Which welder?

[Jeep51]

I'm trying to decide on a welder. I thought I wanted the Miller 211 MVP. Then Lincoln comes out with the Pro MIG 210 MP! The Miller is a transformer type and the Lincoln is an inverter. So, two totally different machines. The Miller is only a MIG machine and the Lincoln is a Multi-purpose machine. It does MIG, dc TIG and stick welding. I will be doing some minor fabrication and sheet metal work. Both machines are right around $1000. The only welding experience I have is a welding class at our local tech school. We learned all three processes but obviously I'm still a beginner! Any input would be greatly appreciated!

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/miller-millermatic-211-with-auto-set-and-mvp-907422

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/lincoln-power-mig-210-mp-multi-process-welder-k3963-1

 

[OverkillYJ]

I just bought the Millermatic 211 back in February. It performs perfectly, and I have run about 30lbs of wire through it. I know that is not a lot, but I couldnt be happier with it.

That being said, I wish that Lincoln was out when I bought one because I would love to be able to tig weld for more complicated repairs of other peoples stuff. As long as the duty cycle and everything were the same, and I could do the same range of material thicknesses with the MIG function as my Miller 211.

 

[zkling]

That would be a tough choice. As tempting as the new lincoln is, I've never been one to guinea pig new technology right off the bat. I want to test drive one when they come out for curiosity sake. If you aren't in immediate need, I might wait a little and see what if any problems the first wave of lincolns may have. On paper it looks very impressive.

 

[FriendOfYours]

The Lincoln is just like the Thermal/Tweco 211i. 3in1s have been around for a while but new to Lincoln

I have the 211i and it is a fantastic machine

 

[Jeep51]

Is there an advantage of having a transformer style welder over a inverter? or vise versa

 

[stonewellmark]

Transformer machines are considered "bomb Proof" but all the newer ones are inundated with circuit boards and all the likings of the newer inverter machines. So.. with that said it seems like the new transformer machines trying to be high tech work horses. If Hobby work is what you will do..don't be afraid of an inverter machine....I have the 211i and love it but would love to have the Lincoln. If I were in your shoes...no question the Lincoln.

Mark

 

[BD1]

Are you going to be mig welding more then the other processes ?
If so, check the duty cycle of each. I think you'll find the 211 Miller will have a greater duty cycle.
Personally , I prefer a dedicated machine for stick and mig. I don't know if one process craps out are they all damaged ?

 

[Jeep51]

Good point! I don't know. One would assume that they share come sort of computer board! How does the 211 do on 16 and 18 gauge sheet metal?

 

[kkroger]

The 211 does great on about EVERYTHING that I have used it on. from Body Metal up to 1/2" Plate(Bevel 2 passes)

 

[shawnspeed]

Miller also has a multi process machine in that range...http://www.millerwelds.com/products/multiprocess/product.php?model=M00361
haven't used one , but it is tempting...Shawn
Ps, I also have a 211 and it is a great for the home use /light commercial use,I have also welded from 20g thru 1/2 with it and it works great...love the 110/220 option, also did a little aluminum with it..with no spool gun and it was ok...liner was new, don't know about a worn liner + aluminum may not work as well, but the spool gun is pretty cheap for it...

 

[Jeep51]

I have seen the Miller unit you are talking about but it's double the price!!

 

[creativecars]

I am after that Lincoln...

 

[Tronyadorable]

Easy answer

 

[sberry]

I agree about the Miller. I havnt looked real close but at a glance it looks like they tried to copy the Chinese Thermal Arc. It really put them in a price problem. I would get a 211 and a Maxstar and be pretty well fixed for maintenance work with the upside that the Max will run from a cheap genset.
Lincoln must have seen the light and made this cheaper machine to keep from losing all the sales in that range. Welding machines are cheap and have been for a long time. They struggle to raise prices and its one of the main drivers of new features,,, add wire tracking and can charge another 100 for it. People watch these machine prices and its very competitive. It doesn't have the huge spread of say truck brand to Sears,,, the cheaper units are still pricy in comparison and they don't work as good and some not at all for practical purposes.

 

[beakie]

not to throw a wrench into your plans... but any thought about the ESAB C200i?
that's the one I am looking at, trying to justify the $1200 price tag -vs- a basic Lincoln 180 at 1/2 the price. Both would work fine for me... but dang I like the ESAB.

 

[Mr.N]

Jack of all, master of none....


At $1,000 you can have an good MIG or an ok tig/mig/arc welder.

It depends what you need.

 

[koditten]

I just have a hard time justifying anything TIG related. I'm an excellent MIG welder, but have done very little TIG welding to remain proficient. Even if I had a TIG machine, I know the learning curve would be so long getting the TIG skills back, I would end up just Migging the job.

