Bellaireroad
Well-known member
Who has one? Are you happy with it, or wish you had gone bigger?
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Millermatic 211
- Thread starter Bellaireroad
- Start date
DerekV
Well-known member
I have one (the newer inverter one). I've had it since September 2015. It works great and I'd recommend it. It has a lot of power (can spray arc and run dual shield no problem) but it also has great low end. Very fast and easy to use. Just turn it on and go...perfect for 98% of my DIY fabricating needs. The arc quality is really, really good. Awesome on both 120v and 240v. It doesn't have a ton of tune-ability like run in adjustments or inductance, but it doesn't need it. It's honestly programed just right for whatever you're trying to do. Customer service is great as well.
Gripes (but not necessarily big enough to make me consider other options):
1) Stock gun is too small and short for anything useful. It works though and you can always upgrade.
2) I wish it had room for a 33lb spool.
3) I wish the front of the unit had Dinse connectors, a gas quick disconnect, and the gun/spoolgun connector - that way you don't need to open it up or disconnect the regular MIG gun to use the spool gun. I plan on modifying mine to have these things.
It's a great machine. While I wouldn't mind a bigger machine, this thing definitely hasn't held me back by any means. If anything, the small size is one of its benefits.
Gripes (but not necessarily big enough to make me consider other options):
1) Stock gun is too small and short for anything useful. It works though and you can always upgrade.
2) I wish it had room for a 33lb spool.
3) I wish the front of the unit had Dinse connectors, a gas quick disconnect, and the gun/spoolgun connector - that way you don't need to open it up or disconnect the regular MIG gun to use the spool gun. I plan on modifying mine to have these things.
It's a great machine. While I wouldn't mind a bigger machine, this thing definitely hasn't held me back by any means. If anything, the small size is one of its benefits.
I have one (the newer inverter one). I've had it since September 2015. It works great and I'd recommend it. It has a lot of power (can spray arc and run dual shield no problem) but it also has great low end. Very fast and easy to use. Just turn it on and go...perfect for 98% of my DIY fabricating needs. The arc quality is really, really good. Awesome on both 120v and 240v. It doesn't have a ton of tune-ability like run in adjustments or inductance, but it doesn't need it. It's honestly programed just right for whatever you're trying to do. Customer service is great as well.
Gripes (but not necessarily big enough to make me consider other options):
1) Stock gun is too small and short for anything useful. It works though and you can always upgrade.
2) I wish it had room for a 33lb spool.
3) I wish the front of the unit had Dinse connectors, a gas quick disconnect, and the gun/spoolgun connector - that way you don't need to open it up or disconnect the regular MIG gun to use the spool gun. I plan on modifying mine to have these things.
It's a great machine. While I wouldn't mind a bigger machine, this thing definitely hasn't held me back by any means. If anything, the small size is one of its benefits.
I've owned the new style 211 inverter machine about as long and I echo these statements, except that the stock gun, spool size, and connections don't bother me, as I leave them connected.
I had never really welded before and this machine gave stellar results the first time I used it. The autoset feature is nice for beginners. Love that its 110/220, so its truly portable.
If mine were stolen tonight, I'd buy another tomorrow. I bought mine during a great Miller promo, so cost wasn't even that bad.
My Miller M10 gun died a while back, faulty trigger I think. Love my Millermatic Passport (portable version of the 210)
Looked into fixing vs replacing:
New trigger = $20
New HTP WeldUSA Flex neck gun w/ 15' whip- $120
Ended up with the HTP, such a nice improvement. Hands down better gun.
Looked into fixing vs replacing:
New trigger = $20
New HTP WeldUSA Flex neck gun w/ 15' whip- $120
Ended up with the HTP, such a nice improvement. Hands down better gun.
Strouty
Well-known member
I love mine, but I also have a much larger machine. As long as you are OK with multiple passes when the material gets too thick, you will be fine. If you are welding 1/2" and bigger plate, you may want something more. I too have the spool gun and it works fairly well. The main reason I bought mine was for portability, the dual voltage makes it great if I need it on the job site or at the house for a quick project.
I considered one, but ended up with a NOS/surplus 210 instead. Higher duty cycle, full size spool, room for larger tank, etc. I don't do any portable work, and I have 240v in my garage which negated the only 2 benefits of the 211 for me (smaller size and 110v capability).
