Miller 252 Vs 180

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I have used Miller 175, lincoln 125 ect.I find myself looking for a new welder. I will be doing small stuff at home, How would the 252 compare to the 180, 211 ect. I really like the digital controls, spot timer ect on the 252
Reply:The 252, besides being a much larger heavier shop machine, is in a completely different class of mig welder than the little 180 and 211.  It's like asking to compare a Ford Ranger to an F350.   Different machines, made for different needs.  If you have any need at all for portability, that eliminates the 252 from the choices.  If you have a need for dual-voltage power capability, that eliminates the 252 and 180 and leaves the 211.  If you have a need to weld 1/2" and thicker steel or 1/4" and thicker aluminum, that eliminates the 180 and 211.  First, decide what you need to do with the machine, then pick the one that fits your needs best.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I have to agree with DesertRider.You are comparing a $2000.00 machine to two sub $1000.00 machines. I would eliminate the 180 from your choices and decide between the MM211 and the MM252, but, that's just me.  That leaves you with 1. MM211:  portability and a little less capacity/duty cycle  or 2.  MM252:  stationary and bridge building capabilityIf you don't really need the extra power and capability of the MM252, you could buy the MM211 and spend the extra savings ($1000.00) on other toys.Last edited by joedirt1966; 05-02-2010 at 07:50 PM.Reason: Ooops:  I hit send before finished
Reply:i have the mm251 its a great welder and the dig.wire speed and volts are nice but like dr33 saidits for the shop only you can not run it of a generatoryou will need a 50 amp breaker (min.) for iti would go with the mm211
Reply:Thanks guys, actually the 175 was fine, I was just curious if the 252 did anything better then the smaller machines at the lower settings, (not that the smaller machines are slouches). The 175 was OK but not great. Plenty of power. thanks
Reply:I bought a used 252.
Reply:I picked up a lightly used MM 251, and I love that thing.  Soooooo nice.  I am just a hobby welder, but I feel good about my welds compared to the 110 v Lincoln I used to have.It isn't portable, but if anybody needs any welding done they will just have to bring their stuff to me.  In the future I may pick up a smaller unit again (if I need the portability..... which I don't right now), but I don't regret getting the larger machine. The Lord has declared, "This is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man"  Moses 1:39Link: My name is John, and I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.-- ColdCreekWorks.com --