Trying to decide which welder to buy, please help me!

[bpnz]

So it's time to update my welder, from a cheap Chinese tig to a Miller. I've already given my old mig to my father.

I need something that supports 230v / 50hz single phase.

I want to be able to do both Tig and Mig. I've narrowed it down to either a Multimatic 200 or going for seperate units, a Millermatic 211 and a Diversion 180 Tig.

From what I can see they all do upto the same thickness metal. I don't have much use for doing aluminium, but never know in the future.

Multimatic 200

Pros -
All in one unit
Very automated, so easy for a novice like me.

Cons -
Doesn't do aluminium tig.
Only lift start on tig.


Millermatic 211 + Diversion 180 Tig

Pros -
Seperate units, can do AC Tig as well.
Can add a Jattus unit for pulse tig.

Cons -
Is the auto set as good as the Multimatic?

What are peoples thoughts? If the aluminium mig is good on the Multimatic 200 then there's probably no point going for dual units. For the very few times I'd probably use it.

[H80N]

I would go for separate units, a Millermatic 211 and a Diversion 180 Tig. (maybe step up to Sync 210 or Dynasty 210DX....)

yes the initial investment will be greater... but...

the combination units ar a real compromise in the TIG capabilities... once you experience the versatility of a dedicated full featured TIG machine... you will never go back...

[Sberry]

Start with the 211 and see what it wont do?

[snoeproe]

If you go with the miller magic 211 and the diversion 180, you won't have stick welding capabilities. That would be a deal breaker for me. How much aluminum do you plan on welding? If your like me, you won't be welding much aluminum at all. The multimatic200 would be a better choice for me. Lift arc tig is my preferred tig start. High frequency and remote tig amp control aren't necessary for DC tig welding of ferrous metals.

[WillieB]

Were I welding no aluminum, I'd be happy with the Diversion 180. I weld more aluminum, and hated the Diversion. Duty cycle was frustrating!!! I love my Millermatic 252, and my Dynasty 280DX. For TIG, and stick the Dynasty is the best I've used.

[bpnz]

Thanks everyone, looks like the general consensus is go with the two seperate units.. I am a bit limited by choice as I need single phase, 230v @ 50hz.

[H80N]

Thanks everyone, looks like the general consensus is go with the two seperate units.. I am a bit limited by choice as I need single phase, 230v @ 50hz.

FWIW... the units mentioned should operate just fine on single phase, 230v @ 50hz KiwiPower.....

I would go for separate units, a Millermatic 211 and a Diversion 180 Tig. (maybe step up to Sync 210 or Dynasty 210DX....)

..

[bpnz]

FWIW... the units mentioned should operate just fine on single phase, 230v @ 50hz KiwiPower.....

That's the one.. kiwi power definitely.. just there doesn't seem to be anything as good over here at any reasonable price, the Miller stuff seems to rate so highly.. and even with our crappy exchange rate at the moment (65c USD to $1 NZD) and freight + import taxes it's still worth getting.. just a matter of making a short half metre extension lead that'll covert the plugs.

One final question.. there isn't a huge price difference between the Millermatic 211 and the Multimatic 200... so from a purely MIG point of view, are they the same? as I'm thinking maybe I just focus on the MIG side for now and add a dedicated TIG later.. As then if I add the flasher TIG later at least I'd still have a DC tig for some stuff now? or best just to stick with the Millermatic 211?

[bpnz]

FWIW... the units mentioned should operate just fine on single phase, 230v @ 50hz KiwiPower.....

Actually, that's odd.. I swear the other day I saw the Millermatic 211 supported both 50/60hz.. but it looks like it only supports 60hz on the website.. so that rules that one out..

[H80N]

BPNZ

I stand corrected... the manual for the latest version MM211 w/inverter technology does not mention 50/60hz s far as I can see..

https://www.millerwelds.com/files/owners-manuals/O265809A_MIL.pdf

Maybe it i an oversight in the lit.....

[bpnz]

BPNZ

I stand corrected... the manual for the latest version MM211 w/inverter technology does not mention 50/60hz s far as I can see..

https://www.millerwelds.com/files/owners-manuals/O265809A_MIL.pdf

Maybe it i an oversight in the lit.....

lol yea as I mentioned above I swear it said it did 50/60 hz the other day as that was one thing I was looking for..

[Broccoli1]

yes it does- from the manual you posted
Amperes Input at Rated Load Output, 50/60HZ, Single−Phase

[Broccoli1]

It seems as though the left out the 50z capability on their PDF spec sheets but the manual does indicate 50z/60hz.

It is an inverter so it will definitely handle the 50z.

[Aeronca41]

Whole discussion is made more interesting (confusing?) by going to the EQUIPMENT tab and selecting mig. There is then a filter for 50/60 hz vs 60 HZ and they only link to 2 machines under 50 hz. -- Invision 352MPa and Alumafeed Synergic. I'm surprised by that- I would certainly think the inverter 211 would handle 50 hz as broccoli1 says-especially since it is right there at the top of the column in the manual. Maybe the new web site isn't quite up to par in that area yet.

[H80N]

yes it does- from the manual you posted
Amperes Input at Rated Load Output, 50/60HZ, Single−Phase

You are right Broc....

Don't know how I missed it.....Oldtimers...??

page 15 0f the PDF.. TABLE HEADER... section "4-2. Unit Specifications"