Millermatic 211 vs Esab MM215

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 15:53:35 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Millermatic 211 vs Esab MM215

Im wanting to do both thin metal and 1/4" thick mild steel and (MAYBE) aluminum MIG welding. Im wanting either a millermatic 211 based on price and autoset/MVP features. Or an ESAB Migmaster 215. Im wanting to be able to properly weld 1/4" Mild steel for use on vehicle applications, useing MIG not flux cored. What do yall recomend for my intended use? How well will the ESAB put out MIG welding the 1/4" vs the MM211? ALso whats the final ready to weld price on the ESAB? Thanks for all and any info/advice.Last edited by Ezalycasaid; 04-14-2012 at 09:50 PM.
Reply:i have a 211 and i am very please with it on mild steel. i have not tryed alum. with it. i have put it to the test and it has passed many times! solid machine. for the esab.. no idea!
Reply:I own a MM211 and could not be happier.
Reply:I just read the specs on the ESAB 215. Nice machine. It has taped voltage selection and cranks out 250 Amps. To me, it's in a class above the MM211. It's on par with my Lincoln 216.  The MM211 will do 1/4" aluminum, but that's it. No thicker aluminum, but ask yourself if you're going to weld thicker than 1/4" aluminum?  If you are, I'd get a bigger machine. As far as steel goes, the MM211 can handle anything a DIYer home garageist can dish out for it! I would rather get the Lincoln 216 over the ESAB because you can buy Lincoln consumables over the counter in local shops, unlike buying ESAB consumables.  That's just me however.  Again, I own both "class" type of welders you ask about. If I only had one and it was the MM211, I'd be perfectly happy. It just so happens that I bought the 216 first. Now it's set up as my "aluminum only" machine and I don't weld that much aluminum to begin with.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:EZ,From your other posts as well, it looks like you're MIG shopping.  Would you ever consider used?Good deals can be found on Millermatic 200's and 250's, sometimes with the spool gun.  Both of these units put out around 280 amps max.  My old MM200 is built like a tank.  I got it for $299 with a Spoolmatic 1 gun and a spot control panel.  A little work on the wrapper, some PPG single stage paint, cleaning up the contacts on one of the relays and I was in business.  these machine have limited electronics as well, so less to break and much easier to fix.  No $1000 circuit boards to replace.  I welded around 3 feet of bead on 1/4" steel the other day and the fan on demand came on once for 30 seconds.  Did it without a hiccup.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArc If you are, I'd get a bigger machine. As far as steel goes, the MM211 can handle anything a DIYer home garageist can dish out for it!
Reply:Originally Posted by k45I'm probably not a typical "home garageist", but I am a new hobby welder but on a farm, wanting to build tractor and skid steer attachments.   How do you weld 1/4" steel to something heavy like a 1" bar with a 211?    I tried it the other night for a tractor hitch and never felt that I got the 1" bar hot enough for a good weld.  I have another project coming up where I probably will be welding 1/2" (or more) mild steel.  How can I do good solid welds with a 211?    Would a tombstone AC stick welder be a better choice for that type of welding? (Thinking of finding a used Lincoln 225.)Thanks,Ken