Millermatic 211, 212 or 252

[yomax4]

Congrats..Look at the label with the part number on it and you can see if it's last years mades in USA or 2013 Assembled in USA and built over seas. Both are ok machines but the newer is less cost than the 2012. Good Luck and create Sparks !

 

[mikehaugen]

Congrats..Look at the label with the part number on it and you can see if it's last years mades in USA or 2013 Assembled in USA and built over seas. Both are ok machines but the newer is less cost than the 2012. Good Luck and create Sparks !

Sad...

 

[yomax4]

Sad, Yes..Miller was the Last US manufacturer of Welders..Engine drives included. Lincoln out sourced 4 years ago and ESAB 2 years ago.( Look for Hypertherm to jump next..They are Barely made in USA) My Hypertherm 45 has 5 countries of origin under the hood,,) Thermal Arc was always Ohio,Malasia and Australia but China and Germany lately..Don't get too down on the European and Chinese machines. It's the wave of the future. Lots of Junk comes from China but US companies draw up the specs on the good China stuff and it is doing well and making an impact. European Welding Equipment is 10 years ahead of Miller so maybe it's High time they jump too. Too bad the USA is so weak that we can't be a manufacturer of good industrial products. I know I know we make a lot of stuff but infrastructure stuff has all left for the other side of the sea. It seems like our current government paves the way..

Sad...

 

[mikehaugen]

It's not the quality I am concerned about... I am sure they will still make good welders, it's the principle that ticks me off.

 

[Scooby074]

Congrats..Look at the label with the part number on it and you can see if it's last years mades in USA or 2013 Assembled in USA and built over seas. Both are ok machines but the newer is less cost than the 2012. Good Luck and create Sparks !

Interesting.

 

[Scooby074]

New baby is home!

Congrats. Good decision

 

[ericher69]

So why haven't you built anything yet?

Congratulations man!

Just put it together. Forgot the CO2 adapter for the reg so hopefully LWS is open tomorrow

 

[ericher69]

M-25 gun and accessories

Yes sadly it does say assembled in USA!

She is one sweet rig. If the LWS is closed tomorrow I will maybe attach my .045 flux core and reverse polarity to give her a go.

 

[ericher69]

Purchased .035 wire this am and a 75/25 to CO2 adapter.

Here's how it looks

 

[brin]

Arc Weld;


I was tempted to try with my sp170-T and 5053. After using a 212 with the spool mate 200 gun and seeing how easily the wire bends or birdsnests (had removed my ground clamp to reposition) I decided that attempting AL with a standard whip would be a big waste of time.

So I either get the 211 fully equipped with the money I have saved up or wait much longer for the 252.

I enjoyed using the 212 but did not find it to be much of a leap if any from the 211 in performance.

delete

 

[ericher69]

delete

I don't understand!

 

[pak7819]

Guys, don't forget about Hobart, Millers sister company,...both owned by Illinois Tool Works. Lots more technology sharing between the two brands than most realize. If you're not dead set on the nice autoset feature that miller has be sure to shop around and give Hobart a look. I recently bought the ironman 230 with spool gun delivered to my door for $1850,...not bad for a 230 amp mig welder. I spent the savings I would have spent on a 212 or 252 with same setup on some accessories and supplies. Can't knock miller, that's for sure. Good thread!

 

[ericher69]

Guys, don't forget about Hobart, Millers sister company,...both owned by Illinois Tool Works. Lots more technology sharing between the two brands than most realize. If you're not dead set on the nice autoset feature that miller has be sure to shop around and give Hobart a look. I recently bought the ironman 230 with spool gun delivered to my door for $1850,...not bad for a 230 amp mig welder. I spent the savings I would have spent on a 212 or 252 with same setup on some accessories and supplies. Can't knock miller, that's for sure. Good thread!

The main reason I stayed away from Hobart and the 230 is the "tapped" heat settings.

My SP170-T had 5 settings and I was always trying to compensate with wire speed.

I realize the Ironman has 12 settings which may reduce this effect but I wanted to spend the $$ once...

This effect is magnified on aluminum and thinner steel.

With fully adjustable voltage and wire speed I essentially have "infinite" settings within the machines operating range.


In the running was the Power Mig 256 from Lincoln.

Other premium features that the less expensive machines lack are the following;

Push pull capability for production aluminum work
Several timers ie; pre/post flow, stitch etc etc

I hope you enjoy your Ironman as I am sure it is a fine machine for the price point.

Thank you for contributing to this thread as not everyone has the same needs either now or for the future

 

[Shield Arc]

I've seen tapped Mig machines before, but never used one. In the farthermost reach of my imagination I can't believe I would put up with that for more than 30-seconds! I don't like people telling me what to do, much less a welding machine. :laughing:

 

[Todd727]

If you're not dead set on the nice autoset feature that miller has be sure to shop around and give Hobart a look.

252 doesn't have Autoset. It has nice digital read outs so you can see what your settings actually are. Main reason I sold my 212 and moved up.

 

[Bday]

New baby is home!

Congrats! Enjoy!:thumbsup:

 

[yomax4]

If you try out the Auto Set you will find that it's not actually Auto Set. It still requires tweaking to get the best bead. Much like doing it yourself. Sells welders though..

 

[ericher69]

I've seen tapped Mig machines before, but never used one. In the farthermost reach of my imagination I can't believe I would put up with that for more than 30-seconds! I don't like people telling me what to do, much less a welding machine. :laughing:

Yup me either but I am in a closed union environment where it will be my turn someday soon to tell people what to do so...I put up with it for now!

The tapped welder on the other hand went out the door pretty quick

 

[Relic]

miller 252. I work for a welding supply company in central N.Y.. we sell a lot of 180 and 252. The 252 is just a better welder. save a few extra $ and go for it. A old timer told me once. Buy a big welder because you can always turn it down. The 252 will be the last welder you will need to buy!!!!!

I have the 252 and am very pleased with it.What the old timer said is true in My opinion.Good luck with Your purchase.

O posted before I seen You got the 252.Congratulatios on Your purchase and I'm sure Your gonna really like the way this machine welds.

 

[weldermike]

miller 252. I work for a welding supply company in central N.Y.. we sell a lot of 180 and 252. The 252 is just a better welder. save a few extra $ and go for it. A old timer told me once. Buy a big welder because you can always turn it down. The 252 will be the last welder you will need to buy!!!!!

Would that be Haun welding supply by any chance? Ive been to there Endicott place a few times. Nice people there. I know they have a bunch of locations around central NY.