Hello,I want to learn how to weld, not professionally but i do want to fab some stuff and do repairs vehicles (eventually I want to build a rat rod). From the best of what I can tell, tig is going to be my weld type of choice (fab work) and I will use the mig for existing repairs (frame welding related, trailer hitches, exhaust, etc)Recently I have a need to add a 2 piece drive shaft to my truck but the cross member is not in the right spot and I have to build another one, so this has pushed me to get a mig.I will eventually get a Dynasty 280dx or Dynasty 400dx but for now I think I need to get a mig because I think it would be better suited to build this carrier bearing support for the 2 piece drive shaft.My question is, for a first timer, would you recommend a miller 252 or a 350p to learn on. I would prefer to buy only one MIG and get good with it so I want to get one big enough to do what I need it to do.What welder do you recommend? Thanks in advance!Last edited by EverydayDiesel; 06-07-2018 at 12:52 AM.
Reply:350P, but then I'm a little bias. See signature.... more power is always better, but.realistically the 252 will do everything you need. If you ever get into aluminum, then the 350p is the better choice. The pulse is nice for thinner metals, not sure if the 252 actually goes lower on its wire speed. Check the owners manuals.Tiger Sales: AHP Distributor www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P, Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma. For Sale: Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun. Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I bought a 252 for my first one, and I love it. If you have the budget, go for it!Hobart cutting/welding torch.MM252, and nothing else. My first welder. Buy once, cry once....but I really would like a nice 50/60A circuit to run it at full strength.A bunch of ideas, and not enough time and money to bring them to life.
Reply:Honestly I don't think of either as a "first welder", but if you have the money always go bigger....350P. A Millermatic 350P and a Dynasty 400 would be like the superhero version of the setup I currently have. If money were of no concern, that's what I would own. But for the price I think I am doing OK...I only have a net of $700 invested in both of my welders. :-)Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:252, that 350p is a lot more $ for features 99 percent of us won't use. I use the 252 for aluminum, stainless and steel and the only issues where a larger machine would be a benefit is on dual shield at higher amperage.
Reply:I regret not buying the 252 when I jumped into welding 4 years ago (deer in the headlights) - I got the Miller 212 autoset which is a nice machine, but want to work with some heavier material now. I also regret not buying the cylinders instead of leasing. I have oxy, propylene, argon and C25. Thought I would throw this in for WW members thinking of getting into welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Honestly I don't think of either as a "first welder", but if you have the money always go bigger....350P. A Millermatic 350P and a Dynasty 400 would be like the superhero version of the setup I currently have. If money were of no concern, that's what I would own. But for the price I think I am doing OK...I only have a net of $700 invested in both of my welders. :-)
Reply:Thanks to everyone that replied.For a beginner is there any advantage to getting the 252 over the 350p or the other way around?
Reply:I think the 252 is a great first machine. Why buy smaller and then wish you had more juice? My first MIG machine was a Lincoln 255 (equivalent to the 252). It's nice to be able to put a 300 cu ft bottle on the cart and run 33 lb spools or wire. I run .045 dual shield through it a lot and run it near wide open, something a smaller machine wouldn't stand a chance at. A 250+ might seem like overkill on little jobs, but you won't be held back on serious work if it comes up.
Reply:i like all your big plans and thoughts, but i'd slow down. u should learn to gas and stick weld before getting into what ur describing. so id pick up at least a older cheap dc buzz box or something first
Reply:For home use, you really shouldn't need a machine larger then the 252. The current mild steel project I am working on, in my garage, has some 3/8" and 1/2" thick material included. My ESAB Migmaster 250 will have no issues with these material thicknesses.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Originally Posted by DanFor home use, you really shouldn't need a machine larger then the 252. The current mild steel project I am working on, in my garage, has some 3/8" and 1/2" thick material included. My ESAB Migmaster 250 will have no issues with these material thicknesses.
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lus, the idea of spray arc is just neat!
