212 vs 252 for light fab

[Timaladd]

I currently have an 13 year old 175 amp Hobart Mig and a new Diversion. I mainly weld .095 tubing on race cars and .250 square tubing and alot of thin body panels. I occasionall build something thicker but rarely over .375. A buddy of mine has a miller 210 that i like but if i am going to spend $1500 on a welder should I go ahead and get the 252 which will be all i ever need. I hate the autoset on the 212. I mostly use .23 and .30 wire. Is a 252 overkill? Does the 252 weld any better than the 212?

Thanks for your opinions.

[crawler]

I would try the search option. I'm sure you'll find lots of threads.

Here is one:

http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/showthread.php?t=38012

BTW, welcome to the board.

[H80N]

Go heavier...

Timaladd
I would go for the 252.... it is about $500 more... but also allows for the future addition of spoolgun and the realistic possibility to weld aluminum if you chose...and increased duty cycle.... I am prejudiced.. I have a 350P w/25ft alumapro.... and that is THE answer... I love it.....
just my 2cents worth
Heiti

[davedarragh]

"252"

Timaladd
I would go for the 252.... it is about $500 more... but also allows for the future addition of spoolgun and the realistic possibility to weld aluminum if you chose...and increased duty cycle.... I am prejudiced.. I have a 350P w/25ft alumapro.... and that is THE answer... I love it.....
just my 2cents worth
Heiti

Yep, I wish now, I had sprang for the extra $$$ a couple of years ago and up graded to the 252. The 212 (non A/S) is a very good welder, and I have the 3035 spool gun attached, but the 252 is the "real deal," for "few" bucks more.

[HotRodTodd]

Timaladd
I would go for the 252.... it is about $500 more... but also allows for the future addition of spoolgun and the realistic possibility to weld aluminum if you chose...and increased duty cycle.... I am prejudiced.. I have a 350P w/25ft alumapro.... and that is THE answer... I love it.....
just my 2cents worth
Heiti

Great Advice

[Old Sporty]

Even though I have a 211 and it would probably do what you intend, I agree the 252 would be a wise choice if it will weld 19ga. body panels satisfactorily.

I haven't heard any bad things about the 252.

[Mustang]

I have owned a new MM210 and I currently have a MM252 .

Get the MM252 if you can afford it . It will do everything the MM212 will do and then some . In the long run , you're far better off with the bigger machine .

[LWSGUY]

The 252 is the way to go, gun on demand and the possibility to add the reach feeder. set one up with alum and one for steel, I'm hearing Tregaskiss is making an aluminum specific gun?