amps/voltage ???

[plane crazy]

I have a question;the below quote is from the MM212 info on the Miller site.

Seven taps provide wider welding range of 30-210 amps with improved high and low ends to weld materials from 22 gauge up to 3/8 in (9.5 mm) thick in a single pass.

Why is this control that selects the 30-210 AMP range labled VOLTAGE? This does not make sense to me, can someone explain this.

[Sundown]

I have a question;the below quote is from the MM212 info on the Miller site.

Seven taps provide wider welding range of 30-210 amps with improved high and low ends to weld materials from 22 gauge up to 3/8 in (9.5 mm) thick in a single pass.

Why is this control that selects the 30-210 AMP range labled VOLTAGE? This does not make sense to me, can someone explain this.

Just like it says, this range of "Voltage taps" is providing for a wider "range of amperage" which you access using the wirespeed dial. I hope that makes sence.

[fun4now]

simple answer is the taps chose the volts then you increase or decrease the amps by the wire speed adjust.
FWIW; many find the MM210/212 very easy to set and use. wile i have not used one much i did get to do a little 22gage on some floor boards and it worked great. if you are considering getting one, by all means get it.

[MAC702]

Amperage is driven by voltage. You select the voltage, and then you adjust the amperage with stickout and wire speed.

GMAW is a Constant Voltage process.

[fun4now]

thats why its so important to lern to keep a constant stickout, it plays a big part in the process. you need to be able to controle it.

[plane crazy]

Thanks for the info guys.

Sundown when you say it like this: range of "Voltage taps" is providing for a wider "range of amperage" which you access using the wirespeed dial.
it makes sense to me. The way it was written led me to believe it was an Amp selection on the Tap switch, which I could not understand how the WS would control Voltage. The WS controling Amps makes sense. I guess I was reading it literally and not thinking it through. I also noticed on the new litrature in the buyers guide for the 212 it now says seven tap voltage selection provides a range of 30 - 210 Amps.

Thanks again for all the help.

[fun4now]

so are you getting a new toy now ??

[plane crazy]

I have decided on the MM212, I have gone the last 35 yrs without one so I am pretty sure the 212 will do just fine. And the price is alot nicer then the 252, I still have to get a helmet and other safety gear.

All I have to do now is decide on what kind/size wire and gas. I was reading other posts on this and it sounds like the 75 Argon/25 CO2 gas is the norm.
For the wire, I am thinking solid .030 to start, any particular name brand bettter than another? At my LWS they mentioned using the flux-core with gas, any oppinions on this. I want one that is middle of the road for now, I will pick up other sizes when I know more about it and require it for different projects. Remember I am new and will be learning on this.

I also plan on taking a 30 hour night course at my local community college in the fall. I don't know what you guys think of this type of course. I am the type of person if I am shown something once I pick it up; a whole lot quicker than reading it from a book. Would this course be worth $500?

Thanks again for the help.

[fun4now]

great choice.

i think the cores is a good idea. with some luck the instructors know what they are doing and it will end up being well worth the $$
.030 solid wire and C-25 is the best choice for the MM212, it just fits it right.
it will give you the full range from the welder with the best response.
as for fluxed with gas, i would wait till you find a need for it. it's extremely expensive in comparison and solid will do everything you want with the MM212. save the fancy stuff for when you know it and feel the need for it.
i would recommend the Miller student packet $25 shipping included ( might have gone up?) it will give you a great understanding of what to expect and cover a lil bit of everything and a lot of MIG/TIG info.

[mwccwi]

If you explore the Miller web site a little furthe you will find some excelent training material that is free

http://www.millerwelds.com/education/etraining.html

the more basic understanding of the subject that you have will make learning new stuff easier when you enroll in your course. As with anything training related you getout what you put in, so start putting. Good luck and welcome to the ranks of weldors.

[fun4now]

lots of info.

i think they are still offering the Miller jacket with the kit, that make's it a super deal.
its a lot of stuff for the $$ no question.
you can also download the Miller TIG book free at there info section mentioned above. the TIG book also comes in the student pack, its easyer to have a hard coppy.
defenetly to read all ya can, unforchenetly most of the books you find in box stores are garbage and too much $$ to start with. maybe check the library.

all the reading is great but seeing is a big help, the corse will realy help, even if you think you have the hang of it.

[MAC702]

...I also plan on taking a 30 hour night course at my local community college in the fall. I don't know what you guys think of this type of course. I am the type of person if I am shown something once I pick it up; a whole lot quicker than reading it from a book. Would this course be worth $500? ....

You will most definitely learn a lot in a well-taught 30-hour course.

For $500 though?!?!?!

Put your location in your profile. Maybe one of us is nearby and can give you the one-on-one attention you can afford.

[Bert]

Adult ed classes over here (held usually at the local high schools) 30 hours are around $60. Usually have 12 sign up, but 8 usually stay, lack of machines that can be used at one time usually fustrates some, but for $60, it's a steal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fun4now]

you could also check your local welding stores. we have one with a great training room and the classes get prity high reguards from the students, but they are defenetly expensive $100+ for the day class on the weekend. i suspect the $ will verry with the location.