miller 252 for 700$ ?!? What do I need to check before I buy??

[Arc weld]

There were some 252's that had electronics problems. Plastic bracket for the feed roller drive? A 25' gun would be a special order. Just go with a 15' gun. Bernard is a good gun. Hopefully the machine is still good internally although it sounds like it has been abused some. I wouldn't believe the only 100 hours story for a second.:confused2: $650 is still a good price as long as it doesn't need anything major replaced.

 

[weldermike]

There were some 252's that had electronics problems. Plastic bracket for the feed roller drive? A 25' gun would be a special order. Just go with a 15' gun. Bernard is a good gun. Hopefully the machine is still good internally although it sounds like it has been abused some. I wouldn't believe the only 100 hours story for a second.:confused2: $650 is still a good price as long as it doesn't need anything major replaced.

I got a new 252 at work last year and soon as I turned it on I got a loud hum and poof dead after that. Blew a board first time the switch was turned on. So yes I was one of the lucky ones that got one with electrical problems. And honestly I think the machine runs like junk. Unless I just got a dud. I personally own a older tapped millermatic 185 and a newer 211 they will run circles around that 252. Like said tho, I think we just got a dud. I do here great things about it.

 

[Thats Hot]

The price was good, fix your drive roll, get a new 15' gun and a good cleaning and you should be good to go. I have a new 252 I got in June, list was 2300.00 I went out the door at 1950.00 at Air Gas. So you still did good. I also have MM211 and I am on the same page with weldermike, the 211 welds much better than my 252.......not sure Y but it does..

 

[Arc weld]

252 not 352.

 

[ericher69]

The price was good, fix your drive roll, get a new 15' gun and a good cleaning and you should be good to go. I have a new 252 I got in June, list was 2300.00 I went out the door at 1950.00 at Air Gas. So you still did good. I also have MM211 and I am on the same page with weldermike, the 211 welds much better than my 252.......not sure Y but it does..

Have used both...own a new 252.

Gotta say there is no comparison in weld quality and appearance. 252 hands down. Now on thin stuff the MM211 may take it;don't know haven't tried .023 with 252 yet.

 

[disney]

Well after I somehow accidently deleted my intended response instead of posting it, here is the short version. repair center only found a messed up spring besides the known gun/ drive motor bracket/mount issue. they will due a 'full load test' after the above is replaced. current estimate right around 300$, so I don't feel too bad. I would like to thank everyone again, and do have a question regarding welding wire thickness. most of my welding should be 1/8 to 1/4, but I have a project planned with up to about 10 ft of bead (total...not one single bead) on 1/2 steel plate. I know .045 would be best for really thick stuff, but is it worth buying new drive rolls and liner for 80-100$ for that project, manual said .035 is ok, just with a higher feed speed.

 

[Shield Arc]

Personally I wouldn't weld 1/2-inch material with .035 wire.

Here bookmark this calculator from Miller, it is very helpful.
Miller - MIG Welding Calculator

 

[yomax4]

Pretty sure the liner in the new gun is .035/.045. If you need to use .045 you can buy a 2# or 10# spool. Also check your drive roll it may be 35 on one side and 45 on the other.

 

[disney]

the drive rollers are .030 and .035, I wish it were .035&.045. as for the gun/ liners, it is my understanding from the owners manual and replacement miller parts that the liners are 030/035 and that the 045 is its owner liner, but I am not an expert, so there is a good chance I am misunderstanding something.
but it appears I can weld some down to 1/8" with 045 so I that case I should be ok just sticking with .045.

 

[Shield Arc]

I've had good luck with pricing with weldingsupply.com, I bought all my drive rolls for my Lincoln LF-72 wire feeder from them. But I always double check with Google Product Search.

https://weldingsupply.com/cgi-bin/browsecatalogs.pl?UNDEF

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