Need a new MIG machine

[ryanjones2150]

Need a new MIG machine

And it even matches the car.

[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

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

[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

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.

[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

...

[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.

[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 .

[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.

[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

[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.

[junkyardwarrior]

I've been stewing on this all weekend long. Shopped around at different places. Airgas. WelsCo. Online. Tractor Supply. Lowes. Looked at Lincoln's Hobarts's and Miller's. After looking at Lincoln, I narrowed it down to Miller and Hobart. The Hobart MVP is $899 about everywhere, +/- a couple dollars. Local Airgas wanted $1232 for the 211, Welsco was $1218. Both are a good distance from me, which is I guess a downside to living out in the sticks.

Also looked at the MM 251. It's more welder than I will EVER need, and it's also a significant jump in price from the 211. You get what you pay for, but after stewing on this all weekend, I don't think I'll ever be able to use a welder enough to justify the 251's extra cost. About $900 is what I've budgeted, and after a rebate the MM 211 is going to be right there. But so was the Hobart, and the Hobard doesn't come with a spool gun, and is considered to be a "cheaper" Miller by many. The one we have at work has been great but I think in the years we've had it, I've only run it maybe 5 times for a total of 10 minutes.

Bought a 211 from weldersupply.com, from referrals from this thread. I won't get it for a few days. I didn't get a cart. I need to build one anyway, and I have an idea what I want (a drawer for storage of consumables, tips, nozzles, etc) and that kind of thing.

Next thing I need to do is go find me some CO2. I own a bottle but I haven't seen it in probably 5 or 6 years, at least. Probably just have to buy a new one.

First project-the cart. Second, fab up some brackets and such for the hydraulic/electric tilt bed for my Kawasaki Mule. 3rd project, weld up the mower deck on my Kubota. Then maybe get started on the Mustang.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[USMCPOP]

Link to the 211 at Welders Supply:

http://www.weldersupply.com/P/275/MillermaticAutoSet11

[Aeronca41]

I bought my 211 about a month ago from the local Airgas store. $1118 - $200. That rebate is through 12/31. The free spoolgun is via a mail-in form (same paper as the rebate) and comes in about two weeks. That is good thru 7/31--only a couple more weeks. I could not find a lower price than Airgas.

[DATEC]

http://www.weldersupply.com/

I just placed an order with them. As for the rebate that is the way I understand it to be now, you get both. I didn't get that deal when I bought mine just the rebate. So the spoolgun is one of the things I just ordered because of my need to hone my silicon bronze and alum. for automotive repair. Otherwise I wouldn't have needed it, it will stay home in my garage to practice with. My employer can buy his own welder for me to use there, I'll be damed if I will buy those kinda tools for his business.