Need a mig welder

[brookscooper]

So, ****. I'm 90% done with a fabrication project and my MIG welder crapped out.

Specifically - it's a CLARKE 180EN whose feed hose develioped a snag a few weeks ago.
Brand new feed hose assembly is snagging again.
DONE with this thing. When it works it works well enough but sheesh!

The down time is starting to equal the up time!

My work involves a nice mix of welding 20ga to heavier sheet and large parts - like two pieces of 3/8 steel.

I'm attracted to the price of the Eastwood 135 but think I'l be happier in the long run with a Miller 211.

Assuming I can, with judicious budget juggling, handled the cost of the Miller - any reason why it is worth $500+ the Eastwood; OR
What is the unit I failing to consider?

I rarely need to weld aluminum with the MIG - a spool gun would be nice but not a huge deal.
Your thoughts appreciated.

 

[volaredon]

name brand, heavier components, more of an industrial machine WELL worth the difference. I went thru 3 lesser MIG's before I bought my Millermatic 185 (what your 211 used to be when that model was out in the late 1990s) I wish I would have bought the Miller from the get go, with what I spent on the 1st 3 cheapies, I could have bought this one to start with and saved myself some money. the Miller is my 4th MIG and I have never had a second's worth of issues with it; the 3 before it lasted me about a year a piece before I burned them out.
I was debating between the 185 and the 250 at the time and like you rarely need aluminum welding capacity but the 185 was advertised as having the capacity to run a spool gun while there was nothing said "either way" as to whether the 250 could or not, I went with the capability to add one in the future "just in case" so far 15 years later I have looked at them on Ebay a couple times just because my welder "can" run one but for the few alum jobs I have had I just took them to a buddy with a TIG machine.
don't be afraid of used ones! Watch CL!

but who knows who makes the one for Eastwood; stick with a known name brand like Miller, Hobart or Lincoln.

 

[Stooge]

I upgraded to the Miller 211 with auto set last year and it's the one of the best investments I've made in a long time. Does whatever I need it to, where ever I need it to courtesy of the multi voltage plug. The auto set comes in handy but for thinner sheet metals I set it myself as I feel it burns through too. Was a little more spendy than my previous Hobart machine but I don't see myself out growing this one for a longtime
Miller also offers the spool gun for aluminum for this series, thinking about picking one up, just haven't had the excuse to justify it yet.
If country of origin matters to you, miller is in Appleton, wisconsin, eastwoods are china

 

[brookscooper]

Thanks you 2 - going with the miller 211.
I appreciate the feed back.

 

[basspro]

The hobart handler 190 is a nice small portable. The miller 251 is pretty darn stout but alot more money, but might be able to find on used on craigslist or ebay.

 

[Antique Engine]

Miller has something the Eastwood units do not. Made in USA and a very long proven track record of quality.

 

[basspro]

You got it Antique Engine, built in Appleton! Miller is big around these parts. There customer support is top notch!

 

[Antique Engine]

You got it Antique Engine, built in Appleton! Miller is big around these parts. There customer support is top notch!

I very strongly believe in buying the best and taking care of it. Over the long haul it usually works out to be a bargain. I have four welders. Two Lincoln and two Millers. All made in the USA.

 

[basspro]

Yup, right there with ya!

 

[kts]

As others have said I bought a Miller 211 so I'd never need to buy another welder again. I figured I'd do it right the first time vs buying something else and then a Miller later on.

 

[zkling]

Splurge, go for the miller you deserve it

20 years from now you will look back and be happy with your miller, which will have a great resale value. Can't say the same for the other.

I have a MM210 that I bought new going on 10 years ago. Never a single complaint or hiccup from the machine. It is a real pleasure to use.

 

[Quacker]

Miller for me

 

[pepi]

T & M they multiply...