Welder Selection

[Caddis295]

Greetings Fellow Garage Dwellers,

Well, thanks to all the responses in my last post about welders, I have whittled it down to three welders.

1. Miller - 211 Autoset

2. Thermal Arc 211

3. Hobart - 211 MVP


Each has its benefits. Obviously the Miller is more expensive, the Thermal Arc has a great package and can Stick/Mig/TIG. Hobart is nice, and is a cheaper option.

So, lets hear it. Which one is the best option?

Regards,

Dino

 

[trboxman]

I whittled it down to the same three choices about a year ago. I bought the Miller. I can't quantify why other than I tend to think that multifunction devices always compromise somewhere...and maybe I have a small vestige of tool snobbery hanging on despite my large collection of value tools and machines.

 

[sberry]

They are all a bargain. I could care less about DC tig but stick is priceless especially since the advent of the inverter. My ideal mini fleet is a 200A class feeder like the Hobart or Miller mentioned and a Maxstar S.

 

[zkling]

Depends on what you want to do. If you just plan on mig welding --> MM211
If you want to stick and tig weld in the future, get the Hobart, and with the money you saved over the MM211 put that towards a good tig machine. The TA211 is a nice machine, but it is NOT a tig welder. I've said it before I will say it again. There is no multiprocess machine out, available to the DIY guy that is worth its weight or purchase price. IMHO.

 

[Zeke]

Well, the TA 211 is a TIG welder in the sense that it's got stick capability and when you have that you have your basic TIG lift start w/o HF or on-the-fly amp control. So you could at least have something to TIG with. It does have provisions for a remote switch.

I have an older TA TIG inverter with all the whistles and a few bells. It, of course, does stick. It's really the cat's *** for a small unit.

I've used the Miller and its impressive. The Hobart seems like a good unit for the price but I think the savings will be long forgotten when it comes to the Miller features or the TA versatility.

 

[BD1]

I like my MILLER 211 and my other MILLER machines. Get the 211 and accessories to qualify for the 10 % rebate.
You may find the machine online for a little less but the tank could end up being big bucks. Which ever you decide shop local and get a package deal with a 125 size tank at the same time. Tank prices may vary lots. Happy hunting.

 

[Caddis295]

Thanks everyone,

I guess I will bite the bullet and go with the Miller. It will eat up my budget and then some....don't tell the Mrs.....

All the other goodies that I wanted will have to come later......as with all things the foundation has to be strong.


Thanks again for the help,

Hope to have the kids dune buggy project back up and running by next weekend!

Regards,

Dino

 

[pepi]

When you need the tank, best to just go to the LWS and buy and refill there,. Paying the shipping cost on a tank saves nothing in the end. You will receive better service from the LWS buying the tank locally. LWS have long memories, it is not always about the money, you will need information from the LWS.

You will love the Miller and be happy with it.

 

[stonewellmark]

I got the Thermal Arc 211i about 2 months ago, and couldn't be happier. It MIG weld sooo smooth with virtually no spatter (when Im close to welding rite). I just got the TIG torch and have not tried it yet.....a friend who has a Miller synchrowave 185 TIG says the TIG torch for the TA 211 looks like a caveman club. And it stick welds like a sombitch, a little on the hotside but again a smooth stable arc. A TA 211i can be had at Cyberweld for $1035 now....thats a great deal. Just my .02

Mark

 

[Jtcrep]

I bought the Hobart 210 MVP this summer on sale for $790 iirc. I went with the Hobart since its sold in my home town with good parts availability vs miller which I had to drive 60 miles and they closed at 430 and no weekends. I have been really happy with it so far but then again I am not a profession welder. Good luck !

 

[Katatonic Mike]

I just bought the Hobart. Haven't used it much. I did test it out using the flux core wire it came with and it performed great. Still need to get a bottle for it.

For $799 shipped I think it's a better deal than the Miller. Yes, I would probably rather have the Miller but it was out of my budget.

My second choice was the Hobart Handler 190 with spool gun. It could be had for $729 with a coupon from Northern Tool. I even thought about getting it and selling the spool gun. I see they go for at least $180 on ebay, so in the end you could end up paying only about $549.

 

[toofart]

I just bought the Hobart. Haven't used it much. I did test it out using the flux core wire it came with and it performed great. Still need to get a bottle for it.

For $799 shipped I think it's a better deal than the Miller. Yes, I would probably rather have the Miller but it was out of my budget.

+1

I just laid my first beads on a HH 210 (1/4" tube welded to 3/8" plate) and it works awesome. I think it's the best bang for the buck.

 

[Caddis295]

Whew! This turned out to be much more expensive than expected! I picked up my Miller 211 w/bottle for 1400 bucks.

Then, I found that I need a welder cart. Cha-Ching!

Then, I opened the box and the grounding clamp is total ****...so I bought a well made one. Cha-Ching

Also, the power cable on the unit is only 4' long...so I need an extension cord. Cha-Ching

Helmet, gloves, jacket......Cha-Ching!

Man, I can only say....I married the most wonderful woman, who has allowed me to spend much more than I budgeted and still asked if there was anything else I need?

So, I am ready.....Thanks everyone for the input.....

Time to melt some metal together....

 

[sberry]

4 1/2 B&D 7750 grinder from Walmart and sometimes on sale at Menards.

 

[pepi]

Congrats !! Right choice of welder, there are always hidden cost. Did you buy the bottle from the LWS hope you got the mid size or count on buying another? Now you own it and just buying gas from here on out.

Extension cord will run about 100 for 30 foot, lot of copper in there.

 

[BD1]

Congrats on the 211 AND the WIFE ! She must be awesome. Is she hinting about what SHE wants for Christmas .
Did you use the MILLER REBATE ?
Here's some extension cord postings from the MILLER site.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resource...d-extension-cord&highlight=extension+cord+211

http://www.millerwelds.com/resource...er-size-question&highlight=extension+cord+211

http://www.millerwelds.com/resource...1-extension-cord&highlight=extension+cord+211

 

[aggierailroad]

Good purchase!

 

[Aquaticbob]

Whew! This turned out to be much more expensive than expected! I picked up my Miller 211 w/bottle for 1400 bucks.

Then, I found that I need a welder cart. Cha-Ching!

Then, I opened the box and the grounding clamp is total ****...so I bought a well made one. Cha-Ching

Also, the power cable on the unit is only 4' long...so I need an extension cord. Cha-Ching

Helmet, gloves, jacket......Cha-Ching!

I'm getting a welder for christmas, so I've been telling anyone who insists on getting me presents to pick up all the extra goodies listed above, minus the bottle and gas. Seemed to be the right thing to do