Welder Advice

[jvd]

Looking at a used millermatic 211, anything I should keep my eye out for when I go look at it. Took welding at vocational school 15 + yrs ago but not since. Want to get back at it. 500$ cheaper than a new one comes with plugs and regulator. Thoughts

[Bornindesert]

Some thoughts - miller vs lincoln, both are good brands and I'd say millermatics tend to be favored. Since you'll need gas, either lease a tank or purchase one...might want to check out the local welding supply shops in your area. Thought there is you'll want to actually do business with them and if they are a big Miller dealer may want to stop by and ask their opinon on your used purchase. For whatever reason, some of the welding supply outfits are less customer friendly then others. The one I go to now, in Phoenix is a Praxair and they are really cool, friendly and work hard at even the smallest details. Others are more hardcore, take it or leave it.

 

I'd want to run wire through the machine, hook up some gas and make sure it regulates to the handle. Weld up some scrap, even better. It's a decent machine for light duty welding, that's why I'd get the pro's opinion to see if it will handle the job you want to do with it. If you plan on welding up a bumper, it will definitely push the machine hard from a duty cycle perspective. If you are welding thin sheet or spot welds, perfect machine.

[neohic]

Before buying used, I would highly recommend taking a close look at the Thermal Arc/Tweco small inverter line (181i, 211i, 252i). I've used each one in the line and each one has its highs and very few lows. The whole product line is based off of multi-process welding. Each one is capable of MIG, stick, and TIG... even though the TIG function isn't all that great in any of them. In the Tweco selection, they just released a smaller yet 141i that I have on order. It's strickly a 110v machine, but I think they're just handy as all get out when it comes to versatility. They're all compact, but they all are very smooth running and offer a bunch of options that most other "happy homeowner" style machines don't even come close to. Best part? Way cheaper than Miller or Lincoln.

[jvd]

Thanks for the input I appreciate it. After thinkin about it for a day, just seems to good to be true and I don't know enough to trouble shoot it I anything was wrong before purchase.