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o you have a beginner machine that you would recommend?
Reply:If the 252 isn't enough amperage, I would go with a xmt 304 or 350. You would need a separate feeder, but that's not really a bad thing either. Nice to be able to take the feeder to the work, rather than try to get a heavy machine in position.
Reply:The biggest advantage of the 350p would be pulse. I should be able to anything I can dream of with my 252.
Reply:Originally Posted by cloudmanI regret not buying the 252 when I jumped into welding 4 years ago (deer in the headlights) - I got the Miller 212 autoset which is a nice machine, but want to work with some heavier material now. I also regret not buying the cylinders instead of leasing. I have oxy, propylene, argon and C25. Thought I would throw this in for WW members thinking of getting into welding.
Reply:If you can afford it always go big. Of the two machines, I'd go 350P. Here's mine with Cobra push pull. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk:
Reply:Sounds like money is not a factor I would probably go with the 252 or seriously look into the lincoln 255 or 256 whatever they call it now less $ better machine in my opinion, sounds like you're gonna go tig later the 350 would be nice for a production alum mig useless for a weekender, frame work and structural work should be best left for when you learn a little more the university of youtube welding academy is nothing more than a guide, a large percentage is flat out bs even by some of the big Internet self-proclaimed movie stars
Reply:Originally Posted by pat hSounds like money is not a factor I would probably go with the 252 or seriously look into the lincoln 255 or 256 whatever they call it now less $ better machine in my opinion, sounds like you're gonna go tig later the 350 would be nice for a production alum mig useless for a weekender, frame work and structural work should be best left for when you learn a little more the university of youtube welding academy is nothing more than a guide, a large percentage is flat out bs even by some of the big Internet self-proclaimed movie stars
Reply:If the budget allows go for the 350P!! AWESOME machine!! Then if you want to weld some aluminu get a 30a spoolgun and you'll be in heaven!!-DoogieMiller 350PMiller Trailblazer 325 EFI w/ Excel PowerLincoln LN25 suitcase welderXMT 304/22a feederMiller Syncrowave 350LXMiller EconotigHobart Handler 140(2) Uni-Hydro 42-14Hypertherm 65 plasmaWEBB Gap bed lathe
Reply:My first welder was a 252. Still happy with it. I considered the 350 but was a big jump in price and was concerned about running it off residential power supply.Do budget to buy your own cylinder.
Reply:350p runs times of a 50 amp breaker set my home. Should not be an issueTiger Sales: AHP Distributor www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P, Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma. For Sale: Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun. Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by 123weldi like all your big plans and thoughts, but i'd slow down. u should learn to gas and stick weld before getting into what ur describing. so id pick up at least a older cheap dc buzz box or something first
Reply:Originally Posted by EverydayDieselthanks for everyones input, this is a lot of money and I want to make sure I am making the right decisionPost up your location, someone might be near you and willing to show you the ropes. Consider taking a welding class at community college before buying the welder. I would not be surprised if they have both those machines at the school if they are a blue school or the Lincoln equivalent if the go Red.Tiger Sales: AHP Distributor www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P, Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma. For Sale: Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun. Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I am in dallas.Wife says to get the dynasty 400 but no more welders (for a while). I didnt mention the plasma cutters haha
Reply:For home use, if I could spend around $7000 on welding equipment I'd much rather have a Millermatic 252 and Dynasty 210 over just a Dynasty 400.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:I have a 252 and Dynasty 200DX. I am mostly self taught and do art type of stuff on steel up to 3/8", aluminum up to 1/2" and stainless for my projects. I bought the 252 at an auction for about $1600 out the door if I remember right. I was able to buy a used Aluma-Pro push pull gun for the 252 from a member here. The 252 was an upgrade from a Miller 180 I bought new 15 years ago or so. The Dynasty was purchased brand new as the TIG runner package for about $5,000 about three years ago. I am able to add helium when I do thicker aluminum. If you have the money to get both it is great set up to me. If you don't know how to weld, I would suggest getting different and cheaper machines.Millermatic 252 MIGMiller Dynasty 200DX TIGMiller Spectrum 625 PlasmaAltas 12x36 Metal LatheBridgeport Milling Machinewww.psacustomcreations.com