I know for me, a TIG machine would be a waste of money.

I agree, those beautiful tig welds look nice, but 99% of the time any job I'm doing is gonna get a paint job. You won't be able to tell if I migged or tigged the job at that point.

Besided, who want to use 2 hands to weld? The free hand is to hold my beer.

My vote is to just get the best machine you can afford. I will meantion that I hate the machines that have the digital readouts. I can remember the postitions of the reostats much easier than the digital number that I used to weld thinner or thicker iron. If you asked my what settings I use to weld 1/4" plate, I couldn't tell you. I would have to go to the dial and adjust it to where I would run the thing.

 

[steel 35]

Easy answer

That's funny right there! I use to tell a friend it was his blue gue machine

Hands down I would go with the Miller 211 MVP.
As koditten said no digital read out, loose the fancy electronics; Tig is too slow done lots of it, been years since I have used a stick.
I would not be happy without Aluminum capability's add the (Spool Gun)

 

[motofool33]

Comparing a inverter machine to trsnsformer, well inverter makes a cleaner weld uses less power and comes in a smaller package.

But it might cost more to fix if you can break it.

I bought a Chinese inverter mig and was floored at how nice of welds it created. I'm a welding inspector by trade at work any mig is inverter, with high frequency pulse.

If Lincoln had that multi process out I would have bought that for the 200$ difference.

 

[zkling]

I just have a hard time justifying anything TIG related. I'm an excellent MIG welder, but have done very little TIG welding to remain proficient. Even if I had a TIG machine, I know the learning curve would be so long getting the TIG skills back, I would end up just Migging the job.

Refresh my memory please koditten, what machine and spool gun are you running?

 

[koditten]

MM250/30A spool gun and MM185.

 

[theknurl]

My vote is to just get the best machine you can afford. I will mention that I hate the machines that have the digital readouts. I can remember the postitions of the reostats much easier than the digital number that I used to weld thinner or thicker iron. If you asked my what settings I use to weld 1/4" plate, I couldn't tell you. I would have to go to the dial and adjust it to where I would run the thing.

+1000

 

[great white tj]

I use my MM211 more than my MM252. It's just me but I think I get better welds out of my MM211.

 

[Jeep51]

I really appreciate all the feedback! Has anyone welded 18 ga. sheetmetal with the 211? I started my 47' Jeep CJ2A Willys restoration.

 

[kkroger]

I really appreciate all the feedback! Has anyone welded 18 ga. sheetmetal with the 211? I started my 47' Jeep CJ2A Willys restoration.

Yes, with .030 wire Worked Great.
Probably a little bit better with .023 EZ Grind...

 

[Jeep51]

I ORDERED THE MILLER 211!

I know I will MIG weld more than anything, so I went with the Miller. Thanks for helping me make a decision.

 

[sberry]

I have never heard of anyone buying one that regretted after using it.

 

[Jeep51]

I finally received tracking numbers! Everything gets delivered Thursday!

 

[steel 35]

I finally received tracking numbers! Everything gets delivered Thursday!

We need pictures because I am sure you need something else

enjoy it.

 

[Steevo]

koditten, I think you just gave me my favorite sig line:

"Who want to use 2 hands to weld? The free hand is to hold my beer"

Now I realize why I have resisted learning to TIG.

 

[koditten]

I guess I just gave a little back to the site. For all its done for me, I'm glad I can contribute once and a while

KO

 

[Jeep51]

We need pictures because I am sure you need something else

enjoy it.

I will post pictures tomorrow! Tracking has it scheduled for Thursday.

 

[Jeep51]

The Miller 211 spec sheet says the input power for the 230 v option requires 25 amps. what size wired should I run to the panel?

 

[toofart]

40 amp breaker, 8/3

 

[koditten]

I think you will be fine using 10/3 and a 30a breaker. That seems a bit over kill for that machine. Welders are in a different class when figuring what size wire needed.

 

[Angry welder]

Chek this welder out. I will be picking thus up this week. It's mutil phase inverter welder and for 850.00 now.

http://victortechnologies.com/index...ge/580-tweco-fabricator-181i-product-features

 

[kkroger]

Wire Gauge depends on load and distance, if 3' you could probably use 12 and be fine.
According to the calculator anyway... I had a 100' run so I used 8/3 not a problem.
Then I have a 50' 8/3 extension on that and never a problem.

 

[sberry]

The machine needs a 14 wire.

 

[Jeep51]

How is a 14 wire sufficient? The specs are...230V, 25 A, 60 HZ , single phase and 120V, 20A, 60 HZ, single phase!

 

[steel 35]

My simular size machine's manual says #10 copper up to 100' #8 Copper exceding 100'
Your's may vary and go big so you can use something else in the future. One isn't alway's enough.