New MM 211 (inverter)?

[Flip1]

Looking to buy a new mig and considering new MM211 inverter. Miller claims new inverter 211 does everything the discontinued model did but better. Miller has had a 190 mig inverter out for a bit but the 211 is very new. Does anyone know how reliable the inverters are? Did any one have problems with the duel voltage on the old 211. How well do they run .023 wire? .030 wire? I weld as a hobby, probably nothing greater than 3/16 maybe occasional 1/4. Is this a good choice? Most manufactures are going the inverter route with their new Migs, I guess I have to trust that they have been well tested, just wanted some thought and feedback on the inverter technology and the MM211 in general. Thanks in advance

[Cgotto6]

I would buy an old stock 211. They are proven winners.

[ryanjones2150]

New MM 211 (inverter)?

Are you stuck on buying a new machine? Is it just something you want to buy or could you be just as happy with a used machine?

I can't speak for inverter wire welders, since I don't personally have one, but I'd guess they have differences from the transformer machines just like anything else. As far as inverter welders in general go, in my experience, there are some differences. The inverters allow for all sorts of bells and whistles in a much more affordable machine, which is good. They're smaller and lighter, which is probably good. But the question in everyone's mind is will they hold up over the long run like the transformer machines? The old MM250 that I rescued from someone's yard, no telling how many years it sat out in the rain, would I have been able to resuscitate it with a can of WD40 and a wire brush? Who knows. It was in bad shape. Welds like a champ still.

So I guess if you're not going to store it out in the rain, it'll probably be fine. If space and maneuverability are a concern, it might be a good fit for you then.

[Aeronca41]

Don't know the cost of repair for the new inverter version 211 but other inverters can be pretty pricey to fix. I rushed to buy the old 211 because I won't be able to afford too many pricey repairs in retirement. Already have a Dynasty 200, which has had zero problems. It will be out of warranty soon and if it breaks it will consume my fix-it budget....didn't want an inverter 211 also given the known pretty well bulletproof design of the old one. All of that said, I LOVE the light weight and performance of the inverter Dynasty and chose to live with the repair cost risk to get the performance. You will have to decide if the new 211 features are worth the presumed repair cost risk. I can say my old 211 welds really nice; have not tried a new one.

[Flip1]

Thanks guys for your input. I can't find a 211 transformer either on line or locally. In regards to new, yes I guess I would prefer new, after rebate it is $900 with 3 yr warranty. Am a hobbyist so not a lot of heavy use. Miller claims (?) will do everything the discontinued model will but better. Smoother arc, more efficient, improved duty cycle and drive roller along with a smaller package. I can't imagine Miller discontinuing one of their best sellers without an improved model. Those are my thoughts but again you don't really know until it has been out for a while. Any other similar size migs I should be looking at? Thanks again

[OscarJr]

I've been lugging my transformer MIG around a lot lately (can't use a cart, not in a shop), so I look forward to picking up a new 211 in the next few weeks hopefully. Either that or a Multimatic 200, which is already inverter-based.

[ryanjones2150]

New MM 211 (inverter)?

Being a miller forum this is a good place to ask about a miller machine. I have blue and red machines and have owned a few others. There are lots of machines out there that would fit your needs nicely. The one you're looking at is probably one of the higher dollar ones for that, but a good machine for sure.

I can tell you from experience, a huge bonus for using blue is the service. I have received great information and help, even on the old clapped out crap I've found and rebuilt. Not always are you gonna get an answer or help to the level you need from them, but they're human. But after dealing with a couple of the...uh..."import" companies--trying to save a buck I was--it's well worth spending the extra money. That doesn't mean any other company won't help you like miller does. I've had a great experience with esab customer service too, at about the same level as miller. So, chose your poison, but--hobbyist or not--there's a lot to be said for quality and service.

[Broccoli1]

Miller has a proven track record with Inverters.

Passport
Passport Plus
Multimatic 200
XMT line

I love my Passport Plus.

[ja baudin]

Miller has a proven track record with Inverters.

Passport
Passport Plus
Multimatic 200
XMT line

I love my Passport Plus.

I may be mistaken but isn't the Milermatic 350/350p inverter technology also?

[H80N]

I may be mistaken but isn't the Milermatic 350/350p inverter technology also?

Yes they are...

as are the Dynasty series...

[BD1]

Thanks guys for your input. I can't find a 211 transformer either on line or locally. In regards to new, yes I guess I would prefer new, after rebate it is $900 with 3 yr warranty. Am a hobbyist so not a lot of heavy use. Miller claims (?) will do everything the discontinued model will but better. Smoother arc, more efficient, improved duty cycle and drive roller along with a smaller package. I can't imagine Miller discontinuing one of their best sellers without an improved model. Those are my thoughts but again you don't really know until it has been out for a while. Any other similar size migs I should be looking at? Thanks again

I was at WELDERS SUPPLY in Burlington Wisconsin today and they have the old 211 in store. The website only shows with cart, give them a call.
1-800-236-8825
http://www.weldersupply.com/C/36/MigWelding

[Broccoli1]

I may be mistaken but isn't the Milermatic 350/350p inverter technology also?

Yup- I didn't list ALL of them