Which machine...fabricater 181i or 211i

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I am looking to purchase a decent mig machine for the garage. I was pretty set on the 211i but now I'm thinking it might be overkill. I already have a lincoln ac 225 for thicker material. The reason im set on a TA or tweco(or esab) is the employee discount puts the 181i right in the hh140 price range. And the 211i about $200 more.   I'm not sure I will like the gun that comes on either of them. Is there a suitable replacement that takes regular tips and doesnt cost half the price of the machine?
Reply:Get the bigger machine,  means better duty cycle even if you only weld at 180 amps or lessTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Yep, bigger machine for me too.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Bigger is always better. You frequently hear guys saying they wish they bought a more powerful machine, or even people upgrading to a more powerful machine. I don't recall anyone ever complaining that their welder had too many amps.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:I have the 181, but its not my main welder. For portability the 181 is very nice. If your going to keep it on a cart the 211 is probably a better choice. Mine has the older weldskill gun which I like, but the newer ones use the fusion gun. Personally I think most of the negative feedback regarding the gun is a personal thing. I have used many styles and sizes of mig guns, and have yet to find one that is really bad. As far as consumables go, how many will you really use? Buy some extras in advance off the net and you should be set for years.
Reply:As above, and the 211i is dual voltage.Either one will give you DC stick capability which you may prefer over your AC 225.Until the end of the year, there's a $100. rebate on the 211i, plus a free helmet.http://www.weldersupply.com/P/605/Fa...iPartWFREESHIPOh, the 211i will take a 12" spool.Last edited by Oldendum; 12-12-2015 at 11:24 AM."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I have two 181i and a 252i .  Get the 211i the fusion gun is a good gun purity in Lansing stocks the tips and parts for the fusion gun , also maybe in Cadillac.  Oldest 181i is over four years old, newest is over two years old. Purity is a repair center .
Reply:Definitely the 211i, the 110V may come in handy,  but most of all, you will regret not having the extra top end someday. I put a Bernard q200 on mine off flebay for $100.Thermal Arc 210 - Tweco 211I - Cutmaster 52
Reply:Rebel?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I didnt realise the 181i wasn't dual voltage. That makes the choice easy. Originally Posted by GambleRebel?
Reply:You can turn that 211 down to 181... Honestly even for hobby/home stuff I'd say from years and years of welding stuff for my buddies "who have a welder" (135/150/180 machines, etc.) because they don't have enough power. Why buy a truck with the little V-6 when "I shoulda had a V-8!"Ryan
Reply:211 all the way. "Hey I didn't come to look and learn, I came to turn and burn.... If I can't light up, I'm gonna light out!"-JodyIdealarc 250 "Fatman"MM 252MM 211 "Little boy" Victor Torches
Reply:I have the thermal arc 211i, im sure its the same machine. I did not like it at first as I was used to lincoln transformer machines. After about two years, I love it and will stick with the brand. They have great customer service too(Victor technologies).  When I got mine it had a one year replacement warranty and three years warranty after that.
Reply:After a long debate inside my little brain, I decided on the 211i myself. I was set on the 252 but the cost difference and 115V capable sold the 211 for me when the 211 is all the power I need. I can get all the accessories for the 211 about the cost of the base 252. It was a no brainer.
Reply:211i, I really wanted the 252i but I wont run the machine all day long to justify the price difference. I am very happy with the 211i. It has a decent duty cycle.
Reply:So last night I ordered my 211. It's advertised as a two roll wire drive system. I thought it would be like the 252 with 2 geared rollers. Well I just watched a video and it looks like a single roller drive and a bearing on top. I'm sure it feeds fine but was thought the feed system was the same as 252 like it's advertised.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mercnuts211i, I really wanted the 252i but I wont run the machine all day long to justify the price difference. I am very happy with the 211i. It has a decent duty cycle.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mcm308Can you confirm my previous post on the wire feed? Is it single or dual drive rollers? ThanksMaybe the latest machines were upgraded to the geared drive rollers? I dunno..
Reply:Originally Posted by weldinONThe 141i-211i all have two roll, lower geared, upper idler drive stands. The 252i has the two roll, both geared drive stand. I believe the 252 comes with a flat upper roller that can also be changed out for knurled or U-groove. Extra "umph" for getting larger diameter wires through. I think it's just a misunderstanding with the terminology. People use 2-roll to differentiate between 2/4 roll drive stands as well as between 2 roll geared / 2 roll upper idler stands.
Reply:Just a heads up, I called Welder Supply to check on my order because I never got a ship notification. They are on backorder and wont be shipping them out until around the 29th. So you might miss out on the rebate. I cancelled my order and went to my LWS today and ordered through them.