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So, I am researching getting a welder and based on the countless threads I have read here and elsewhere, this question gets asked a lot, but it seems there is not a definite answer.What I do know.Most of my work will be on materials less than 3/16, but occasionally I will need to do 1/4 and maybe 5/16"I will be doing some aluminum so I will want to either have that capability or be able to add it.I have 220 in my garage and want to take advantage of that.Types of projects in process or coming up - rebuild 1965 mustang - structural and body repairSolid Axle Swap in 2500HDRebuilding 24 foot boat trailerMake outdrive stand for outdrive on boat.Who knows what else will come up.I know I don't want a machine that is too small and I don't want to feel the need to have to upgrade in the near future if at all.I don't want to buy a cheap unit only to have to replace it.I don't want to waste money on a tool that is so much more than I need that I will never use it.What started all this? The trailer I am rebuilding and the need for some welding followed by an email from TSC with some deals on smaller Hobart units.If the funds allowed without consideration I would get the MM211 in a heartbeat. But to spend that kind of money I need to know why I am spending 20% over another model with the same or similar specs.Buying a $350 125 amp welder is easy to justify. Buying something in the 600-700 range is still justifiable as it won't take me long to recoup.Spending $900 to meet my needs for thicker material can be done.$1150 for MM211 is getting to the top of the budget.I haven't checked in with my LWS, but I will be doing that before final purchase.At this point, the 3 finalists are as follows:HH210 with spool gun for $899 at Northern ToolHH210 MVP with dual voltage for $899 at Tractor Supply.MM211 - several online place ranging from $1050 to $1200. $75 rebate on top of that.Any tips, hints or guidance are appreciated. I know this question gets asked a lot with different parameters so I appreciate your understanding.
Reply:After going through what you are, I got a used Millermatic 200. You can get one fairly cheap and the machines were made when Miller had less economic regulation over what they built. I got mine on EBay for $299. It came with a Spoolmatic gun for aluminum AND the optional spot panel. The thing was a total rat, but the insides where spotless. The Spoolmatic had 1 broken wire in the connector. I spent around $70 on paint and decals, and had a shipload of fun fixing it. These earlier machine have very little in the way of electronics in them, so there's less to break and they're much easier to fix than newer models. They also were rated differently. Mines rated at 200 A @ 60% duty cycle. 250 @ 40 and 280 @ 20%. The newer MM250 has the same duty rating, they just marketed it at the 40% duty cycle amp rating. Kinda like the Diversion 180 that has a ridiculously low duty cycle at max amps (I think 15-20%). Reminds me of when Chevy underrated the L88 427 to keep the general public from buying them. They advertised it at 430 hp @4000 rpm. The tripower motor was advertised at 435 hp at the higher rpm rating. The L88 made around 550 hp at 7000 rpm.Ive used many 110 migs and some 220's before, but my machine has a buttery arc that I wouldnt trade. I will post before and after pics of my rebuild if anyone cares.Last edited by Drf255; 09-16-2011 at 06:37 AM.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Drf,thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts. I will definitely explore that option as well.
Reply:I have the HH210 and it's been a fantastic machine for home/hobby use. I've never had it shut down, I've had no thermal issues (some of the 110 machines would constantly kick the thermal overload and it was a battle to get anything done). The arc quality is quite good and the machine just welds... I've done some thin stuff, lots of roll cage tubing and it's even welded a 1/2" plate steel mount for a trailer sway control attachment (it was opened up with a gap and welded in two passes, one from each side and did a beautiful job). I tried the spool gun and didn't have much luck with it, but that may be more of a reflection of me and not the gun. There are better machines out there, but the HH210 is a very solid performer and it's been perfectly reliable since I purchased it (in 2008 as I remember).I've not used the MVP model, but if it welds as well as the HH210 (on 220v) and has the option of 110v operation at reduced output, that should be a fantastic machine. I'd surely give it serious consideration.KevinHobart Handler 210Tweco Fabricator 181iLincoln Squarewave Tig 175
Reply:I recently picked up a MM211AS with spool. I haven't tried the spool yet, but I've burned up a 1lb roll of .023 and a roll of .035 in it. I love it.I've used it on similar jobs to what you describe: replacement 22 ga. sheetmetal panels on a rallycross car, Filling in holes, fixing some roll cage mistakes, some 1/4" and 1/8" structural type welds (I'll go run t-joints to relax sometimes). I think it's a great welder. The cart that comes with it is junk, that's my only regret, but a junk cart just gives me more welding opportunities, so it's a pretty minor regret.I've also tried the autoset feature with .030 and .035 wire and it works pretty well. There have been a few times when I took it off autoset, but most of the time it works well. I use it on 230v when I can reach the outlet, but have had better luck using 110v for thin gauge sheetmetal. Apparently Miller even recommends this due to changes with arc characteristics at lower voltage. regards,MM 211 Autoset w/ Spoolmate |
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发表于 2021-8-31 23:23:34