212 vs 252

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I've narrowed down my choice on the new welder to Miller.  I think I am going to get a 212.  I am wondering if the 252 is worth the extra $500.  Will I notice any difference between them.    I will not be welding thick metal all the time unless something big breaks on the farm and then I could make multiple passes with the 212.  I would get the 252 if it welds better.  The salesman at the LWS said on steel I wouldn't see any difference.   Any ideals? comments  I have welded with a small Lincon mig and I have not any experience with setting burn back,stitch and all the other functins.  I would appreciate any one who has experience with one or both welders.
Reply:its worth 500 more plus i like the digital meters and you can fine tunethe volts and wire speed
Reply:If you can afford the larger machine I will always suggest gettings it. I made the jump to a 250 class machine and am glad I did it, I have 100% duty cycle when I'm welding 1/4". I have the licoln 255c and if I ever want to run the spool gun I know my machine has the power to lay down some aluminum beads. Go with the larger machine if you can swing it, you wont regret it.If you cannot convince them, confuse them.         Harry S Truman
Reply:IT's worth the extra money.  Go for the big one.  If you think $500 difference is too much.  Show up with cash and talk 'em down a bit.My name's not Jim....
Reply:I've got them down as low as I can on the 252.  They won't go any lower.
Reply:Personally I would go with the 252 but if you don't need the extra power and features, the 212 is still a fine welder and will do well the things you have described you want to do with it.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Both are good machines. Go with the 252 if you can. I have the 251 and had the 210. The infinately varible adjustments are nice on the 252 but not a have to have deal. The extra power is going to come in handy sometime even though you may not think so now..............................."Look Good Doing It"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply:Well I went ahead and bought the 252.  So far I am happy with it.  It deffinately has way more power than my little Lincoln weldpac 100.  I have to get use to the variable adjustment.  I was welding 1/4 and had to increase the voltageup 1 volt and increase the wire speed to get good penatration.  I don't know if that was correct but it appeared to help.
Reply:Congrats on the new machine!  The chart on the door is usually fairly close on the settings.  I don't remember if the 252 has inductance control or not.  If it does, turn the inductance up to soften the arc and wet the puddle or turn it down to cool the puddle and stiffen the arc.  Typically on flat, run the inductance up.  For out of position, turn it down.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I'm sure the 252 does't have inductance control.  It has Run-In, Pre/Postflow, Burnback, Spot and Delay (Stitch)Timers.  Which I really don't know much of what it does or how to set it.
Reply:Run-in slows down the wire at the start for a smoother start.  25% works good on my 350P.Pre/Post-flow timers get the gas flowing a bit ahead of the arc and let if continue flowing a bit after you release the trigger.  Most of the time half sec pre and no post works fine on mine.Burnback adjusts the timing of the stopping the wire feed and stopping the arc.  I don't have Burnback on mine.   Turn it down if the wire is burning back into the tip or turn it up if it's sticking in the weld.Spot/Stich on-time/off-time is for doing a series of spot/tack welds.  Can be useful on long seams in sheetmetal.  My HTP has this but I haven't used the feature in ages.  You can do the same thing with your trigger finger while counting in your head, or let the machine time it for you.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:DesertRider33 Thanks for your suggestions on the settings.  When you fit up a butt weld do you normaly leave a gap in between or do you use a tight fit up.  When I use my small Lincoln on thick metal I would beveal the pieces alot to help.  When I was experimenting with the 252 I didn't beveal at all.  If I left a small gap I would get a deeper penetration.  If I left no gap it would only get about 1/2 the penetration.
Reply:If you want a tight fit-up with no gap, then bevel both pieces.  Otherwise, use a gap, or a gap and bevel.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op