Multimatic 215 Mig Settings

[Sandyg]

The problem I have with the machine is that it's not really Auto, it's someone else that comes up with the suggestion for the settings, and that's cool but let me SAVE MY SETTINGS IN MEMORY! The digital crap is very cool but serves no better then the chart. I have a small scraps of paper with my settings that work for me. Seems to defeat the purpose of the high-techness of the machine.

It's also lacking in many settings that could easily be under user control. Check for TIG settings... Not many, I recall not even post flow setting. In all honesty I don't use it for TIG so not a big deal.

That being said I do like the machine, just set you digital expectations low. I have an older Millermatic Pulser and always go for that first, flip the lid, twist knobs to suggested settings and almost always seem to be right. I do love the power options on the 215, nice easy to ready displays, small size and other features it's just stuff that you would expect are missing (User Settings, firmware updated, etc).

Hope marketing reads these threads once in a while

Sandy

[drb1215]

I know I may be digging up a dead horse here by replying to a 3 year old post, but here it goes. It is relevant to the original posting.

I'm a new MM215 owner and I questioned the settings that auto-set provides. For example, for 1/8" material running .030 wire on C25 it suggests 18.0 volts with 385 wfs. To me, based on guidelines and watching weld.com videos on YouTube, this seems pretty high on the wfs. Using the guideline formula of 1 amp per .001" x 2 for .030 wire, the starting point would be 250 wfs.

I sent an email to Miller support asking them why the big difference between auto-set and the guidelines (which can be found in the manual). This is the response I got back from support, if anyone is interested:

"The weld parameters that are used for the Auto-Set settings are what the welding engineer preferred for a T fillet weld joint. If you dislike the Auto-Set parameters for a specific thickness because they are to hot you could try the next Auto-Set setting down or switch to manual mode and dial it in to get the performance you prefer."

In the end I ran it at 18.0 V at 225 wfs with nice results.

Anyways, thought I'd share.

-Dan

[mbg56]

Anybody know the differences between V.1 and V.2?

Checking the manuals the only difference I found is in Table 6.3 for 240V settings. For MIG with 0.030" wire on 1/8" thick material V.1 has 18.0V/385wfs and the V.2 has 18.0V/310wfs (wonder what the machine autoset shows on V.2, mine was 18.0/385). You would think Miller would allow firmware updates to these machines.

Mike

[ryanjones2150]

Fire it up and run some wire. See how she chooches.

[mbg56]

I'm a new welder. Went threw a HF, Lincoln 180 (which I liked but it was limited to 5-stepped voltages), and then found a MM215 with 40 minutes on it for a great price.

I read through this thread and see possible firmware issues for 0.023" wire. Plus I see some referring to it as a V1 machine.

1) How can I tell if my MM215 has the issues for this wire? (My S/N MH3011XXX)
2) Has Miller admitted to the error? Is there a fix? ( when I called them prior to buying the welder they assured me there were no firmware updates to this welder)


Thanks

Mike

[ryanjones2150]

Tig welding aluminum on DC will make you sad. You'd be better off using a spool gun if that's the case, which the 215 will do I understand. If you really want to tig aluminum, get a machine that will tig aluminum.

As for the auto set stuff...no idea. I don't particularly like anything I own to do anything other than what I tell it to do. I don't even do the automatic updates on my computers and smart phone.

[Nedomine]

Hi Everyone. This is my first post here. I have read this whole thread and it has been GREAT. Even (especially?) the parts about retirement. I'm getting up there, too.

Anyway, I've been using a Millermatic 130 for about 15 years and love it. We are planning to buy one of the new multiprocess machines for the shop (theatre scene shop at a college). We've pretty much decided on the Multimatic 215 over the Esab 215 because, well, it's a Miller and because it's made in Wisconsin rather than in China.

Im concerned about the auto settings issue that y'all have been discussing, especially for the smaller wire size. Does Miller acknowledge the problem? Is the machine production now into version 2? The Esab claims to have a Smart-mig technology that "adjusts to the user." I'm a bit suspicious of that claim, though I haven't read any forums about it. Anyone want to weigh in on this?

My other concern is that TIG welding aluminum with the Miltimatic 215 is "not possible", I guess because it can only do DC-TIG. However, I thought you could use very pure helium and an amp setting of around 100 and make very strong (but not real pretty) welds on aluminum using TIG-DC.

Thanks for the great info so far.

[lovetofix]

Back to the topic of the auto settings for .023 wire. They are definitely way off, Miller should make an update for the firmware and make it available to all of us who bought their v.1 machines. That aside I absolutely love my MM215, I have welded all kinds of small projects with everything from .023 -.045 E70S-6 and .035 E71T-11 (flux core) to 4043 in my spoolgun. Except when using the .023, the auto set works very well, of course you need the usual tweaking if welding galvanized or rusty metal etc. <br />
There is one thing I haven't been able to figure out. Is there is a way to set a preflow for the spoolgun to eliminate shooting on startup with aluminum? Once you get going it is fine but soots pretty badly at the start.

[clint738]

It states the following:

If a circuit breaker is used in place of a fuse, choose a circuit breaker with time-current curves comparable to the recommended fuse.

Max Recommended Standard Fuse Rating In Amperes
Time-Delay Fuses -------------- 35 Amps
Normal Operating Fuses ------- 40 Amps

Max Recommended Input Conductor Length In Feet (Meters) -------- 51 (16)


So yes to properly wire it up, you will need more than a 30 Amp circuit.
Also don't forget to install the line disconnect device. Or just unplug your welder every time your done, so line surges don't damage anything.

[ryanjones2150]

Sure is a lot cheaper to run 10ga wire for a 30 amp circuit than 6ga wire for a 50!

[nfinch86]

Thank you H80N I was thinking a 30 amp circuit would do it.... Guess not!

If 29.3 amp. , is the max. draw, then I'd suggest that a 30 amp. breaker would be perfect.

Norm

[Old Guy]

it wants to see 29.3 Amps @ 240 VAC for full output See Section 5.3

https://www.millerwelds.com/files/owners-manuals/O272989A_MIL.pdf

Thank you H80N I was thinking a 30 amp circuit would do it.... Guess not!

[H80N]

Does the 215 require a 50 amp service for 220?

it wants to see 29.3 Amps @ 240 VAC for full output See Section 5.3

https://www.millerwelds.com/files/owners-manuals/O272989A_MIL.pdf

[Old Guy]

Well I bit the bullet Thursday and went down to my LWS and purchased the 215 and a Hypertherme 45XP. I had considered purchasing from an online internet supplier and save the sales tax, but elected to pay a little more to support the local guys and hopefully establish a good working relationship for future needs. I spent yesterday putting a 50 Amp plug in the garage. Am anxious to play with the new toys this weekend. Thanks to all for your input to my research. I may be looking to you all in the future for advice on "how to" questions. I haven't been welding that long so I can get things to stay together, but they are not very pretty in the process. Just need more practice; I guess.

Does the 215 require a 50 amp service for 220?

[FusionKing]

I totally agree with buying from your Local welding supplier.
I've built up a great relationship with mine the last 10yrs.

As I said above, after I bought my MM 215, I was about to leave & he said here take this tank of C-25 as well.
I said what a lease tank , & he said no, It's yours.......... Wow.

As far as the welder, you will love it, it's a great machine !!!!!!!!!
Lite & very portable, easy to carry any where you need it .

But, it's the power of such a small in size welder that got me.

Enjoy, your new welder, it'll last many years .

Norm

All those years pay off.
Now we know where you are gonna get your refills for sure!