Help me choose a new welder!

[RangerRick]

I bought the Miller 211 about 3 years ago and love it. Dual voltage and automatic settings does wonders. I stick welded for 30 years and within 20 minutes of setting up the Miller 211 unit, I was welding flat, vertical down, and overhead with excellent beads.

I just bought the Miller Spectrum 625 Extreme Plasma cutter and love that also. I don't know why I waited so long to but both of these units.

I am was checking out he Everlast PowerPro 256. You can stick weld, tig weld and plasma cut with that single machine. Google it. It seems to be a very good welder.

Just one more piece of info. I also bought a water cooled band saw from Northern. One of the best investments for the metal shop. I haven't used an abrasive wheel cutoff saw since.

 

[Colonel Monk]

Good Evening,

OK I have decided to buy a Miller 211 MVP and I want to get one of the packages with the cart and spoolgun. Screw it, let's go!

Need some help with a list of things I need so I can get busy.

What shielding gas will I use? And for hobby welding with small cart and smaller projects (like SSQA mount, snow plow mount, timber forks) what size cylinder should I get?

What about wire? What sizes for what materials, and should I get some flux wire so I can go mobile without gas?

What else do I need so I'll be ready to go when it gets here?!!

Thanks

 

[Colonel Monk]

OH, also...

I have a regular cheap helmet, but I've used the auto-dark ones quite a bit and they are the bomb. Can you suggest a good brand/model that works well and won't break the bank? I don't need a $300 helmet, I need something that gets the job done.

 

[dragoneggs]

OH, also... I have a regular cheap helmet, but I've used the auto-dark ones quite a bit and they are the bomb. Can you suggest a good brand/model that works well and won't break the bank? I don't need a $300 helmet, I need something that gets the job done.

Miller had an auto darkening one for under s hundred bucks.

75/25 gas for steel. The Harbor Freight cart with drawers works well and holds your tank secure. Get some cheap grinders also at HF do you don't have to change wheels. On sale less than $15. I have the 211 and love it.

 

[Shield Arc]

.035" wire is a good general purpose size wire. I've been real impressed with Lincoln's L-56 wire. When going with self shielded wire be careful running it through a regular Mig gun. It may freeze up inside the gun / liner. But that may not happen unless you go with .045" or bigger wire.

 

[dragoneggs]

.035" wire is a good general purpose size wire. I've been real impressed with Lincoln's L-56 wire. When going with self shielded wire be careful running it through a regular Mig gun. It may freeze up inside the gun / liner. But that may not happen unless you go with .045" or bigger wire.

I think I bought the L56 .030 from Hime Depot. I do mostly lighter gauge stuff at this point.

 

[Shield Arc]

I think I bought the L56 .030 from Hime Depot. I do mostly lighter gauge stuff at this point.

I'll tell ya, that wire is tough. When I tested Roadhunter's Mig machine with a fillet weld break test. It took 15-blows with a 4-pound hammer to break it. And we all seen how little of penetration that machine got. With my V350-Pro, and L-56 wire it took 29-blows of a 4-pound hammer to break the fillet weld.

 

[Shield Arc]

I do mostly lighter gauge stuff at this point.

Oh, you do know if you get into a project too big for your Mig machine you can bring it over and use the V350-Pro?

 

[dragoneggs]

Oh, you do know if you get into a project too big for your Mig machine you can bring it over and use the V350-Pro?

Thanks SA!!! My biggest problem is my day job at the moment but will definitely keep that in mind. :drink:

 

[Shield Arc]

Thanks SA!!! My biggest problem is my day job at the moment but will definitely keep that in mind. :drink:

If you talk real sweet to me, I might let you take it home with you to use.