miller's spool gun is no longer being offered for free.

What are the pros or cons to going with the Miller 211 over the 180? The price will be about $265 after the rebate on the 211.

This is a lot of coin for me, so I am trying to do due diligence while buying a welder that will hopefully last me (a very long time). I'll be doing sheet metal for car projects and possibly some frame work (boxing the frame, installing new motor mounts).

Thanks, I appreciate the assistance!

180
http://www.weldersupply.com/P/1081/Millermatic180AutoSet907

With cart (Is this a good deal???)
http://www.weldersupply.com/P/535/MillermaticAutoSetSm

The 211 ala mode:
http://www.weldersupply.com/P/275/MillermaticAutoSet11

 

[bobcatdan]

I say the biggest thing is do you need the ability to switch from 110 to 220 power? That would be my biggest deciding point since a 180 and 211 otherwise are very close.

 

[Stooge]

i have the 211 and I will say having the multi voltage has proven to be very a useful and lucrative asset for me. theres a lot of stuff outside the garage that needs to be repaired or made, and a lot of places don't have 230 and being able to dip down to household voltage is a capability I wouldn't want to be without. factoring in space, wire, another tank and the price of another 115 machine is much more than the $265 that you would save otherwise.

 

[twertsy]

Well put Stooge. I love my 211.

 

[LG63]

I've had the 180 for five years or so and it's a great machine. I have ample access to 240V so dual voltage wasn't a factor for me. I've welded 3/8" in one pass.....plenty of juice for my projects. That's a great price on the 180.

 

[Model A Fan]

I guess it would be really useful for the dual voltage. If they're essentially the same machine, just one does dual voltage, maybe it is worth it.

Any recommendation on auto darkening helmets? I think I'm just going to go the route of the $200 rebate and not bother with $400 with of accessories. I can get a cart at a later date or make one. I've seen old shopping carts converted for that use.

How is this helmet?
http://www.weldersupply.com/P/559/MillerClassicSeriesAutoD

 

[rsanter]

I say the biggest thing is do you need the ability to switch from 110 to 220 power? That would be my biggest deciding point since a 180 and 211 otherwise are very close.

This...go for the 211 and don't look back
If you want to make some money back and don't think you need the spool gun I may be interested in buying it from you

Bob

 

[Stooge]

This...go for the 211 and don't look back
If you want to make some money back and don't think you need the spool gun I may be interested in buying it from you

Bob

yeah, ive been waiting for the people who have been taking advantage of these rebates and free spool guns to start selling them in the classifieds so I can grab one but I haven't seen any pop up!

 

[dlcwent]

yeah, ive been waiting for the people who have been taking advantage of these rebates and free spool guns to start selling them in the classifieds so I can grab one but I haven't seen any pop up!

Hang in there Stooge. It'll happen soon. Wait for it.

 

[bobcatdan]

I just got my 211 this week with the main deciding factor being duel voltage. I currently have a debatable 40 amp service to the shop. The plans are all there to upgrade to 100 amp with several 220 plugs, I just need to do it. I put the horse in front of the cart and got the 211 so I have some welding capabilities right now with 110. The rebates made the decision easier. Once I have 220, it will be like getting a new welder all over again.