Planning to get a Millermatic 211 pros/ cons?

[johndeerefarmer]

Not aware of Hobart making a 211...Do you mean the Hobart 210MVP?

Now my thoughts about what machine to buy...

Depending on you needs and skills, the bigger Miller or ESAB machine may be a investment above you needs.... You really need to determine if STICK and TIG in your future....I gave up nice Lincoln stick (tombstone) many years ago (maybe 12-13), because it sat a long time never used and I though there was no more welding in my future..... About 5 years ago I got brave bough a Hobart Handler 140 and found out so far it fits all my needs (well almost) ... Its a bit of a light weight and in hindsight wished I got the 210MVP..... But as of yet I can not TIG because of lack of skills, and would probably never go back to stick once learning MIG (GMAW - FCAW)...

Guess what I am trying to say is what are your real needs, yes all the glitz and glitter of super-duper machine looks great, but do you really need all that stuff...

Dale

Sorry, yes 210MVP. It's heavy but works good and doesn't have that silly soft start

 

[Ritothebull]

I have ended up changing my mind and to a ESAB rebel. The one that does tig, stick and mig.

Think it’s a well rounded machine

A guy down here has an EMP 215ic listed for about a grand and it looks new, seems like a good price so I may check it out. I was looking at the mig only model but for the price what the ****.

 

[J.Wal]

A guy down here has an EMP 215ic listed for about a grand and it looks new, seems like a good price so I may check it out. I was looking at the mig only model but for the price what the ****.

Sounds like a good deal if working.

 

[J.Wal]

Not aware of Hobart making a 211...Do you mean the Hobart 210MVP?

Now my thoughts about what machine to buy...

Depending on you needs and skills, the bigger Miller or ESAB machine may be a investment above you needs.... You really need to determine if STICK and TIG in your future....I gave up nice Lincoln stick (tombstone) many years ago (maybe 12-13), because it sat a long time never used and I though there was no more welding in my future..... About 5 years ago I got brave bough a Hobart Handler 140 and found out so far it fits all my needs (well almost) ... Its a bit of a light weight and in hindsight wished I got the 210MVP..... But as of yet I can not TIG because of lack of skills, and would probably never go back to stick once learning MIG (GMAW - FCAW)...

Guess what I am trying to say is what are your real needs, yes all the glitz and glitter of super-duper machine looks great, but do you really need all that stuff...

Dale

A fault of mine is buying more than I need for possible future needs.

I want to get into tig and have zero desire to do stick unless needed specifically.

Smig is gonna be the biggest thing I like of the ESAB I believe.

 

[dragoneggs]

Usually do-it-all equipment means compromise on at least some functions. If MIG is your primary method then consider buying a MIG welder. If you want to get into AC TIG and want to be able to do AL well, then maybe a dedicated TIG rig makes sense. Having an optimized setup set up for the task has some value. Constantly changing up a do-it-all rig has its downsides.

I really like my Miller 211 but there are any number of good MIG rigs to be had for less, both new and used. I suspect the same holds for an all purpose TIG setup.

I'd suggest giving some thought to your realistic needs and aspirations, then shopping for suitable equipment, be it new, used, dedicated or all-in-one.

Then again, I'm just a newbie so others here can bring more/better experience to your question I'm sure.

I am glad I went with a dedicated MIG. As I mentioned earlier here I have the Miller 211 inverter model. When I was researching/shopping I was thinking a multipurpose machine. Now for the very occasional welder, that might be most efficient but I am glad I didn't.

Now I am getting the itch to refine my skills and AC Tig is on my list. Like most tools, I really like the dedicated stations, so I am not spending so much time on set up. The more you use the tools, the more change over and frustration with wasting time comes into play.

 

[TMGT]

Usually do-it-all equipment means compromise on at least some functions. If MIG is your primary method then consider buying a MIG welder. If you want to get into AC TIG and want to be able to do AL well, then maybe a dedicated TIG rig makes sense. Having an optimized setup set up for the task has some value. Constantly changing up a do-it-all rig has its downsides.

I really like my Miller 211 but there are any number of good MIG rigs to be had for less, both new and used. I suspect the same holds for an all purpose TIG setup.

I'd suggest giving some thought to your realistic needs and aspirations, then shopping for suitable equipment, be it new, used, dedicated or all-in-one.

Then again, I'm just a newbie so others here can bring more/better experience to your question I'm sure.

In the past I would have agreed with you, however a lot of the newer multi process welders are so easy to switch between functions that's it's a non issue, also I'm not really seeing any compromises with welders like the Everlast MTS 252 STi.

Unless you have 2 people that need to use it at the same time I don't see much benefit to separate machines for most home shops.

I don't own an everlast and don't plan on buying one in the foreseeable future, however I do have to give credit to what appears to be a very impressive machine for the money.

 

[yomax4]

It's difficult to tell someone which welder to buy. I hate to read posts about some machine being "good enough" for what they do but if they really believe that then ok. Everyone is doing something different. My advice is buy the largest machine your budget can support. You can always turn it down. If you settle for a machine that the amp model # starts with 2, You better look at actual output. ie Miller 211. Actual output is 150 amps @ 40%. Pretty light. Is it a good machine, You bet. It's very popular. It's not a 211 though and the 210 has more power. Check that actual output before you buy and good luck with your choice !!!

 

[dragoneggs]

It's difficult to tell someone which welder to buy. I hate to read posts about some machine being "good enough" for what they do but if they really believe that then ok. Everyone is doing something different. My advice is buy the largest machine your budget can support. You can always turn it down. If you settle for a machine that the amp model # starts with 2, You better look at actual output. ie Miller 211. Actual output is 150 amps @ 40%. Pretty light. Is it a good machine, You bet. It's very popular. It's not a 211 though and the 210 has more power. Check that actual output before you buy and good luck with your choice !!!

Good advice!

I chose the 211 over a 252 or other bigger machine, because of the dual voltage (flexibility), what I could justify price-wise, and realistically knowing I would likely never need more power for my welding endeavors. Oh, and I know where Shield Arc lives! :laughing: But I knew I wanted to buy a quality machine with reliable long term customer support. Eventually, I will find a TIG but I haven't narrowed down features, brand, etc.

 

[Roger9107]

I have a 211 and I love it. I must say though that I wish I would have purchased the 215 with which you can mig, stick and tig.