Millermatic DVI?????

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Any one know anything about the Millermatic DVI? Are they any good compared to the 210? I started out with a Lincoln 135 and relized it wasn't big enough for the projects I want to do. Now I need to mig weld 3/16, so I figure just go overkill. Should I get the DVI or the Millermatic 210? Thanks for your info ahead of time.
Reply:I havent used dvi, its the one with dual vvoltage input right?  Ok, I beleive its on par with the 175.  Probelm here is if you have trouble getting 230V its good, except it wont run the upper end.  So you still need the 230V if you want the thicker stuff.  inother words its good for somone who would do work with a 175 in the shop, and a 135 outside on thinner stuff.  the 210 is definately the way to  go...IF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:A friend of mine purchased a DVI.  It is a decent machine, took it out of the crate, put some wire in it and a bottle and set it per the specs on the case for 1/8" steel and laid down a perfect bead.  He has run it on 110 and also gotten good results, but, it doesnt have a particularly high amp output and it doesnt have the duty cycle of a 210 as far as I know.  If you are planning on doing a lot of welding I would suggest the 210.
Reply:Is this a good compromise machine for the auto hobbiest (sheet metal, hitches, brackets, bumpers, etc...)? I would think the flexibility (portability) offered by having either 115v or 230v options would be a plus. Looking at the specs in the '06 Miller book, the DVI and 210 are capable of the same single pass (3/8") performance. The one thing it doesn't touch is the 60% duty cycle of the 210. Any other thoughts?
Reply:Chris,  I think you are right for a someone who is a hobbiest you could make a go with DVI and like i said its handy when you cant get to 220, say you take machine to dads house, or to your friends.   Duty cycle I am not as worried about when your on the 220v as I am on hte 115, but you wont be welding bumpers with 115.   Some might try, but its foolish.     I think it depends, do you want to do a lot of the thicker or a little?IF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Right now, I'm in the middle of an old WW-II Jeep trailer restification. After that, I'll be moving on to my '71 CJ-5. After that... For my uses, up to 3/8 inch steel would be enough for about anything I would want/ need. However, I recognize the industrial qualities offered by the MM210. As a hobbiest, I know I won't be using it every day, but do want a machine that is up to the task when called upon. I'm just not sure if I need a MM210...
Reply:Originally Posted by chris insullRight now, I'm in the middle of an old WW-II Jeep trailer restification. After that, I'll be moving on to my '71 CJ-5. After that... For my uses, up to 3/8 inch steel would be enough for about anything I would want/ need. However, I recognize the industrial qualities offered by the MM210. As a hobbiest, I know I won't be using it every day, but do want a machine that is up to the task when called upon. I'm just not sure if I need a MM210...
Reply:That is a good point. The amp ranges are as follows: 115VAC= 30-135A range, 230VAC= 30-175A range. To me, it looks like a MM135 and MM175 (with higher rated output and thicker single pass performance) combined into one machine. So maybe the question could be reworded to ask: are folks satisfied with their MM135 and MM175 machines in a auto hobbiest setting?
Reply:The amp ranges are as follows: 115VAC= 30-135A range, 230VAC= 30-175A range. To me, it looks like a MM135 and MM175 (with higher rated output and thicker single pass performance) combined into one machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyFor your applications and what you posted earlier  I'd really think about the 210 if I were you.More money was my hold back originally but I wished I'd made that less of a priority now. Not that there is anything wrong with the 175 but the stats on a 210 are better and the low end is still down there with the 135, DVI and 175.
Reply:Sounds to me the 210 is the right way to go. Cost wise, it's about $400 more than the 175 and $220 above the DVI. Cost is a consideration, but I'd rather pay a bit more up front and not be looking to replace it in a year or two when I've outgrown it's capabilities.
Reply:I am really impressed with my new millermatic passport.If you are still undecided you should check the specs on the passport at the miller web site.It is my first mig done alot of stick years ago and wanted to try mig.I am very impressed with this machine it is 115 or 230 and goes from 30-180 it is an inverter type and far better flame characteristics than the dvi more like the 251.It weighs only 55lbs. with a full 8"spool of 030 wire in it.It also has a small internal tank of co2 inside good for about 25 feet of weld.Also hase soft arc button for stainless welding.Nobody moves nobody gets hurt(safety first)millematic passportmiller 375 plasmacutter
Reply:That passport really doing well...thats great to hear.   Im not in the market for a mig right now but thats a good thing to keep in mind.  Right now I think its the only one like it so I think its going to be a littl ehile before we can see any change in price...thats if it ever does.  This technoology thing lately been bigger better and more expensive...more bang for your buck, still more expensive....oh well the price we pay for our tools I guessIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:If theres one thing I can add about the decision process for a new welder wanting a MIG it this: If youre really serious about learning to MIG weld,and you want to actually make stuff thats "usefull"  at some point youre going to wish you had bought a bigger machine. 220v is the way to go IMHO."I need this parade like I need a hole in the head"~John F.Kennedy
Reply:... and I went with the DVI and am glad I did!!! I've burned everything from 16 gauge to 3/16ths (so far) and it works flawlessly. With the dual voltage capability, it's somewhat portable even though it weighs about 170 pounds. As a hobbiest, it will provide me with more than enough power to work on anything automotive, from sheet metal to frame repairs. Best part is I just watched my 9yo son run his first bead...    Now it's time to start some projects!!:
Reply:Chris, It's called contributing to the deliquency of a minor...and it's against the law.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Isnt it amazing how we preach to them about NOT playing with fire then we say "Here son, make some sparks!!"    And then we grin like a crazy man when they do it correctly."I need this parade like I need a hole in the head"~John F.Kennedy
Reply:Cracker, I know what you mean.I can't tell you how proud I was when my son (as a 6 year old) let out a perfect string of profanity at what was exactly an appropriate time, or when my daughter exicuted a perfect right cross on my son (who was acting like a jerk).  On both occasions, the pride of fatherhood was amost more than I could supress.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Originally Posted by smithboyChris, It's called contributing to the deliquency of a minor...and it's against the law.
Reply:I have the dvi and it has so far exceeded my expectations. I  like it's a good little garage machine. The only thing I did that I'm glad i did was upgrade the whip right away.
Reply:I bought a DVI when it first came out and I didn't have 220 yet. It welds fine on 110 but it performs better with the higher voltage. I haven't upgraded my gun but I plan to. All I can say about duty cycle is this. Most people will never exceed 60%. Even when I am all tacked and set up, I won't come close to the 40%. And I weld alot. So, the difference between 40 and 60 is only your peace of mind. This is an excellent machine for the money, and I notice alot of people on this site are welding with a 110 welder. This allows you to go to the heavier material when you need to. Some go to the hardware store and make an extention that will run from your dryer outlet to where ever you are welding.My two centsB