About to buy 211, now thinking 215

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TIG is a skill I want to eventually learn.   I was just about to hit the BUY button on a 211 when I saw the 215.Is there anything a 211 can do that the 215 can't?
Reply:I just went from a 211 to a 215, I'm a novice and wanted to learn Tig,  The 215 is a better machine for mig so far,  I'm still learning tig and the bonus is the 215 is a stick also.  The 215 can do a lot more with the control panel settings, that I have not learned yet.  JMHO
Reply:

Originally Posted by Bob-O

I just went from a 211 to a 215, I'm a novice and wanted to learn Tig,  The 215 is a better machine for mig so far,  I'm still learning tig and the bonus is the 215 is a stick also.  The 215 can do a lot more with the control panel settings, that I have not learned yet.  JMHO
Reply:Just be aware that on the 215, the TIG is DC TIG only, which for all intents means you can't weld aluminum. You can weld ferrous metals (mild steel, stainless, high carbon, etc.). Yes there are some people who try to weld aluminum with DC TIG using pure helium, but that is not a great workaround. Just assume a 215 is only going to TIG weld ferrous metals. For a lot of people that is more than enough. But if TIG welding aluminum is an absolute must, buy the 211, and put the savings towards a dedicated AC/DC TIG welder. or step up to the Multimatic 220Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:The only downside on either the 211 or 215 to me is the 8" wire spool vs the 12" on bigger machines. I would go for the 215 if the bigger spools are a non issue.
Reply:This article may help in deciding.https://inboxq.com/miller-211-vs-215/I would buy local and get a package deal with a tank and accessories. Many suppliers will match online pricing. Buying a tank of 75/25 from a supplier, can save frustrating shopping later. Tank exchanges can be a problem since many suppliers have their own policies.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:

Originally Posted by Louie1961

Just be aware that on the 215, the TIG is DC TIG only
Reply:

Originally Posted by BD1

Buying a tank of 75/25 from a supplier, can save frustrating shopping later. Tank exchanges can be a problem since many suppliers have their own policies.
Reply:Well, I still like the display and finer controls on the 215.  Not being able to do aluminum is a hit, but stainless exhaust and body sheet metal would still be a plus.  Much to think about I have.  The 220 is nice, but a bit out of my price range.
Reply:The 211 is a fine machine. A DC tig is an exercise in frustration. Buy the 211, then save your money to buy a real tig machine with a minimum of 250 amos and A/C. I rarely TIG steel, sometimes tig SS, and tig aluminium frequently.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Bonemaro

Well, I still like the display and finer controls on the 215.  Not being able to do aluminum is a hit, but stainless exhaust and body sheet metal would still be a plus.  Much to think about I have.  The 220 is nice, but a bit out of my price range.
Reply:

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

You could add a spool gun to either the MM211 or MM215 which would give you MIG aluminum capability...so that's something.  Or, go with a 211 and something like a Primeweld 225X to add AC/DC TIG capability and be well under the MM220 price.
Reply:I thought the 220 was the ac tig multi process machine.For that kinda money I'd get either a 235 or 255.I did i bought the 235 its so bad *** it welds itself

I dont know what 211 can tig aluminum if anywhere near the 215 price point id assume it can't. Guess I better go research what your talking about.Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Reply:You do get a stick welder with the 215.  Could be an faster option  rather than changing wire. At 200 buck difference, why is the 211 an option?  Not a real fan of multiprocess machines, but at the price difference I would do the 215.  Sometimes folk just want to burn stick after stick on practice coupons.  You can get your feet wet with tig using the machine.  I use a DC lift arc tig 99 percent of the time with a HTP 221 sitting in my shop collecting dust.Last edited by tapwelder; 03-17-2021 at 11:03 AM.
Reply:

Originally Posted by tapwelder

You do get a stick welder with the 215.  Could be an faster option  rather than changing wire. At 200 buck difference, why is the 211 an option?  Not a real fan of multiprocess machines, but at the price difference I would do the 215.  Sometimes folk just want to burn stick after stick on practice coupons.  You can get your feet wet with tig using the machine.  I use a DC lift arc tig 99 percent of the time with a HTP 221 sitting in my shop collecting dust.
Reply:Yeah.  I'm still considering the 215.  Even if I don't TIG with it, it's  only $250 more and I really like having the voltage and speed on the  display.
Reply:

Originally Posted by evan

I thought the 220 was the ac tig multi process machine.
Reply:Then whats this entire thread about?Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Reply:

Originally Posted by evan

Then whats this entire thread about?Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Reply:Yeah,  one of those descriptions had a typo and was confusing.Here is a review/comparison.  Basically same info shared here.https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...=1616079010377
Reply:Who has the best prices going these days?   Bakersgas?
Reply:probably cyberweld, weldingsupply.com or weldingsuppliesfromioc.comMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:

Originally Posted by evan

Then whats this entire thread about?Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Reply:Yes, and to add to the confusion, now I have to find a decent tungsten grinder.
Reply:You can do sheet metal with mig.  Much more convenient out of position.  Forget the tungsten grinder.  Replace the pedal with a torch control.

Originally Posted by tapwelder

You can do sheet metal with mig.  Much more convenient out of position.  Forget the tungsten grinder.  Replace the pedal with a torch control.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Bonemaro

Yes, and to add to the confusion, now I have to find a decent tungsten grinder.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Bonemaro

Yes, and to add to the confusion, now I have to find a decent tungsten grinder.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Bonemaro

Yes, and to add to the confusion, now I have to find a decent tungsten grinder.
Reply:I typically sharpen my blob away.  Saves tungsten.  The sharpener requires no blob.  Even the cutter wont accept the blobs I can create.  I have had 2 grinders. By southtech.  One was 25 bucks.  The other was free with a machine.  Sold the 25 buck one.  Hesitant to sale the free one since there might be a time when it ia needed.  I just can not identify the circumstance where it will be useful.