Syncrowave 210 vs. Mutimatic 215...or...

[backbeat]

Good evening:

This is one of those - I need some advice posts.

Welding is a hobby for me - I enjoy the learning process, reading, experimenting, and making a few items here and there. I have an O/A set up, and I have a Lincoln buzz box which I will sell in the next week or so, and replace it with...something...

The EOY rebates from Miller have me interested in a new machine. I like the idea of multiprocess machines, but I do recognize there are tradeoffs. The tradeoffs for someone like me whose needs are pretty basic, may be just fine. I've read up on the 215 and it looks like a great fit, although it would be better if it had AC TIG capability. While researching the 215, I saw a post on the Syncrowave 210, which I had not seen - as I haven't looked at Miller in many months. This also looks like a nice rig for me. With the 210, I can see that there are three $0 option packages, and I'm not sure which one I would select if the 210 were the unit for me. For what it's worth - I was ready to pull the rigger on a Millermatic 212, until I saw the Multimatic 215. Try not to laugh...

I'm open to educated opinions and guidance. I'd like to buy one of these units before the end of the year, and at this point I'm at a standstill. Thank you.

backbeat

[aametalmaster]

The 210 had rebates or has until the end of the month. Depends what you are going to be doing with your welders and your options...Bob

[H80N]

This thread is worth reading..............

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/forum/welding-discussions/575318-new-got-nema-6-50r-in-garage-this-weekend-now-what

[Lostone]

This thread is worth reading..............

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/forum/welding-discussions/575318-new-got-nema-6-50r-in-garage-this-weekend-now-what

Haha. Beat me to it.

[backbeat]

The 210 had rebates or has until the end of the month. Depends what you are going to be doing with your welders and your options...Bob

Thank you, Bob. Yes - I'm aware of the rebates and I know I'll save more with the Multimatic 215. As for what I am or will be doing: mostly steel, mostly MIG, and learning how to TIG aluminum. It's really whatever comes my way, but most of it is 1/4" steel or thinner material.

[backbeat]

This thread is worth reading..............

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/forum/welding-discussions/575318-new-got-nema-6-50r-in-garage-this-weekend-now-what

Thank you for the link, H80N. I will look right away.

[aametalmaster]

Thank you, Bob. Yes - I'm aware of the rebates and I know I'll save more with the Multimatic 215. As for what I am or will be doing: mostly steel, mostly MIG, and learning how to TIG aluminum. It's really whatever comes my way, but most of it is 1/4" steel or thinner material.

So TIG aluminum the 215 is out. MIG steel the 210 is out unless you get a newer model with the optional spool gun and use it with steel wire. Lots of choices for trying to do everything. That's why most of us have 3 different machines...Bob

[H80N]

So TIG aluminum the 215 is out. MIG steel the 210 is out unless you get a newer model with the optional spool gun and use it with steel wire. Lots of choices for trying to do everything. That's why most of us have 3 different machines...Bob

Bob.... the Sync 210 is now sold as a package with the spoolgun...& TIG torch...pedal....etc

https://www.millerwelds.com/equipmen...welders-m00488

[Lostone]

If your doing mostly light steel with a mig, a spool gun will be miserable for all the same reasons everyone complains about mig welding aluminum with one.

[backbeat]

I read the thread - it went off the rails about halfway through.

If I were to order the 215 - I'd add the TIG kit. I think I know what I'm getting with that machine. The output between this unit and the 210 seem to be about the same. I see more features such as Pulse, etc., with the 210. Can you help me make sense of the option packages on the Syncrowave? Two of the packages are for TIG and MIG, and it looks like one has a better spool gun (150), and the other has the 100 but also has a memory card. The third option is focused on TIG, so I guess that means I'd have to buy the spool gun along with it, in order to do MIG. How does one decide which way to go?

[backbeat]

If your doing mostly light steel with a mig, a spool gun will be miserable for all the same reasons everyone complains about mig welding aluminum with one.

Thanks, Lostone. Can you elaborate? I'm not familiar with these complaints. However...good to know if this is/will be an issue for me.

[backbeat]

Is it safe to say that the 215 is primarily a MIG (and stick) machine that can do DC TIG, and the 210 is primarily a TIG machine that can do MIG - albeit with a spool gun?

[nfinch86]

Thanks, Lostone. Can you elaborate? I'm not familiar with these complaints. However...good to know if this is/will be an issue for me.

I think He's referring to the awkwardness of a spoolgun - compared to a mig gun & whip.

Norm

[Lostone]

A spool gun if heavy and awkward. Your much better off getting a machine that is made for what your doing 90% of the time and can be made to do what you do the other 10% then vice versa.

Everyone will probably disagree with me but your better off with the 215 and a spoolgun for any aluminum you may do then fight with a spoolgun 90% of the time because you want to be able to TIG aluminum once in a blue moon.

Keep the A/C buzz box. It can be converted to TIG.

[nfinch86]

I would Not want to weld with a spoolgun , unless I had to.