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Miller 211

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Scott MH

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Trying to get some opinions on the miller 211. I am looking for a general purpose automotive sheet metal to Dom tubing to farm equipment welder. Also something to learn on. I don't want to buy a small machine and wish I bought a bigger one however I do not want to buy a too big of a machine

Also the Hobart 210 is basically the same machine but cheaper but doesn't have the auto set feature. Is the auto set feature worth the extra $100 or so
 
#2 ·
I got tired of buying crappy cheap migs, Ive owned 110 and 220 volt lincolns, and a 180 amp hobart and a couple off brands in the 140-180 amp range I bought dirt cheap at yard sales,all got sold off after being tested, none were exactly what I wanted. and I got fed up with not being able to weld simple stuff like 1/4 plate brackets to differentials or 3" tubing to differential housings , so I went down to the local miller dealer, I explained what I needed to do with the welder and he suggested the 211,for $1100 or the 252 for $2100, I bought the 252 for $2100 even thought it was almost twice the cost because I wanted to try MIG welding ALUMINUM and the 252 is more matched to that once you add the $1100 optional components (yeah thats almost $4k to weld 3/8" brackets in aluminum with a mig welder once you get the gas tanks wire, feed gun etc. and yes its faster than my tig,but Im rarely in a rush so the tig gets used more!)
AN NO! ITS NOT MY WELDING SKILL IVE BEEN WELDING FOR 40 PLUS YEARS and yes BOTH the 211 and 252 allow you to weld STEEL brackets and get good results

http://www.welders-direct.com/mm5/m...m/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=907422&Category_Code=

http://www.welders-direct.com/mm5/m...m/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=907321&Category_Code=

Ive used it and found it works great, but a buddy has recently purchased the 211 and while its not the same it does any thing youll ever need in steel welding
 
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#4 ·
Scott MH said:
Thanks for the info! What about shielding gas? Is it better to buy and refil or rent?
Click to expand...

IF your going to weld a great deal its more than likely cheaper to rent, it cost me about $240 for a full size tank filled that I OWN, but if you own a tank about every six years you need to pay about $60 to get it re-certified, and it costs about $40 per refill, and you need to wait to get the tank refilled, which can take a few hours if they are busy so you get the same tank back.
if you rent cost varies wildly but $10-$20 a month on tank rental and $30 per refill is rather common, and a 100$ tank security deposit that you get back if you return the tanks common.
 
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#5 ·
IMHO it is better to rent. Been doing it for 10 years and it's no problem. I have a Miller Challenger 175 220V from way back when and it suffices for everything I do with mild steel (including welding brackets to diff housings. For aluminum and stainless (as well as mild steel) I got a Miller Dynasty 200 TIG. Both cover just about anything automotive that I need to do. I think Hobart is now a sub label of Miller so most of the stuff should be pretty much the same. I have always owned Miller and like it a lot.
 
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#6 ·
Beginner welder here. Had the same concerns as OP. Bought the Miller 211 to be on the safe side for future possibilities.

So far in 3 months usage on mostly 14-18 ga. sheetmetal, I like the .023 wire best. Have not needed the 220V option yet but I did weld some 5/32 mild steel with .030 wire @ 120V with NO PROBLEM.
 
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#8 ·
Scott MH said:
My local tractor supply has a Hobart 210 for $899 does that sound like a decent deal?
Click to expand...
Sounds high for a Hobart.
I bought my Miler 211 about a year ago for $850. Got a good deal. You need to buy the 211. That machine is great. I have had a few of the cheaper MIG's. The salesman I bought it from said anyone can weld with this machine and a 10 year old can weld with it. At the time I thought typical salesman BS but he was right. Auto set works great. Buy it!!!!
 
#10 · (Edited)
sz0k30 said:
My local Comm College welding instructor and my local welding supply house both like Lincoln over Miller.
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youll find many welding schools and college trade schools etc. use LINCOLN welders, not MILLER

theres NOTHING WRONG WITH EITHER BRAND, BOTH, BRANDS have some good designs, BUT ID bet the schools getting a HEALTHY VOLUME discount on the price of the machines because the welding machine manufacturers KNOW that a high percentage of the weld school graduates tend to go out and buy the exact machine they were trained with has a great deal to do with the schools choice in machines


HERES MY ARC WELDER, I bought as its also an emergency shop generator, and easily converts to TIG with an accessory kit

Image

http://www.welders-direct.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=K2382-4

I bought a ANCIENT 1980s TIG 330 amp welder used for a bit less than $1000 with a liquid cooled torch and accessories , it may be old but it welds just fine
Image
 
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#16 ·
I know the tech school I attend that has a welding program and they have Lincoln welders primarily. However, there are a bunch of other brands sprawled around too like ESAB and Miller.
 
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#17 ·
I heard something about the Hobard is cheaper, has plastic drive gears.
The Miller 180 or 211 doesn't.

I have a Miller 150 (220V), great mig... purchased new +20 years ago.
Bought my own bottle of Argon/CO2 gas mix...I hate rental fees.

Just curious, why are the new migs so much smaller physically...than the old ones ??

Here is a great auto darkening helmet, with features of others costing 4x more...video to also watch....Sale Price = $124.99
This solar-powered high-impact nylon helmet features a large 3.82in. x 2.44in. viewing area http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...4?cm_ite=1644910&cm_pla=Welding>Welding Helmets&cm_cat=Nextag&cm_ven=Aggregates

Key Specs

Auto Darkening
Yes
View Area W x H (in.)
3.82 x 2.44
Switch time (sec.)
1/25,000
Adjustable Sensitivity
Yes
Variable Shades
9 - 13
UV/IR Coated Lens
Yes
Adjustable Fit
4-point adjustable headgear, replaceable sweat band
Power Supply
Solar w/ Battery Back-Up
Low Battery Indicator
Yes
Battery Included
Yes, requires charge
ANSI Approved
Yes
Manufacturer Warranty
12 months parts / 12 months labor
Ship Weight
2.0 lbs
Item#
1644910

Features + Benefits

  • Four independent arc sensors
  • Delay and sensitivity internal adjustable
  • 2 x CR2450 lithium battery replaceable with low battery indicator
 
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