Millermatic 211 or 215?

bperkins · Joined: 29 Aug 2013 Posts: 5

Hi All,

I've been researching welders (plan to learn to weld and build a pit).

After looking around - it seems the 211 was the one I was most leaning toward.. Then the 215 popped up.

Now I'm a little torn - as far as versatility goes - does DC TIG offer anything? or if I really want to learn TIG down the road - should I get a *regular* TIG welder?

I'm just thinking big picture / long term.. I'm a home user..
Thanks!
Bob

gandrfab · Posted: Aug 03 2016 Post subject:

I have never used one that could mig and tig.
All tig machines can stick weld.
My mig machine can't stick or tig weld.

For cheap home use, I'd go with a Lincoln tombstone.

What ever kind of welding you learn 1st is going to be the easiest. I had tig welders work for me that could not mig weld.

gandrfab · Posted: Aug 03 2016 Post subject:

On that note I think mig is the easiest to learn when using gas.
Flux core is not as easy, fluxcore with gas is a dream to weld.

JLCBBQ · BBQ Fan Joined: 10 Jun 2014 Posts: 164

k.a.m. · Posted: Aug 05 2016 Post subject:

If you are new to welding and a hobby welder you could even look into a smaller wire feed like a Hobart Handler 190 or the Millermatic 190. Both these machines will keep you busy for a long time with projects. The down fall is they require 240v and the 211 will run on 120v or 240v.

If you want to go stick and learn this buy a machine that is AC/DC. Stick is all I do and love it but for a beginner with no knowledge there is a learning curve but if you are willing to take the time there are a lot of videos and groups that can have you basic welding in no time.
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bperkins · Joined: 29 Aug 2013 Posts: 5

Thanks all - I had a feeling the 215 was limited in TIG..
I'll go for the 211 - it really seems to be a good all around welder.. And much like a new pit - 1 size bigger than I will likely need..

JLCBBQ · BBQ Fan Joined: 10 Jun 2014 Posts: 164

JLCBBQ · BBQ Fan Joined: 10 Jun 2014 Posts: 164

gandrfab · Posted: Aug 06 2016 Post subject:

bperkins · Joined: 29 Aug 2013 Posts: 5

I'm burning up Youtube on Welding Videos
and working on my list of things I need to start.

and on the lookout for an old 120G tank to cut up.
Thanks!

Smokin Mike · Posted: Aug 07 2016 Post subject:

bperkins · Joined: 29 Aug 2013 Posts: 5

Boston area..

I was just in NC last week - but I don't think I could get it on carry-on! Wink

thx

gandrfab · Posted: Aug 08 2016 Post subject:

Call around to your local scrap yards, and check machine and weld shop auctions.

pdog83 · Joined: 11 Jun 2017 Posts: 1

I was torn between the millermatic 211 and the multimatic 215 also. I ended up going with the multimatic 215. I most likely will never use the dc tig but the digital controls is what made be go with it over the 211 and I bought my 215 right before Miller increased the price by $100. Its a very smooth machine to weld with and I love it!

Phils67 · Joined: 14 Mar 2017 Posts: 20

My Mig machines Mig weld and my Tig machines Tig weld.

I have been welding for 30+ yrs. and have never been a fan of do-all machines, to me they have been built for a purpose and will be used accordingly.

Now.........I have been wrong before, these new inverter machines are the cat`s pajamas, but I`m still not on board for the multiprocess machines, doesn't mean that they aren`t right for some..... just not me...

xring01 · BBQ Fan Joined: 03 Sep 2010 Posts: 128

I bought a 211 almost a year ago...

I have not had the opportunity to use it much, but from what I have used it for... it rocks...

Pleaser note, my prior welder was a thrashed Hobart 110-120 that needed alot of parts replaced to make it run right. When I priced out all the parts to rebuild it... I just decided to buy a new 211.

Very Glad I Did..

I might be building a smoker soon... But I just dont know what I want to build yet...
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