Newb welder, Mig or Tig?

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Hey all,I'm new to welding and have little to no experience.  I had bought a Miller CST 280 about 6 years ago and wasn't getting the hang of it.  I had no guidance or clue as to what I was doing.  The stick welding was ok and I started getting the hang of that but the tig wasn't working out to well.  I made some half assed welds welding steel but was making a mess of aluminum.  I sold the unit about 2 years ago.  I'm looking for a welder that will be a do all hobby welder and will more than likely not see much use.  I've narrowed it down to 2 different welders and would like some input on both.  They both look very easy to setup.  I'm looking to do some sheet metal work, floor pans and cab corners.  I would like the ability to weld aluminum and think the spoolmate gun would be fine however I'm tempted by the tig unit.The units I'm considering are the Miller Diversion 165 and the Miller 211 with Autoset.Thanks for your input.-Destin
Reply:I'd suggest the MM211 over the Diversion for what it sounds like you want to do. The Diversion is really underpowered for all but the lightest alum and lacks the advanced functions of most tigs. Also it won't do stick, so it will be somewhat limiting.  The 211 if run on 220v power, will allow you to do thin steel to 3/8"  and will let you do 1/16" to 3/16" alum with a spoolgun and practice..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Thanks for the reply.  I really think the smart move would be the MM211.  I just wanted to make sure before I bought another unit.  There is a local technical college I've been thinking about attending after work for some time now.  Maybe I'll get around to taking a couple classes.Thanks,-Destin
Reply:i vote for DSW. for what you are wanting do the tig required would be at least twice the cost of the 211 with spool gun. on the other hand if money is not an object. with the tig you would have the option to stick weld also. but like DSW said 3/8" steel is easily doable with the 211. decisions are tough thats why i bought it all225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:I'd highly recomend a class. When you sit down and add up what it would cost you in materials, gas, wire/rod, electric and so on, not to mention the instruction, a class is stupid cheap usually. Also you usually have a chance to use machines that are out of most peoples starting buget. This gives you a good benchmark to evaluate lower quality machines.   One up side to having your own machine is that you can spend time at home doing the repetitive practice and concentrate class time on problems or learning new stuff..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Went with a Miller 211.  I picked it up for $977 plus tax.  Roughly the same price as online and it's about 10 miles down the road.  Comes with a 3 year warranty which they service at a sister store right next to them.  Just pulled it out of the box.  I'll try to get some time on it this weekend.The sales guy sold me .023 wire.  He said that would be the best for sheet metal work.  Is that the case or should I take it back and exchange it for some .030?  I gauged the sheet metal I want to practice on and it's 18g.  The gas is a mix, 25% c02 and 75% argon.Thanks,-Destin
Reply:Just burn the .023 wire, it will be just about right.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:I know you are new to this but don't worry, .024 should just be part of your arsenal.I keep .023, .035, and .045 on hand. I weld for a living and the 211 is one of my personal machines and it impresses the hell out of me. As your skill level grows, you'll find yourself working on a broader spectrum of metal thicknesses (and types). I'm not saying you should go out and buy other wire right away but you'll find yourself needing this stuff eventually.Don't rely on the autoset feature all the time. use the recommended settings on the inside cover of the machine as a baseline and work em'... Experiment with the settings to note how small changes will influence bead shape, profile, and penetration.If a class is out of the question, check out your local book store and pick up some literature. It will help you tremendously.Post some pics and keep us informed on your progress. We here in this forum will be glad to help you along as well.Good luck, and have fun!Measure twice, cut once.Millermatic 211Millermatic 251Miller Dynasty 200DXESAB O/A Set-up