I have a spool gun for aluminum, and it has worked fine the few times I've used it. I also have a Miller Dynasty 200DX that I use more often for aluminum.
I have a spool gun for aluminum, and it has worked fine the few times I've used it. I also have a Miller Dynasty 200DX that I use more often for aluminum.
Last edited:
dnschmidt
Well-known member
To me HTP's ProPulse 200 is the absolute cat's ***. For 2K it does it all and then some. Nothing against Miller but when it comes to unbeatable features the ProPulse makes everything else look lame.
OP
Bellaireroad
Well-known member
Thanks for all the info, I had thought about going bigger, but probably would rarely be welding anything bigger than 3/8
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Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 2,385
To me HTP's ProPulse 200 is the absolute cat's ***. For 2K it does it all and then some. Nothing against Miller but when it comes to unbeatable features the ProPulse makes everything else look lame.
I have one of these (ProPulse 200) and can confirm they are hands down the best 200 class MIG available. The features and capabilities are unbeatable, especially for aluminum welding. It is, however, the most expensive 200 amp class MIG around.
The 211 will work fine for light fabrication, industrial repair (within it's thickness limits) and will be a relatively straight forward and easy to use machine. It's the Toyota Camry of the welding world. Will do most of what most people need done with MIG. Reliable, not too spendy, not too fancy.
OP
Bellaireroad
Well-known member
My Miller M10 gun died a while back, faulty trigger I think. Love my Millermatic Passport (portable version of the 210)
Looked into fixing vs replacing:
New trigger = $20
New HTP WeldUSA Flex neck gun w/ 15' whip- $120
Ended up with the HTP, such a nice improvement. Hands down better gun.
Sounds like a good gun, what features do you like about it best compared to the miller gun?
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OP
Bellaireroad
Well-known member
Sounds like a good gun, what features do you like about it best compared to the miller gun?
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Thanks to all who replied, I picked one up today , new, on CL
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bobcatdan
Well-known member
I have the old style 211 and am very happy with it. Enough people told me it was true it could do 3/8" in a single pass and when I though about, for most things, that's pretty thick. Works perfect, welds very nice. I will say the auto set I kinda think maybe on the hot side as welding 1/4" flat stock, a 8" pass will turn a piece pretty red. For the rare times I may find myself welding something thicker, I'm on the look out for a AC/DC thunderbolt.
WittHay
Well-known member
I think you kind of know when you need the large frame welder. If your not sure, the 40 lb portable 211 is a better choice than the 180 lb large frame 212
Its not so much the thickness of the metal, but the amount of welding you do at one time. The duty cycle is double on the large frame
Its not so much the thickness of the metal, but the amount of welding you do at one time. The duty cycle is double on the large frame
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Lelandwelds
Well-known member
The larger machines are a bit cheaper to operate if you weld a lot. Larger diameter wire and bigger spools are cheaper per pound. The higher torque drive motors need less frequent liner and tip swaps.
If you let one spool get rusty, the savings is lost.
I try to bring the work to the machine. If I cant, I use the engine drive.
If you let one spool get rusty, the savings is lost.
I try to bring the work to the machine. If I cant, I use the engine drive.
Have a 211 original transformer model, I use it portably a LOT, originally got it for home because small garage having LARGE machines is sketchy, CNC Mill in there and a 12x36 Lathe Toolboxes Freezer, Tube Roller, Tube Bender, TIG, MIG, Torch (at the time also a Plasma Table). a 252 is like TWICE the machine, at a consummately increased price... Also have a Hobart 230 Ironman it is a LOT of welder for not too much more than the 211 if you have the room. Have a 252 and an ironman 230 at the shop, all work well. 230 gets more use than the 252....
I have the newer inverter 211, it is great. I also have the spool gun and have been about 50/50 aluminum and steel. I don't like the auto set, but am still finding the settings that I like. I bought mostly for the portability as I sometimes weld aluminum in the field out of my service truck. Bobcat 225 powers the 211 perfectly
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rsanter
Well-known member
I have the older version with the transformer still,
Best welder I have ever had, love the thing
Bob
Best welder I have ever had, love the thing
Bob