Millermatic 211 or Diversion 180

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So I've been lurking on here for awhile and I'd like to say this forum is a very positive and great resource. I had some questions about my first welder. I've taken two classes at a JC. My first class was half O/A welding half tig and the second class was all tig. So I have two semesters of using a welding practice with filler rod in my opposite hand. That's why I like the idea of the Diversion 180.But I've also read the MM 211 is a very versatile and great machine to have as your first welder. What are any advantageous of the MIG over TIG? I'm going to be using this in a 110/120V standard outlet situation for at least awhile. Not sure if this is going to effect one more over the other or both equally.I would be primarily using it for automotive stuff. Besides a couple first few projects like a welding table, cart, small hobby furniture ideas I want to use it for patch panels, subframe reinforcement, fixing some SS headers that I bought, and eventually way down the line get into roll cages. The main advantages I see with MIG are price and being able to weld on a less clean/prepped surface. TIG advantadges would be of course a better looking bead, heat control, overall more control, and I already know the basics of how to TIG.Thanks for any advice, obviously I'm a noob so disregard anything that may look like I know what I'm talking about.
Reply:They each have their place. I'd choose mig for sheet metal body work and heavier stuff like bumpers, ladder racks and so on. Tig I'd choose for stainless and alum work, intercooler pipes, some exhaust and cages. All depends exactly what sort of work you plan to do.The MM211 is a good all round machine for a starter. It will work on both 110v/220v, but you get the most on 220v. I'm not a big fan of the Diversion's. I feel you give up too much and don't get enough in return. I'd spend just a bit more and go with the Syncrowave 200. You get more adjustments and control as well as the ability to run stick for heavy stuff if needed. The down side is it's a bit bulky and is 220v only. The Diversion 180 is 110v/220v, but you don't get any advanced features and give up the stick capability. The Diversion 165 is 220v only IIRC andis underpowered if you want to do alum on top of all the down sides of the 180.I have both. My 220v mig is my go to machine for 85% of my welding. I bought the Syncrowave 200 for alum and stainless work and use that about 10% of the time for tig and 5% of the time on stick when weather conditions are not conducive to running mig outside..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, yeah I figure I will end up with both a MIG and TIG in the long run. What kind of projects are you using stick for? I didn't get into that much while in class.
Reply:I run stick fixing my plow and a few other equipment and contracting related things. Usually because it's hard to get them as clean as I'd like to run mig, and often I have to do the repairs in bad weather. I'm also limited in my interior "shop" space and usually have to work outside. If the weather is bad or windy it's often too much hassle to set up a tent or wind break to run mig. If it needs to be fixed NOW, I'll run stick. I could probably run FC, but then I'd have to pull the wire in the mig, flip the polarity and so on. It's just easier to connect the stick lead to the syncrowave, flip the switch and start welding..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:Originally Posted by DSWI run stick fixing my plow and a few other equipment and contracting related things. Usually because it's hard to get them as clean as I'd like to run mig, and often I have to do the repairs in bad weather. I'm also limited in my interior "shop" space and usually have to work outside. If the weather is bad or windy it's often too much hassle to set up a tent or wind break to run mig. If it needs to be fixed NOW, I'll run stick. I could probably run FC, but then I'd have to pull the wire in the mig, flip the polarity and so on. It's just easier to connect the stick lead to the syncrowave, flip the switch and start welding.
Reply:Granted I just got my 211, but I truly feel that these two machines compliment each other very well. Although Ive got the 165 I love it. I know, I know you cant run stick on a Diversion but in the 4 years Ive owned my Maxstar 200 SD its never been used as a stick welder, only TIG. It was also mentioned about removing parts to be able to TIG on them. I tend to disagree with them, I say get good with a TIG challenge yourself. Ever seen a roll cage or a chassis being built in a real race car? You dont have the option of removing parts, and its completely doable. I learned to Gas Weld and TIG long before I ever touched a MIG, so admittedly I get a little bored when I MIG. Attached Images
Reply:So in addition to the maxster you have a MM211 and a DV165? Are you happy with the 165, any reason you would've wanted the DV 180 instead? The only advantage I saw myself was the 110v adaptability.
Reply:Pink, I have owned a MM211 for two years, and have nothing but great things to say about it.  Its my go-to welder.  For stainless or stick welding, I use a Maxstar 150, which I got after the mig.  Good luck!Miller 211 MIGMiller 375 Extreme Plasma CutterMiller Maxstar 150 STL TIGOxy-Acetylene torch
Reply:Originally Posted by PinkSo in addition to the maxster you have a MM211 and a DV165? Are you happy with the 165, any reason you would've wanted the DV 180 instead? The only advantage I saw myself was the 110v adaptability.
Reply:Originally Posted by Pink I'm going to be using this in a 110/120V standard outlet situation for at least awhile. Not sure if this is going to effect one more over the other or both equally.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1You will still be limited by the 120v Input power but there isn't a 120v Tig machine that does AC- at least I can't think of any-
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWEd both the Diversion 180 and Dynasty 200 will do AC tig on 115v, however you will be very limited. The Dimension 180 lists 60  amps @100% duty cycle and 125 amps @ 35%. The Dynasty 100 amp @ 100% and 140 amp @ 40%. Neither will run at max on a 20 amp outlet however. The Div 180 needs almost 27 amps on 115v to get that 125 amp output and the Dynasty almost 30 amps to do 140 amp output. Not something you can do on standard household outlets. If you are going to the bother of installing a 30 amp 115v outlet, why not just go 220v and have more power available.Even if you did get your max output on a 115v line, you'd get 3/32" alum at the very best ( more likely 1/16" ) from the Div 180 and 1/8" solidly from the Dynasty. On a 20 amp line you'd get even less.
Reply:Yeah the 120v is limiting, but I'm in a rental situation so installation of a 220 may not be in the landlords priorities. A used 120v to 'get me by' is probably a "smart" idea.So with aluminum out of the picture both machines are pretty much capable of the same thickness of steel at 120v it seems. It pretty much comes down to ease of use and versatility of the MIG vs everything already listed for the TIG.The DV 180 is $1742.00 shipped, no tax from cyberweld, seems like a pretty good deal or?
Reply:yer in Los Angeles?How long are you in the rental?Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:It's a good spot, no real need to move anytime soon. I live in South Pas.
Reply:Originally Posted by PinkThe DV 180 is $1742.00 shipped, no tax from cyberweld, seems like a pretty good deal or?
Reply:Lincoln 120v Mighttp://orangecounty.craigslist.org/tls/2316210950.htmlEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by PinkYeah the 120v is limiting, but I'm in a rental situation so installation of a 220 may not be in the landlords priorities. A used 120v to 'get me by' is probably a "smart" idea.So with aluminum out of the picture both machines are pretty much capable of the same thickness of steel at 120v it seems. It pretty much comes down to ease of use and versatility of the MIG vs everything already listed for the TIG.The DV 180 is $1742.00 shipped, no tax from cyberweld, seems like a pretty good deal or?