Which Welder?

[ericm979]

Everlast PowerMTS 211Si is their least expensive mig/stick/tig welder. It has HF start and foot pedal for Tig.

There's some reviews on youtube including an hour review of it, the Lincoln, and Miller and Harbor Freight models.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Eric is right. The 211Si is the competitor with the Lincoln 200MP, but exceeds it in nearly every category, including important ones such as duty cycle, drive feeder, true TIG design, with HF start, with gas connection out the front with automatic solenoid for gas flow control. Stick connections are out the front too and are heavy duty. In fact, Everlast, to date is the only MTS type unit with included Wire carrier and drive that features HF start on TIG. The Lincoln has had issues with the drive feeder for some reason. The Everlast one is stable and proven. And it features more advanced DC TIG functions. It also includes foot pedal with out the front (and not through the door connection as in the 200MP) connection. The Lincoln offers a separate package at a much higher price. The Everlast includes them.

If you are looking to beat that the Power MTS 211Si, PowerMTS 221STi, adds AC TIG function to the mix along with AC control functions and wave form control. But amp output is equal to the 211Si. This gives you a complete welding system and the ability to weld with any metal that is considered weldable with TIG, Stick, or MIG. The first in the industry. It has been out since June 2017.

 

[Hiptfarms]

If you haven't purchased yet and have any interest, the Miller 211 is on sale at cyberweld for 999. I think that includes a rebate. Not totally sure but it may be worth a check. I wound up buying a miller 215 multimatic recently and do love the portability factor and the dual option of power sources.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[MoArk Willy]

Do you have a budget?
Or better yet how much are you willing to spend?
You can spend $300 to $3000 if you want.
But until you set a limit or at least parameters you won't really get any advice to fit your circumstance.

 

[dragoneggs]

Do you have a budget?
Or better yet how much are you willing to spend?
You can spend $300 to $3000 if you want.
But until you set a limit or at least parameters you won't really get any advice to fit your circumstance.

I think the OP laid out his situation and questions pretty well. Personally I don't set a limit on price when looking for a tool. I first look at 'wants'. Then price/quality come into play depending on true needs.

 

[MoArk Willy]

I am of the opinion that a flux only wire feed for $1500 is an outrageous sum of money.
That amount seems unrealistic. A $1500 welder does not perform 5 times better than a $300 welder.
For $1500 one could easily purchase an Arc, a good quality Mig and a plasma cutter that would be adequate for just about everything.
Again, just my opinion.
A Smart Car will take you to the liquor store just as well as a Rolls Royce.

 

[CADplans]

I'd be ok with 100% duty meaning you can weld all day at 117F, but i'd sure don't like being in that kind of heat while welding. My duty cycle is much shorter.

Yeah, My duty cycle is 10-20% @ even 70 degrees.

My duty cycle fully doubled when I got the new auto darkening helmet,,,

My old Hobart was 18 years old, and stopped auto darkening,,
actually, it would not darken at all,,,

The new one is amazing,, much more sensitive than the Hobart, even when the Hobart was new,,

So, be careful of duty cycle if you use the newfangled auto darkening helmet,,, :thumbsup:

 

[dragoneggs]

I am of the opinion that a flux only wire feed for $1500 is an outrageous sum of money.
That amount seems unrealistic. A $1500 welder does not perform 5 times better than a $300 welder.
For $1500 one could easily purchase an Arc, a good quality Mig and a plasma cutter that would be adequate for just about everything.
Again, just my opinion.
A Smart Car will take you to the liquor store just as well as a Rolls Royce.

No argument here... especially if you are an occasional welder. Personally, I would rather drive to the liquor store in a BMW vs. a Smart Car... but I like the journey as much as the destination.

 

[searcyfarms]

ok so moark willy so in your opinion what would you get with your $1500 arc/mig/plasma ?

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

We have no arc mig plasma.