Millermatic DVI vs. 210

[missin44]

I'm looking at these two welders trying to decided which to get. The dual voltage is a great idea I think, plus it's a few hundred dollers less, though not enough to make a huge differance. What would the 210 get me that the DVI wouldn't? Not a lot of welding experiance, but I do a fair job when I need to. Will be doing Jeep fabrication.

[ASKANDY]

The 210 will give you a bit more on top end but for most fabrication that you will be doing, the DVI would be fine. The 210 also gives you a direct connection for a spoolgun where the DVI would need an adapter installed. No biggie if you are not going to do any aluminum spool gun welding. The DVI will do the dual voltage thing so it can be used where there is not any 230 power available like friends places or the father in law who needs his mower deck rewelded
So if it were me and you were doing just light fab through 1/4 inch, the DVI would be my choice.

Andy

[cadder]

I went through the same decision about a month ago, same intended use, same machines. Andy's comments above echo my research. But I went with the 210 instead. Not because I disagree, I think Id be very happy with the DVI. I did get the impression from my reading that the 210 is more machine for the $$ than the DVI, but thats debatable. For me, it really came back to my basic tool buying mentality:

1. Research to death what best fits my needs and budget.
2. Buy the next step up.
3. Starve for a month if neccesary to afford it.

I think in the long run buying more tool than you need is a less expensive mistake than buying something you outgrow.

Just my $.02

[Sundown]

I think that since there is only about $300 or so difference and if I was only needing to do 1/4" and leaning toward the DVI, I would get a Passport 180 instead. In my mind the DVI is ok but not very portable, so it would be the Passport if I needed to be portable and the MM210 if I was not needing to be portable. Just MHO.

[TheRealSpinner]

1. Research to death what best fits my needs and budget.
2. Buy the next step up.
3. Starve for a month if neccesary to afford it.

I think in the long run buying more tool than you need is a less expensive mistake than buying something you outgrow.

I agree 100%. I bought a D200DX even though I have absolutely no use for welding aluminum, but who knows, maybe I will outgrow steel (especially if steel becomes more expensive than aluminum). I tried aluminum once and loved it, it might happen earlier than I thought. If I didn't buy AC capabilities, I would have to go out and buy one later. Tools are ALWAYS worth the investment. Pay more now, pay less later.

[Danny]

If the Dual voltage concept is a major appeal, I m in agreement with Sundown , the Passport 180 is the way to go. The 120 output on the Passport gives you a more powerful unit then the DVI. On a 120 volt circuit, the Passport 180 should be a legitimate 1/8" steel machine with solid wire, where as the DVI isn t. Just thinking about using the DVI as a portable unit makes me laugh, after all , the darn thing weighs 160+ LBS without a roll of wire and a tank of gas on it. Then it requires either a pick up or trailer to tranport it. How much does a Passport 180 weigh when fully loaded? Right around 60lbs if I remeber right. Then consider that i can transport it by setting it in the back seat of my car. Plus i can load the Passport into the vehicle by myself. No need for another person, loading ramp , or forklift.

Now, if we're just considering the 230 volt output of the DVI to the MM 210, the MM 210 easily wins this comparison in my book, strictly based on the fact that the 210 offers me more power to play with at the top end. The top end of the DVI gives you a short circuit transfer machine with solid wire, which translates into meaning a low energy arc that based on operator skill level can easily start producing lack of fusion issues on 1/4" material. On the other hand, the top end on the give me the ability to produce a higher energy arc. If i switch my shielding gas to a 98AR/2Oxy, I can spray arc 1/4" steel with the MM 210, which is a better approach then short arc for critical 1/4" and above applications. Spray transfer creates the potential to produce a much sounder on 1/4" then short circuit transfer. Now if you don t want to go the 2 gas route, the top end of the MM 210 will also run an .035 all position Gas shielded fluxcore. This too will produce a higher energy arc then short circuit transfer, plus it will allow out of position welding on thicker material , whereas spray arc won t. Sorry Andy, I just don t consider short circuit transfer a good choice for critical 1/4" and up applications.


BTW, one thing no body has mentioned yet is that the the MM 210 comes with a 12' M -25 and the DVI come with the lighter duty 10' M -10 gun. In some cases the extra 2' of reach can be a big plus. While I'm thinking about it, i mention that the MM 210 has a much better dutycycle then the MM DVI. Sorry guys, Im just not impressed with the DVI, when there is the MM 210 or Passport 180 to choose from too.

[ASKANDY]

I agree with all your posts. However his original use is light fab on Jeep stuff. The Passport would be the way to go unless the extra $400 is an issue. As for 1/4" short circuit, It's been done that way for years. Spray will not give you any out of position capability. Even at many of the ship yards, short circuit is still used. (not with a DVI )

Good luck!

Andy

[missin44]

WOW, thanks for all the input guys. You have a great board. Basicly I have a hard time thnking of a reason I would be welding anything more than 3/16 steel in the form of bumpers. While these welds must be very strong, able to safely winch a Jeep stuck in deep mud, from what I gather either welder would more than handle the job with ease. I can't think of any reason I would go over 1/4" steel around the house or shop. Based on that, price and dual voltage looks like the DVI is the logical choice (I think!) unless I see a 210 for the same price or less (used, clearance, just get lucky, etc.).