Reply:Originally Posted by EverydayDieselI am in dallas.Wife says to get the dynasty 400 but no more welders (for a while). I didnt mention the plasma cutters haha
Reply:In all honesty to the op, a dynasty 400 isn't a very wise purchase for someone starting out. While buying quality is important, overbuying isn't wise either. Get something like a multimatic 215. Resale will still be good, and you can mig steel, ss and aluminum. Stick weld anything and tig steel and SS with a tig torch and a spoolgun for aluminum. Take the money saved and use it for saws, drills grinders and the multitude of other things that are as important as a welding machine if not more so . In 30 plus years of welding I haven't had the need for a 8000$ welding machine , much less 2 of them. A couple hundred dollar used dial arc hf or synchrowave and a nice mig will do 99 percent of what you need at a fraction of the cost. Expensive machines will not overcome experience and practice.Miller xmt304, Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:Originally Posted by M J DIn all honesty to the op, a dynasty 400 isn't a very wise purchase for someone starting out. While buying quality is important, overbuying isn't wise either. Get something like a multimatic 215. Resale will still be good, and you can mig steel, ss and aluminum. Stick weld anything and tig steel and SS with a tig torch and a spoolgun for aluminum. Take the money saved and use it for saws, drills grinders and the multitude of other things that are as important as a welding machine if not more so . In 30 plus years of welding I haven't had the need for a 8000$ welding machine , much less 2 of them. A couple hundred dollar used dial arc hf or synchrowave and a nice mig will do 99 percent of what you need at a fraction of the cost. Expensive machines will not overcome experience and practice.
Reply:Originally Posted by M J DIn all honesty to the op, a dynasty 400 isn't a very wise purchase for someone starting out. While buying quality is important, overbuying isn't wise either. Get something like a multimatic 215. Resale will still be good, and you can mig steel, ss and aluminum. Stick weld anything and tig steel and SS with a tig torch and a spoolgun for aluminum. Take the money saved and use it for saws, drills grinders and the multitude of other things that are as important as a welding machine if not more so . In 30 plus years of welding I haven't had the need for a 8000$ welding machine , much less 2 of them. A couple hundred dollar used dial arc hf or synchrowave and a nice mig will do 99 percent of what you need at a fraction of the cost. Expensive machines will not overcome experience and practice.
Reply:You forgot the gas mixer.Tiger Sales: AHP Distributor www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P, Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma. For Sale: Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun. Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonNah, Nah, Nah. I changed my mind. Not only should he buy the Dyn400dx, but he should buy it as the foot control complete package tiggrunner. Add a dual flowmeter, 3 bottles for blending argon, helium and purge, and keep use the included flowmeter for backpurging. Add a full compliment of gas lenses, tungstens, and portable gas flowchecker. That will eat up close to $11K. Hey is wifey said so. Buy once, cry once.Weld like a king(or a queen if so inclined), and don't look back. I can teach a monkey to weld(no disrespect to the monkey). Those soda cans don't stand a chance.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawYou forgot the gas mixer.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveNo you can't, monkeys are smarter than humans - they quit welding after they get burned the first time
Reply:With the kind of money you want to spend on the machines for what you’ll be doing. I would just have a professional do the welding and know it’s done right. You get more time to play that way. May end up saving you some money depending on total of all projects.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo. Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonJust don't feed them bananas. Give them apples so they can keep in touch with mama.
