migmax 215 failures?

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so now that the Vulcans have been out for a while, anybody hear of any broken machines?  I haven't been able to find anything on line. i'm just curious. I have a migmax 215 that i'm perfectly happy with.
Reply:I have not seen anything related to failures either.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:... and this, Welding Web's HF section, is where any problems would likely first appear online.When I first arrived 10 years ago I joined others who couldn't get the blue 90A-AC welder to work right. Many others were asking the same questions. And a whole lot of those welders were turning up on Ebay as "open box - tried it, never used it."We're not seeing any frustrated new owners here now, ever since the black welders and now the Vulcans and Titaniums. This is a good sign.(Turned out one batch of those late-90's blue welders came with bad flux wire back then, that not even a pro could make work. Same welder a year later was ok and this forum calmed down to infrequent posts).HF MIG-180 with all the mods.Grizzly H8153 Stick/Tig Pulse 130/160.Wards PowrKraft AC-230. Stick & carbon arc.
Reply:I've considered buying one too, but just haven't pulled the trigger.  I watched Ave's video last year where he was very impressed with it, as well as other videos. If there are problems with them I expect to see it discussed here or on the Garage Journal HF pass/fail thread.  I've seen no significant negative comments on it.  The main concern is the ever present sustainability question - will there be parts and support for it years down the road....  I have a Lincoln SP135 plus MIG and a big Lincoln Idealarc 250/250 stick machine, so I'm not in serious need, but I'd still like one.  It is an impressive machine for the price.Home tinkerer and old tool junkie
Reply:I love mine, getting near a year of trouble free operation, and plenty of wire spools spent. I think it’s been a great value, and hopefully it will continue to give me many more.-Mark SmithMiller Bobcat 250Vulcan ProTig200Vulcan MigMax215Everlast PowerArc 210STLHypertherm PowerMax45 Xp
Reply:

Originally Posted by ndnchf

I've considered buying one too, but just haven't pulled the trigger.  I watched Ave's video last year where he was very impressed with it, as well as other videos. If there are problems with them I expect to see it discussed here or on the Garage Journal HF pass/fail thread.  I've seen no significant negative comments on it.  The main concern is the ever present sustainability question - will there be parts and support for it years down the road....  I have a Lincoln SP135 plus MIG and a big Lincoln Idealarc 250/250 stick machine, so I'm not in serious need, but I'd still like one.  It is an impressive machine for the price.
Reply:I expected them to drop the warranty, they likely knew they were going to take it in the butt by all the "tool renters" on that one, but did it to get the word out that they were quality units.  I haven't heard of any major failures either, but we all know the first taste is the "good stuff" and then quality is usually all downhill from there.  It would be really nice if they kept the quality and features up, they could snag a huge slice of the market.  Imagine if in ten years vulcans are regarded as first class, albeit "budget" machines.  Think hobart (coincidence they went with the orange?  intent hiding in plain sight!).  As always just my opinion that is worth exactly what I charged to spew it.
Reply:I saw this coupon on the HF coupon site.  It would bring the MIGMAX 215 price down to $675.  Tempting....

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Home tinkerer and old tool junkie
Reply:

Originally Posted by ndnchf

I saw this coupon on the HF coupon site.  It would bring the MIGMAX 215 price down to $675.  Tempting....
Reply:That coupon is great news!It is really good to see this HF forum has no complaints about recent models. Looks like HF's quality has joined the world of quality equipment.HF MIG-180 with all the mods.Grizzly H8153 Stick/Tig Pulse 130/160.Wards PowrKraft AC-230. Stick & carbon arc.
Reply:

Originally Posted by 455dan

Seems like everybody likes the mig max 215 that have bought them. just not crazy about HF recently cutting the warranty down  to 90 days.
Reply:I came very close to buying a MIGMAX 215, but last night I went in a different direction.  After a lot of research I bought a new Hobart MVP 210.  Northern Tool had it on sale for $829.  They also offer a military discount that brought it down to $746.  For that price, I got a made in USA welder with solid warrantee, easy parts availability and service if needed, all at a very competitive price.  I set it up last night and gave it a test - very sweet.  A big step up from my Lincoln SP135 Plus. I have nothing against the MIGMAX 215 and still think its a great welder for the price.  But I'm quite satisfied with my choice.Home tinkerer and old tool junkie
Reply:I came very close to buying a MIGMAX 215, but last night I went in a different direction. After a lot of research I bought a new Hobart MVP 210.Yeah,  if some tractor and other expenses hadn't come up and For about the money of the  Mig Max  and nothing against it, locally I would be buying this lightly used PowerMig 215https://spokane.craigslist.org/tls/d...981098772.html200lb of Lincoln transformer with a heavy duty drive and contactor plus parts availability just no 120VAC option and not very portable due to weight.      Pretty good deal for someone near Spokane WA. also includes a Miller classic hood and a new 33lb of .035 wire, if someone is looking around eastern WashingtonCongrats on the Hobart Should serve you well. It will be interesting to see how the Mig Max's have held up at  5+ years.Last edited by 455dan; 10-03-2019 at 12:05 PM.1962 Idealarc Tig  300 300 1974 Idealarc Tig  300 300  ( till owner needs it back) 1988 Power Mig 150 (.112 f cap mod) 2015  Lotos Ltpdc2000d plasma/arc/tig    Victor 100 torch, 200- 210 Oxy/Acet gauges