Got A MIG Finally

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It has been a while since I posted on here. I took a welding 101 class at the local votech last winter. A month later I started welding at work for the window company I work for. Last weekend I picked up a Millermatic 210 on closeout. Tomorrow I get my gas and wire..Weeeeeeeeeee!!!   Just wanted to post and ask any tips or tricks with Miller's 210.Sincerely,Dan
Reply:.030" wire will do just about everything the machine will.  Get some with the C-25 gas mix and keep us posted!
Reply:Thanks for the heads up!I read the manual and some books. It seems that straight C02 gets better penetration than C25 and a little more splatter, but C25 has less spatter and less penetration. Just wondering what are the professional view is on this? I know that the regulator included can't run straight C02.Thanks,Dan
Reply:I like CO2 for general purpose.  It's cheaper and lasts a lot longer for the same size jug.  The extra spatter is (IMO) negligible on 16 ga. through 3/16" and still not that much (and knocks off easily) on thicker pieces.  Plus, you get the slightly better penetration when at the machine's top end.C-25 gas will make sheet metal (thinner than 18 ga.) a bit easier, and is about needed for 24 ga.Some have gotten away with the argon regulator on the CO2, but not me; I froze two of them.
Reply:You will love the 210.  I got a new one around january (first welder ) and completed a solid rear in my vette with a 4 link using it.  It welds great!  Here are some photos of my setup.  I would go with .030 wire and a C25 mixture.  When I got mine they gave me a .035 roll and its almost too much even for the larger stuff I am doing.  I did some welding during a class with .02X wire and it really was much nice....I will probably get some .02X in the future.  You can really get some good penetration with the machine.  Highest I have had the machine was 4 for the above project.  Best Times with 434 Naturally Aspirated Vette60 - 1.261/8 -  6.37@ 107.25 MPH 1/4 - 10.08 & 134.9MPH1/4 - 9.60@144MPH
Reply:What did you pick it up for? Was it a good deal on clearance? That's one of the ones I was looking at but saw they made the 212 to replace the 210. No idea what the difference is though. Heard nothing but good things about it!
Reply:As recommended go with an .030 wire as ma general purpose size. If you have an Airgas near-by, Radnor wire runs real well on the unit. I ve ran C-25 and CO² on the unit, and the C-25 is definitely the nicer of the two to run on the unit. I wouldn't worry about the penetration issue, C-25 does quite well, especially on this unit. My MM 210 is used to build farm machinery, if C-25 wasn't up to the task, After 6 years, I think I 'd know by now. Also, don't get stuck on that door chart  Miller provided as being the way to set the unit up. Joint design, position, input voltage, and brand of wire all have an influence on machine settings. Wire brand can have a major influence on this. Joint design, input voltage, and the postion of the joint can be the same, however change the brand of wire being used , and the different wire may require and healthy jump on the wire speed dial.
Reply:"Gol-ly"What a machine!!! I had to write my daughter's name for fun on a coupon at the 14 gauge setting. Then I got to work welding up a laptop mount for a friend. With a slow hand it did the job well at that setting doing 1/8" steel. Tonight I made some stake pockets for my trailer. Dang this is sweet!!Mac, I followed your suggestions. I picked up 33 pounds of .30 wire and C25 gas. I am a happy "welding" camper!! ski_dwn_it,  Nice welds and 4 link set-up!! Hammerhead,     I picked it up for $1279 plus tax. The local supplier wanted $1500 being the northwoods. As far as 212....I know the amp is up by 2, the drive rollers are set-up differently, and the handles are set so you hang the leads in the front. The new drive roller set-up is suppose to be less prone to birdnesting on the 212. I almost bought the older Millermatic DVI2, it was under $1200.Dan, I picked up paxill (sp) copper surface .30 wire. Yes I know after 6 years you would have found it if it did not work!! DanLast edited by xccelagator; 07-05-2007 at 01:21 AM.