Advice on MIG purchase

[Solid LT1]

I once owned a Miller 200 MIG welder but sold it to a freind when he opened his shop thinking I could downsize to a smaller footprint welder like the Hobart 220V 175amp Handler unit. I'm selling my Hobart I've never been happy with its performance and the drive system is pretty light duty. I need advice on some of the current offerings on the market.....Miller "auto set" series welders, current model 220V Hobart or Lincon products set up for spool gun use. I have specific needs for spool gun capability ( welding aluminum bumpers for off road vehicles.) Please those of you who have MIG welders with spool guns give me some feedback on what you like/hate about your machines. I don't need a TIG....already have a Dynasty 300 amp machine just need MIG platform feedback. Thanks for your help.

[toddoky]

Originally Posted by Solid LT1

I once owned a Miller 200 MIG welder but sold it to a freind when he opened his shop thinking I could downsize to a smaller footprint welder like the Hobart 220V 175amp Handler unit. I'm selling my Hobart I've never been happy with its performance and the drive system is pretty light duty. I need advice on some of the current offerings on the market.....Miller "auto set" series welders, current model 220V Hobart or Lincon products set up for spool gun use. I have specific needs for spool gun capability ( welding aluminum bumpers for off road vehicles.) Please those of you who have MIG welders with spool guns give me some feedback on what you like/hate about your machines. I don't need a TIG....already have a Dynasty 300 amp machine just need MIG platform feedback. Thanks for your help.

The Miller 211 is a great machine for the money, especially for building one-off stuff. If you are going to be doing any production-based assembly welding however, you will discover it limitations.

[66fury]

I use miller 252's all day long for aluminum with spool guns. I personally own a 252 also.great machine but expensive. Havent seen any limitations from thismachine as of yet. Been using millers for 20 yrs.

[Revved]

I've been using a Lincoln 180HD on a regular basis (2-3 times a week for minor fab work) for the last several years without issue. Before I could afford a TIG I bought a spool gun for aluminum but it was just too much "bull in a china shop" for what I was doing so it sits on a shelf.

I'll sell it to you if you buy a Lincoln. I might have used it 5 times.

[Solid LT1]

Now I'm stuck between a Thermal Arc 211i and Miller Multinatic. Might just go with the TA......need to call Victor next week and confirm where they are built....I don't want any Chicom built box for the money they are charging. Read on the Web where TA shut down New Hampshire factory....not happy about that factiod.

[Sieg]

I'm betting you'll get better support from Miller. I'd consider HTP over Thermal if you're thrifty like me. My HTP MIG200 has done well and the aftersale service has been good. If I upgraded it would be to Miller.