Millermatic 251 - advise pls

[Interlaux]

Hello! my first post here! THANKS to all ya'all Great posts here! have learned soooo much about welding - Me well, I'm a true welding hack who bought a 110V wire feed in 2002 and started to build light gauge stuff. I'm ready to move on so would you please advise?
:newhere:
Spoke with a good sounding local CL man about a 251 for $1k today. Picture looks good and I'm going to look at it Saturday.

So I'm asking:

$1k seems like a good price. Is it?

Of course condition is important. Anything in particular to look for on these to tell if they are high hour or need some high dollar consumable or weak by design part/repair?

Like I said all ya'all experts rock:thumbsup::cool2:

 

[redharley]

I use one at my work doing heavy truck-trailer repair.has worked well for us.Normal wear and tear items are replaced by times other than that it works when called on. You should stated what kind of use you will be doing with this machine. Will you be just using at home for small projects or do you have some major stuff planned? Since you now have a 110 machine maybe a smaller 220 30 amp machine would do,which you could pick up new for $600 - 800 with a full warr. and you know how it was used. I would definitly want to weld with a machine I was paying a $1,000 for or know some history or the owner before laying out the cash. Just my thought's

 

[Interlaux]

Thanks for your thoughts Red.

It will be for fab work to make tractor toys. I want tough toys. Our first attempt was old snaggle tooth who is in hospital now - I've posted a pick of her resting. Poor old snaggle tooth
It wernt the welders fault - my son and a Lincoln SA200 - He can really weld but he has been on 7 12's which limits his time and the 200 wont start and needs a board. I have REALLY tried to learn SMAC but just love wire feed. I want some penetration.
The CL guy even put 'can try at location' in the add so I could try it but have no idea what to look for besides nice feed speed and a spark.
I know its a high end item and trust me I'm fugal but the 251 should keep its value right?

 

[Agrantina]

I have a 210 miller and LOVE it. I have had it about 10 years with very little issues. Good machine, I beleive if it is good shape 1k is not bad.. Check the rollers-- wife feed roller and gun if that is in good shape then yes I think its worth the money. I have used my on heavy light and metal.. Buy in my book:thumbsup:

AndyG

 

[Jeepnford]

I have a 251 and think it's the perfect machine for what I do. Brand new they were almost $2,000. If you can weld with it before buying and it works it's likely OK. Does the tank come with it? Other than tips I think rollers would be the other "wear" item.

 

[Jim in ICT]

I bought a MM 251 at auction this summer for $1,300.00. Along with the welder, I got a 300 size cylinder of AR/CO2 mix, 30 lb. roll of .035" S6 wire and 110 ft. of input power extension cord. Had it bought for $1,200.00 until the auctioneer held things up. I replaced a MM 175 (220V) with the 251 and there is a ton of difference.
Tack up a couple a 5/16" or 3/8" test strips to take with you for a weld test. Look inside the cabinet for the wire size that's loaded in the machine and match that up with the settings listed on the inside of the cabinet door. The settings are just a guideline, and everyone welds a bit differently, but you should get an idea from that. Look for signs of abuse vs. normal wear and tear.
If you like what you see, hit him with an offer of $850.00 and hope he counters with something that you both can live with. Flash some cash in big bills and have a buddy go along with a pocket full of twentys that you can "borrow" if needed. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Interlaux]

Jeep and Jim - thanks so much
Jim - my family is from Abilene - I really like to spend time in Wichita
Guys this is what I needed to hear! I plan on having fun with this - Thank God for whatever the outcome

 

[4shorts]

Not sure if I qualify as an expert BUT I owned a Millermatic 251 for four years and just loved the machine. I used it here at my shop almost on a daily basis and it did everything from automotive repairs including exhaust systems to excavator buckets. Yes it's that versatile and VERY reliable.

The 251 will give you many trouble free hours of welding with out a doubt. The only thing I replaced on mine was the inner liner for the wire feed that cost only $20. I did it only as a preventive maintenance item and didn't see any difference after replacing it and it took only 15 minutes to replace.

I replaced my MM 251 this past summer only because I have a company that buys my used gear and the 251 was part of a new machine program that I had in place. The 251 have been discontinued by Miller and replaced with the Millermatic 252. They say the 252 has better cold starts but I don't see any difference in the machine.

I've never replaced a wire feed roller on a Miller mig in my life and I have plenty of hours on them. The highest item that needs to be replaced on all Miller migs is the torch trigger and you might have to replace one every 5 years IF your welding with the thing on a daily basis and that part will cost less than $25. and takes 5 minutes to replace.

I've always said that the 251 was one of the best migs I've ever owned. I only replaced it with the newer model because the opportunity came up where I could replace it with the newest model as I did the same with my Miller plasma.
Go look at the machine. Start it up and try it. Don't worry if you don't hear the fan because it has fan on demand and it won't cut in unless it's hot enough to.

The Millermatic is a great machine that can handle anything you can throw at it. Hope this helps and good luck.

Ifyou look close you'll see my 251

 

[Scooby074]

MM251 in good condition for 1K .... id be all over that. Great price, great machine.

As an example, i was bidding on one that was govt surplus, left outside, missing its whip, As-Is and it still went for close to that.

 

[jgrreed]

I have a 251 and it's worked well. I'll admit I haven't used it a ton, nor am I an expert. I did do a lot of asking around before I purchased and the 251 was given the nod by several pro welders. It's easily upgradable to aluminum as well.

-Jer.