Miller welder $ online from a dealer for much less than the local dealer

[Johnnyappleseed]

I can get the Miller welder online from a dealer for much less than the local dealer. Would the local dealer still stand behind the Miller product as if they sold it, what do you think?

[pat h]

There supposed to but may not give you the best service, depends on dealer the couple around me that I talked to wouldn't let me talk to there tech the desk monkeys just tell you that's how there supposed to work and I buy local I'm nw of ****cago, your results may be different

[MAC702]

Depends on what you mean by "stand behind" the product. If it's a warranty issue, you can expect them to definitely take care of you, and likely as professionally as they should. But if it's a usage question or other kind of "service after the sale," you might expect them to be less receptive to spending "help" time with someone who didn't spend money there. Buying in-store is a value beyond the price of the machine. Only you can weigh the pros and cons of what kind of help you need with it contrasted with the price difference. Oftentimes you will get better consumables pricing (gas is going to have be bought at your local dealer) when you have a relationship with them.

[Aeronca41]

Do you have more than one local dealer you can talk to? Have you politely asked if they can do better on price? My LWS came down to within a few bucks of the online price when I told them I'd really rather deal with them and have a relationship. They have done that on 2 welders and a plasma cutter when I asked. Still had to pay the tax, but taxes are not the store's fault.

[aametalmaster]

That's because most online dealers don't have to stock machines or parts. They have everything drop shipped from Miller to your address. So they don't even need a real store just a website. But they prob have a store to get to be a Miller dealer I am just saying how it could work. I dropped shipped parts and machines all the time to people farther away when I did my stint at the LWS...Bob

[ryanjones2150]

We're all you'll ever need for a service department anyway, so what difference does it make? <br />
<br />
Only kidding...sort of...<br />
<br />
My LWS of choice service department is pretty dadgum terrible in my experience. They pretty much want you to buy new when you're stuff breaks. I'm still waiting for their "service manager" to call me back with part numbers and price for the relays on my Helga from way back. When you tell a customer that you're going to call them back, maybe you should call them back...but what do I know, I don't work for the LWS, so I could be completely wrong. <br />
<br />
Your concern is not invalid. But as suggested, ask them how close they can get to the online price. Be up front and honest. Surely they appreciate saving money when they buy stuff. Only makes sense that they'd understand your position too. And if they don't, maybe that answers your question.

[Johnnyappleseed]

My LWS quoted me a price above the Miller Website Manufacturers Suggested Price. I was kind of shocked. I can get Argon from Roberts Oxygen, they quoted me about $100 to buy an 80 cu. ft. bottle and $43 to fill it up, but anyway I would be buying the TIG kit later.

But while I am talking about TIG do you think that 80 cu. ft. bottle is a good size? I am not going to be doing production welding. I may be tackling some roll cages and chassis welding as well as some general stuff.

I am very tight on money and am looking at the multimatic 200 without the TIG kit, as it has a nice rebate ($200) till the end of the year. I expect to have enough money after Christmas just in time to get the multimatic 200 rebate. The online supplier said that the TIG kit could be added later (around $400) for almost no penalty in cost from buying the full rig with the TIG kit up front.

As for aluminum, it says that a spool gun can be added to weld aluminum.

I appreciate the advice everyone is giving about the different machines, the multimatic 200 is a stretch for me as is, but I liked the Miller welder over the other Everlast types cause they just seem to be more advanced. I think it was two years ago at an NHRA event that I was talking to Miller and the guy said that they were coming out with this new machine I think it was the multimatic (not sure) but he said that it was going to really revolutionize welding machines with its capabilities.

Thanks everyone for the input and please keep it coming I am open to whatever your thoughts are.

[Aeronca41]

There are no doubt many in the world who would disagree with me but stick with an American brand name, and it's probably no surprise that on a miller site there are many people who will say (me included) buy the miller. Avoid the Chinese machines. There are some potentially expensive lessons to be learned with welding equipment ; start off with the odds in your favor.

If you intend to do much aluminum welding, you will find that a spool gun is fast, but has limited capability in comparison to tig. Not that you can't do good work with mig;look at some of aametalmaster's posts - he does some great alum mig. Also, to see some beautiful alum welding, look at Fusionking's site, outbackaluminumwelding.com. His stuff is mostly tig.

You cannot go wrong with the multimatic 200.

Less than $150 for a bottle of gas is super-that's about a hundred bucks less than the dealers in my upstate NY area. You probably already know this, but you need 75% argon/25% CO2 for mig (commonly called C25) and 100% argon for spoolgun on aluminum. So, you will ultimately need 2 bottles. If you are not doing production, 80 Cu ft should be fine. To my knowledge, no dealers in my area will sell a bottle larger than 80; anything bigger you have to lease.

Enjoy! Welding is fantastic.

[aametalmaster]

Not that you can't do good work with mig;look at some of aametalmaster's posts - he does some great alum mig. Also, to see some beautiful alum welding, look at Fusionking's site, outbackaluminumwelding.com. His stuff is mostly tig.

Enjoy! Welding is fantastic.

Thanks for the plug . I have TIG welded aluminum three times in the last 28 years. 28 years ago, 5 weeks ago and a week ago. And I wished I had my spool gun with me. Two of the jobs would have been easier and the one 28 years ago was a live well for my buddies boat. My current job needed an old toolbox lid welded. Of course old aluminum, clear paint on it. just not great for a TIG but I managed. My spoolgun would have made quick work of it. Just remember when welding aluminum with any process is clean is better. Acetone with TIG...Bob

[nfinch86]

I just spoke with my LWS. & He said he would give $95. off the listed price in the new Holiday offer , on the new MM 215. - So that's the $200. + $95. = $295. Off. I'll be picking it up next week.

[Aeronca41]

I just spoke with my LWS. & He said he would give $95. off the listed price in the new Holiday offer , on the new MM 215. - So that's the $200. + $95. = $295. Off. I'll be picking it up next week.

Congrats! We will all be waiting for a first-hand report!

[Olivero]

We'll be here waiting

TIG is fantastic, you can do anything with it, its just slower than MIG. I really only TIG and Stick. I have done MIG once or twice and I am not a big fan of it. I have tigged 8 foot seems and it took me all day but in the end, I KNOW that there is not a spot in that 8 feet, that will leak. I guess I am weird like that, quality over speed.

Congrats on your new machine, let us know if you need help. I can;t help much with MIG but I can help with TIG and Stick

[snoeproe]

I like to use my lws when I can. I get steel, rod, safety gear, parts and consumables there. We have a good relationship and they seem to want to help me out with anything they can. This goes a long way for me in the end.

[FusionKing]

I believe you made the right decision...... starting a relationship with your LWS.
Now when you go in later, remember to not be a tightwad and he will love it when you walk thru their door!
By tightwad I mean always pricing but never purchasing. Always try to buy SOMETHING when you go there.
Counter men and Managers give the freebies to people they LIKE ....not necessarily those companies that spend the most money with them.
Just saying that makes me think...... hmmm.......I need to take Kevin out for lunch sometime soon..... its been quite awhile.
Oh and Aeronca41, thanks for the nice words. Much appreciated.

[Aeronca41]

I believe you made the right decision...... starting a relationship with your LWS.
.......
Oh and Aeronca41, thanks for the nice words. Much appreciated.

Agree. Doing business is about mutually beneficial relationships, and just being nice to people.

Easy to say nice words about your work! Sometimes I just go to your site, look, and marvel! You guys are amazing!