Need New welder is mm251 too much?

[showtime]

Hey I have a Lincoln 175 mig and I'm looking to upgrade to a new unit. I do lots of body and unibody repair on cars and other misc projects. Is the MM 251 to much welder for auto work? thanks

[TexAg]

Whether or not the 251 is overkill probably all depends on what you need to do, or would like to be able to do in the future.

Some advantages of the 251 over the 175/180 series is that you will be able to weld steel up to 1/4" at 100% duty cycle...so you won't have to worry about any down time due to the machine. Plus, you'll have the ability to weld thicker steel should you ever need to. You can also incorporate a spool gun for any aluminum work you need to do.

You may want to compare the 210 with the 251. The 210 will give you the capability to weld your 3/16" and 1/4" at a high duty cylce also, can also readily accomodate a spool gun but boasts a lower price. But, the 210 is a tap voltage control machine compared to the 251's infinite range.

Enjoy the product search...that's half the fun of getting a new toy!

[showtime]

251 perform on light stuff

The 210 or 251 are in the my budget im just wondering if the 251 will perfom well on the lighter stuff auto body requires or is this more of a function of the 210 or are they the same in the low range? thanks

[Fishy Jim]

MM251 has infinitely variable voltage, so it might perform better by being able to dial in closer to the heat you want.

I have a 251A mig, and for everything up to 3/8" it is a dream over a smaller machine. You can always turn it down, but when you run out of voltage, you can't get any hotter. No one ever complained about having too much machine.

You can also do what many guys who switch between heavy and light work often do - get a dedicated small wire machine with .023 and keep some .030/.035 in the bigger one. Pick the right tool for the job at that point (and save the trouble of swapping reels).

[MintSScout]

Look at it my way you can never have to much welder. If you get a smaller one in a few days you'll want bigger.

[Frank865]

Another vote for the 251.... I don't mind spending your money!!!!!

[SkidSteerSteve]

I'm going to side with the 251 guys on this one. I have a 210 and it's a wonderful, rugged machine. But...... I do a wide range of work from thin sheet up to moderate structural and there have been many times that I wish I had gotten the bigger machine. After all, they take up the same footprint in the shop, but one's got a little more up its sleeve if you think you'll ever need it.

[garth]

Allways go on the larger side if it is within the budget ti allows for growth you can never have to much welder

[harcosparky]

Yeah I have the MM210 ... could had a MM251, but wanted a Spool Gun .... and well the Spool Gun option for the MM251 took it over the top money wise.

I think my MM210 was $1,850 with spoolgun .... the MM251 would have been about $2800. With the almost $1,000 I didn't spend on the MM251, I bought a Spectrum 375 Plasma Cutter.

But since we're voting on spending someone else's money ..... I vote you buy the MM251.

My spoolgun has .023 wire in it and the main gun runs .030.

[wello]

i would go with the 251 as all have you can always turn it down but has the power when need I 'm looking at getting a 255 WIA welder aussie miller its abit more than I need at home and it has a traveller which I like but there may just be that job when you need it we don't have spool guns out here so I get a ally kit for it

[fun4now]

like the rest i agree if you have the $$ go 251, you can always turn it down.

[Carl W.]

Price reflected by time, back in 8-02 paid $2,506 out the door for a 251 w/30A spoolgun. Before tax was $2,315. Yes I paid more than an 210, was told the 251 and 30A gun were well worth the added cost by a friend that works at Miller's repair facility. Tested both at that facility then purchased. Light gauge auto skins to 3/8" plate or aluminum plate the 251 handles it without running out of power.

[spent]

mm251

I just purchased my millermatic 251 two weeks ago and I love it. They have them at my local c.c. is why I wanted one. We run them non stop and never have problems. The dial allows for adjustment during welding to get that perfect bead sound. It's a great machine. 251 for my pick.

Leo

[rmack898]

I've only got about an hour of arc time with my new MM251 but this machine is great. All I can say is that if you decide to go with the 251, you won't be disappointed.

[fun4now]

the 210 and 251 are both great choices and solid as they come. eather will be a great welder but if you can aford the 251 best to get it now rather than find later you need a little more and not have it.