Running 211 at Max Output OK?

[skincer]

I'm welding some 3/16" angle iron, and through some experimentation with the help of a friend of mine that has much more welding experience than me, we arrived at a setting that is producing really nice welds. We suspect we're right on the edge of spray transfer with the .030 wire I have in it.

The thing is, this is Voltage = 10, Wire Speed = 100. In other words, we're running my machine at maximum output. I'm trying to give the machine a "rest" here and there and I haven't caused it to shut down due to exceeding the duty cycle. Does anyone see a problem running my 211 at max output like this most of the time?
Thanks.
Steve

[H80N]

I'm welding some 3/16" angle iron, and through some experimentation with the help of a friend of mine that has much more welding experience than me, we arrived at a setting that is producing really nice welds. We suspect we're right on the edge of spray transfer with the .030 wire I have in it.

The thing is, this is Voltage = 10, Wire Speed = 100. In other words, we're running my machine at maximum output. I'm trying to give the machine a "rest" here and there and I haven't caused it to shut down due to exceeding the duty cycle. Does anyone see a problem running my 211 at max output like this most of the time?
Thanks.
Steve

Understand your duty cycle and what it means.... managing time on/weld..... to rest/cool time...at differing loads...

Figure 3-2. Duty Cycle And Overheating in the manual...

there is a lot more to duty cycle that forcing the machine into overtemp shutdown....
repeated Overheating may just end up cooking it... this is a light duty/hobby use machine.... not intended for heavy load continuious use.............

http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o239988j_mil.pdf

[cruizer]

Get yourself a bottle of 98/2 (argon/oxygen) if you insist or running spray. That'll tone things down somewhat.

[BD1]

I would would say get a larger capacity machine. Just go to the 252 and be done.
Right machine for the job.

[ShockHazard]

Wait, you're only welding 3/16" and your basically pedal to the metal with that machine??? I'm assuming you're running off of 110v then, correct?

When on a 110v circuit, the duty cycle is 20%. On 220v circuit, duty cycle goes up to 30%. Also, welding 3/16" on 110 is what the literature claims as max. With multiple passes, you can easily weld 1/4" steel. I've done it on my old Hobart 135 with ease.

The Miller 211 has the capability to weld up to 1/2" using .035 flux core wire and maxing out the settings. It's not recommended by myself, but it can be done in a pinch and with multiple passes. Nor would I recommend doing the above on a weld where safety and structural integrity for human life is at issue.