Millermatic 211, 212 or 252

[Arc weld]

A 30A spool gun is better than the 200 but also costs about $500/600 more. Push/pull you're looking at big bucks! 212 has more duty cycle than the 211, doesn't need a cart and allows you to use the large spools of MIG wire. Welding aluminum you'd really appreciate the higher duty cycle. The larger spools can save you a lot of money if you start doing more welding. The 212 also uses the M 25 gun which is the same as used on the 252. Trying to run aluminum through a standard MIG gun, even with a teflon liner, is just going to be an exercise in frustration. It's the exact reason they make spool guns.

 

[ericher69]

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.

 

[Bday]

Vote for a 252!

 

[OkieDave]

I had about the same choice, and I bought a 252. Buy once, cry once.

 

[ericher69]

I have a possibility of 2 used 252's maybe for next week. Gonna wait to see what kind of $$ they are asking and what kind of shape they are in.

 

[charlz]

The 211 doesn't seem like it is much of a jump from what you have today? For the price difference between the 212 and the 252 I would go with the 252. The 252 is rated the same as my older Miller Vintage and that has been a great all-around welder for making a few implements etc. Have you kept an eye on Craigslist or equivalent for your area? Might get a deal on an older but just as capable welder.

 

[Scooby074]

I had about the same choice, and I bought a 252. Buy once, cry once.

I got to cry 2 times before I bought my 252. Worse is I spent more than the equivalent cost of the 252 on those 2 welders whereas I could / should have just bought the 250 way back when.

Buy once, cry once. Is great advise when it comes to welders.

 

[ericher69]

The 211 doesn't seem like it is much of a jump from what you have today? For the price difference between the 212 and the 252 I would go with the 252. The 252 is rated the same as my older Miller Vintage and that has been a great all-around welder for making a few implements etc. Have you kept an eye on Craigslist or equivalent for your area? Might get a deal on an older but just as capable welder.

Besides spoolmate 100 compatible the 211 is rated at 3/8 like my sp170-t

Yup just missed out on a Lincoln powermig 255 by one day!

Anyway same guy is supposed to have a few 252's next week used; will see condition and price. We can probably work out a trade in value for my old Lincoln and Canox sparkler

 

[Bday]

Have you checked out Htp spool guns. They sell one for the miller machine. Quite a bit cheaper! Not trying to push anything, but miller! It's an option I'm considering. It's on sale now for a bit over $800. Just my thoughts! Htp has a good rep!

 

[ericher69]

Have you checked out Htp spool guns. They sell one for the miller machine. Quite a bit cheaper! Not trying to push anything, but miller! It's an option I'm considering. It's on sale now for a bit over $800. Just my thoughts! Htp has a good rep!

Will look into that option. Have seen a few video's with their products and seem very good

Came across this chart which clearly compares output on diff miller models

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/onephase.php

What would be a good price for a used 252 with stock mig gun and a 3 month warranty?