Need a new MIG machine

[Aeronca41]

There will no doubt be some who disagree, but I think you made a good choice. Enjoy! I find the autoset feature to be just a little hot for some things, but I love the 211.

[DATEC]

Just a heads-up I called today about my order with Welders Supply and was told that I needed to send them a copy of my drivers Lic. because of security fraud and after they recieved that they would then ship my order that will have too be signed for. She said, when I told her I never had to do that, that they do that to protect me from someone else using my card and because the order was high ($2k) they just want to be sure everyone is protected. So I just Faxed them my dirver Lic. with a note attached with what I ordered and the Conf. # so there was no confusion and so it would go to the correct person.

I called their home office 800# and spoke with them there. You might want to do that also just to make sure.

Dave

[DATEC]

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/showthread.php?32242-Problem-with-Miller-211-since-it-was-new

I posted a modification I had to do to correct an issue I was having. Hopefully you wont have the same issue but if you do hopefully my post will help.

Ever since I did it the welder is an absolute BEAST. Welds smooth as silk with no splatter and very little sparks, it just melts that wire.

Congrats, I hope you enjoy it, it should last you a lifetime.

[BD1]

I say you'll love the 211 for sure. The wire of choice is .030 and the Lincoln L 56 works well.

As for tank, what is your location ? Check Craigs list to if you have it in your location.
Maybe get a 75/25 tank instead of straight CO 2 and I vote for a 125 or 150. It is real nice and clean .

[junkyardwarrior]

I got 100% CO2, mainly because that is what I am used to, and what I know to use. On thicker material I seem to get better penetration than C25. C25 is, however, cleaner. For what I do, clean isn't a huge concern.

Been messing around with the 211 this past week while we had some "nice" weather (still in the mid 90's but "only" 50% humidity). I learned that Autoset is kind of neat but useless with CO2. I found this out by reading this forum. Then went back out to the shop and set it manually and got a MUCH better quality weld than with Autoset.

Having a problem with the flow meter. I'll weld a short bead and then after stopping, the flow meter will slowly peg the flow gage. Don't know if that's due to it being used with CO2 instead of C25 or what. I haven't messed with it all that much yet.

Also got the spool gun today and eventually will pick up some 100% Argon. Can't afford it right now though. Spent too much on the machine and the CO2. Besides I don't need it right away, have no plans on messing with aluminum for a little while. I got everything....except the $200 rebate. Still waiting on that.

First project, of course, is a cart for it. I'm using a 2 drawer file cabinet and built the frame out of a Yamaha crate. Wheels from the new Harbor Freight store that just opened up. Pics when it's done, and it's far from done at the moment. I had to bend some 3/4" tubes, and without a bender I had to improvise.....and it came out pretty good.

[H80N]

I got 100% CO2, mainly because that is what I am used to, and what I know to use. On thicker material I seem to get better penetration than C25. C25 is, however, cleaner. For what I do, clean isn't a huge concern.

Been messing around with the 211 this past week while we had some "nice" weather (still in the mid 90's but "only" 50% humidity). I learned that Autoset is kind of neat but useless with CO2. I found this out by reading this forum. Then went back out to the shop and set it manually and got a MUCH better quality weld than with Autoset.

Having a problem with the flow meter. I'll weld a short bead and then after stopping, the flow meter will slowly peg the flow gage. Don't know if that's due to it being used with CO2 instead of C25 or what. I haven't messed with it all that much yet.

Also got the spool gun today and eventually will pick up some 100% Argon. Can't afford it right now though. Spent too much on the machine and the CO2. Besides I don't need it right away, have no plans on messing with aluminum for a little while. I got everything....except the $200 rebate. Still waiting on that.

First project, of course, is a cart for it. I'm using a 2 drawer file cabinet and built the frame out of a Yamaha crate. Wheels from the new Harbor Freight store that just opened up. Pics when it's done, and it's far from done at the moment. I had to bend some 3/4" tubes, and without a bender I had to improvise.....and it came out pretty good.

At higher flow rates CO2 can freeze your regulator...

that is why many regs intended for CO2 welding duty.. have either heated bodies or fins

https://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=437_1483&products_id=7890&zenid=pcf31qrqmi1s3na23n66usbbelghtsjg

http://victortechnologies.com/products/detailProduct.html?prodID=0781-0353

...

[ryanjones2150]

Need a new MIG machine

If looks isn't important but penetration is, why not use flux core wire? Saves money on welding gas too. My bet is if you switch to C25 you'll be much happier.

[BD1]

I would get a dedicated CO2 regulator. $35.00 .

http://www.usaweld.com/CO2-Welding-Flowmeter-p/12020-co2.htm

Our Price: $89.95
Sale Price: $35.00
You save $54.95!

[ryanjones2150]

Need a new MIG machine

Good call. The people at HTP are good to deal with. Ship fast too.

[junkyardwarrior]

I've used C25 many times before. The weld is pretty, but I had trouble getting decent penetration with thicker material. But it worked good for sheet metal and I don't do a lot of sheet metal stuff. Mostly 1/8+.

Did build a welder cart though, almost done but I really need some stickers to go on the cabinet part to break up the bigger area.

[ryanjones2150]

Need a new MIG machine

And it even matches the car.