Reply:you guys are funny. So lets look at it from this logic. I want to learn to tig, always have (I actually found some classes that I will inquire about on monday, a little overkill for what I want...or is it )I want to tig so some of you have said get the dynasty 210dx. Can someone tell me why learning on a 210dx is any different then the 400? (not counting cost which seems to be the biggest issue)Thanks to everyone that responded so farLast edited by EverydayDiesel; 06-09-2018 at 08:28 PM.
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earning on a 210DX is not different than a 400. The only advantage to a 400 is more amps for welding aluminum and such. You really are talking about spending a lot of money for a guy who has never welded before. The MUCH better, very wise alternative is to go get this machine for a measly $275, and MASTER IT. Once you have mastered this you will be ready for MIG or TIG and learning them will be child's play. https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/tl...602650569.htmlAnd with the added benefit that if you can't master stick welding you saved yourself a whole crap ton of money by not buying a dynasty and millermatic 350P. If you do master it you will want to keep it because it is maybe the best stick welder ever made.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Oh and if you buy the Lincoln and end up wanting to sell it I personally guarantee you will get more than the $275 for it when you sell it. That machine will not lose value.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:The chance that you will need more than 200 amps for TIG especially if you are getting a 250 amp or larger MIG is not going to be very likely. TIG is a slower process and give great control on thin stuff and exotic metals. It is also the one that takes the most time to master.Tiger Sales: AHP Distributor www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P, Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma. For Sale: Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun. Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Learning on a 210DX is not different than a 400. The only advantage to a 400 is more amps for welding aluminum and such. You really are talking about spending a lot of money for a guy who has never welded before. The MUCH better, very wise alternative is to go get this machine for a measly $275, and MASTER IT. Once you have mastered this you will be ready for MIG or TIG and learning them will be child's play. https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/tl...602650569.htmlAnd with the added benefit that if you can't master stick welding you saved yourself a whole crap ton of money by not buying a dynasty and millermatic 350P. If you do master it you will want to keep it because it is maybe the best stick welder ever made.
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eads are easy...go to http://www.electronbeam.com/, get some 2 gauge welding lead, and you can put your own leads together pretty easyMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by EverydayDieselyou guys are funny. So lets look at it from this logic. I want to learn to tig, always have (I actually found some classes that I will inquire about on monday, a little overkill for what I want...or is it )I want to tig so some of you have said get the dynasty 210dx. Can someone tell me why learning on a 210dx is any different then the 400? (not counting cost which seems to be the biggest issue)Thanks to everyone that responded so far
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Learning on a 210DX is not different than a 400. The only advantage to a 400 is more amps for welding aluminum and such. You really are talking about spending a lot of money for a guy who has never welded before. The MUCH better, very wise alternative is to go get this machine for a measly $275, and MASTER IT. Once you have mastered this you will be ready for MIG or TIG and learning them will be child's play. https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/tl...602650569.htmlAnd with the added benefit that if you can't master stick welding you saved yourself a whole crap ton of money by not buying a dynasty and millermatic 350P. If you do master it you will want to keep it because it is maybe the best stick welder ever made.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonThe 210dx does not have 18 programmable stations like the 400 does. It also does not have independant amplitude which you don't need yet. It also lends itself to a simple air cooled torch of which the 400 will require a water cooled torch and water cooler, hence my suggestion of tigrunner. The 210dx is also dual voltage auto link input so you will have power anywhere. The Dynasty210dx makes learning to Tig fun.
Reply:Originally Posted by EverydayDieseldynasty 280dx has the same pro-set features as the 210 which is basically what I think you are talking about.3/8 ths should be enough for what I need it for. (is this rating something that it CAN do but not very good?)It says it does Stick (SMAW) but I dont see any leads? Where can I buy them with those fancy type connectors?Do I really need water cooled?Right now I am looking at this package --> https://www.millerwelds.com/equipmen...package-951468
Reply:You could get a dynasty 280dx with cv. Then you could tig stick and mig.MM 350p MM 252Trailblazer 325Trailblazer 55d dynasty 28012rc12vsPowermax 1000 Powermax 45xp
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