Buying a Miller

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My wife gave me permission to pickup the millermatic 252 with part of our tax returns, however, I was wondering if there was something out there with the same amount of punch, but a lower duty cycle (to save some $$$).  I don't want to come down on available amps (tired of being underpowered), but I wouldn't mind losing some duty cycle as this is just for home/hobby use (I looked at the 210 and 211, but I want more the more amps of the 252).I still have to run a 220 line to my garage, and it is going to cost me some $$$ to do that due to the distance from the meter to my garage.  I figured if I can save a few bucks on the welder it will help pay for the service to the garage (I think I will run 150 Amps to the garage.  I hope in a month or two to get an 80 AMP Plasma cutter and upgrade my puny air compressor)
Reply:look for a used 251.  I have one and from what I can tell, there isn't much difference between it and the new 252.My name's not Jim....
Reply:I've got the 251 and there's one feature on the 252 that I wish I had. The 252 allows direct connection of a push / pull gun. Great for welding aluminum without having to deal with a spoolgun.Go for the 252. Many times in my life I've "settled" for a lesser item in order to save a few bucks, only to regret the decision later. I was in the exact situation you are in before I bought my 251. I thought I may get by with the 210. As you can see from my signature, I bought the 251, and boy am I glad I did.FWIW, I don't think you'll need 150 amps to your garage. I'm running my garage off of 100 amps, and I haven't had a problem, even running my Dialarc that specs an input service of 90 amps (I think). If you have more than one person welding at a time, then you might need more power.Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:i would go with the 252 if you want more go with the 350p after that youll need 3phasei have the 251 its a great machineLast edited by ed mac; 01-31-2010 at 09:06 PM.
Reply:You might want to consider the Thermal Arc Fabricator 251.  They always seem to be comparable to Millers but at a lesser price.
Reply:Originally Posted by bratkid63I've got the 251 and there's one feature on the 252 that I wish I had. The 252 allows direct connection of a push / pull gun. Great for welding aluminum without having to deal with a spoolgun.Go for the 252. Many times in my life I've "settled" for a lesser item in order to save a few bucks, only to regret the decision later. I was in the exact situation you are in before I bought my 251. I thought I may get by with the 210. As you can see from my signature, I bought the 251, and boy am I glad I did.FWIW, I don't think you'll need 150 amps to your garage. I'm running my garage off of 100 amps, and I haven't had a problem, even running my Dialarc that specs an input service of 90 amps (I think). If you have more than one person welding at a time, then you might need more power.
Reply:Take a look at the HTP MIG 2400, priced lower than the 252.  I bought a MIG200 from them many years ago and still have it and it's never given me a problem.www.htpweld.comMM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op