Millermatic 211 Purchasing Help

[BXpanded]

I started this thread on another forum, but would like to post over here for some additional help/advise.

So I convinced myself I NEED a welder and now I've convinced myself I NEED to spend 3 times more than my original budget, but although I think I want a 211, I'm still open to suggestions.

My biggest question is why they would go with a 115V / 230V. With the standard being 110/220 why would they add the extra couple V's? I have a couple 220 and plenty of 110's, but with it being a 115 and a 230 would I need to put in a new breaker for 230V? Not a huge deal or anything, just more a pain for them not making it the standard.

Thanks!

I'm pretty sure the US standard voltages are 115, 230 and 460. (If I say I'm sure, someone will come along with an argument!) The power companies will only agree to plus or minus 10% of the nominal. The 230v from the power company for instance, can be as low as 207v, or as high as 253v. Depends on distances and local loads. All the same to the machine and the breakers. They're designed to handle the variation. I've seen 460v 3 phase systems run as high as 503v. The power company likes the higher voltage as the sell you more kWs.
Can't comment on the Miller 211, but our 252s are top notch and 100% reliable.

 

[JimRB]

Voltage depends on the transformer. My house is reading 122.5 on a 240/120 service. At work we had 120/208 three phase. I cannot remember the higher voltage stuff. http://www.ahmetkucuker.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Three-Phase_Circuits.pdf
Oh, my post was that in the US in residential single phase the goal is 120/240v. Single-phase power systems : POLYPHASE AC CIRCUITS

 

[Martian]

Thanks for the education guys, I guess the volts isn't as big of a deal as I'd though, as long as it's close, of course.

 

[yandeereguy]

South Park in Port Huron is selling the 211 cheaper than what I've been able to find used..I'm about to buy a MIG machine and I've decided on the 211, it does everything I need and not being limited to 220 power as the 212 would be... were talking an extra 400.. for the 212 and not much more machine

 

[Martian]

South Park in Port Huron is selling the 211 cheaper than what I've been able to find used..I'm about to buy a MIG machine and I've decided on the 211, it does everything I need and not being limited to 220 power as the 212 would be... were talking an extra 400.. for the 212 and not much more machine

My thoughts exactly. The 212 just wasn't enough more of a machine and the 211 is probably more machine than I need anyway.

Port Huron's not to far. How much are they asking? Cheapest I've seen is $1,075 at Cyberweld.

 

[mx842]

Man, I was in the same boat awhile back when I was thinking about upgrading my little mig welder. I have a dynasty 300 tig machine and I used it for all my alum welding but have future plans of maybe expanding my welding capabilities if I ever get my pole barn shop finished.

A tree smashed through a storage shed and smashed my little weld pac 110 so I could justify replacing it. I started looking at welders and the 211 was on the top of my list. I have a couple buddies that have the 185 machines and they were happy with them but wished they had something a little larger. That seems to be the way most tools are you settle for basic but always find the need for something a little larger shortly after you buy something.

I researched for weeks and was almost sure the 211 would be enough but finally just before I pulled the trigger I started looking at spool guns. I never liked the SpoolMate 100 and wanted something a little better and before I knew it I had jumped right past the 212 and all the way up to the 252 that was packaged with all the good heavy duty torches, cart, regulators. I already had one big tank that I used for the tig machine so I didn't have to get but 1 extra tank for mixed gas that I could switch back and forth from machine to machine. I started out looking at spending around $2000.00 and ended up spending $4000.00. That's what happens to most of my other projects so I guess my toys should be no different.

 

[Reg]

Probably not what you what to hear if you have already set your mind on this particular brand name, but if I had NO welders and was buying ONE rig I would be looking very seriously at the Thermal Arc 181i - a little over $800 for stick, Mig and lift TIG.

Err, despite the welders that I already have,,,, I am looking "quite" seriously at Thermal Arc 181i - and/or 252i

OK, that said expect brand name loyalists from the red and yellow welder camps to vigorously defend their choices (-:

PS
I have a TA plasma cutter and have been very impressed with it.

 

[yandeereguy]

I think it was under a grand If I'm not mistaken for the 211, I've been around welding and fab shops for 20 years and would'nt touch any machine other than a miller or lincoln.. The lincoln just for the LN-25 and submerged arc, and Absolutely Miller for a Mig machine, or dimension
Of course I can't forget Esab they're plasma's cut better than any other plasma I've used... right through 6 inch like butter with absolutely no slag (on bug-O tracks)

 

[Bladehauler]

It sounds like your well on your way ! personally I would print out the deal you have online and then go down to my local welding supply ( gonna have to deal with them for consumables anyway ) and see if they can come close to your deal ! on a side note I would definitely get your bottle from them because alot of places dont fill anything but their own.

I have two Hobart migs with a plasma and a tig on my wishlist !

Good Luck !!

C-ya
Scott

 

[Martian]

I went ahead and purchased the 211 tonight with:

Miller Welding Helmet
Miller Welding Gloves
Miller Welding Jacket
Miller Welder Cover
50' Extension Cord
6x8 Heavy Duty Welding Blanket

Spent WAAY more than I wanted to, but I think I'll enjoy it.

I do plan on purchasing all consumables locally, but I did a lot of shopping across the internet, and I got the lowest price I could find with no tax/free shipping. So I'm happy.