Which welder?
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Shield Arc
Super Member
When it comes to Mig welding, there is no substitute for power! .035" wire will do the majority of the fab work members here will do. But is nice to have a machine big enough to run .045" wire too.
LD1
Epic Contributor
Pretty much the same, the 211 offers a little more amps.
Or another way of looking at it is a little more duty cycle at similar amps.
Just what do you plan on using it for. If you never plan on going over the limits of the 190, the 211 dont offer anything more for the extra ~$200
Or another way of looking at it is a little more duty cycle at similar amps.
Just what do you plan on using it for. If you never plan on going over the limits of the 190, the 211 dont offer anything more for the extra ~$200
Farmall45b
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Miller 211 might be fine for light sheet metal repairs, but it won't weld 3/16 metal. We got one at work last year and it got used for the first month and has not been used since. Even while turned all the way up and slow travel speed it won't penetrate very well. We returned it to the welding supplier we bought it from and they tested it and said it was working as it should. The 212 or 252 would be a better bet in my opinion. We have 2 252's and a 350P and just ordered another 350P. Only me and one other person use the 350P but everyone else uses the 252s and likes them and makes decent welds from all skill levels.
IslandTractor
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Beg to differ. The 211 has no difficulty at all with 3/16 when used with 220v power. Even with 110v it comes pretty close to doing 3/16. Of course the bigger and considerably more expensive 212, 252 and above will allow faster welding but then you lose the flexibility of 110v.
newbury
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More info needed - What's your power source(s)? If it will always be 240V either will do. If you might have to use 120V the 190 won't work.
How tight is your budget? The 350P mentioned lists at about $5.5K.
What do you want to weld?
The 211 would be more flexible.
Mostly used for home use on mild steel, 1/4 " or less usually. I have 240 in garage
for my miller thunderbolt ac/dc, but like the idea of 120 or 240 if needed I hate to
pop for even a 211 so bigger is out of the question. A 190 would be big enough, but
like the 120 capability of the 211. Pretty much convinced myself to get the 211. Just
looking for some more experienced welders info than what I have. Any difference
in quality or is the 211 more apt to have problems with more electronics and switches?
thx hjt
for my miller thunderbolt ac/dc, but like the idea of 120 or 240 if needed I hate to
pop for even a 211 so bigger is out of the question. A 190 would be big enough, but
like the 120 capability of the 211. Pretty much convinced myself to get the 211. Just
looking for some more experienced welders info than what I have. Any difference
in quality or is the 211 more apt to have problems with more electronics and switches?
thx hjt
I've had Millermatic 211, 3 years now. I use mostly .030 70s6 wire, it's good for light duty work, 1/16-1/4", .023 for body work/exhaust pipe. On steel that's thicker than 1/4", with a few inches to weld I leave a gap and go/weave vertical up. When buying a mig welder, I suggest getting a knurled feed roll for it, size bigger contact tip then the wire, felt wire cleaner, anti-spatter/weld jelly.
downsizingnow48
Elite Member
I've had a 211 for a while now no issues and have welded 18ga to 3/8".
LD1
Epic Contributor
What wire are you using?
I dont like or use knurled rolls but I only use solid wire. No issues with V-groove. knurled will foul up a liner quicker