[BADGER]

Time for a new welder - I've got it down to three choices.

Millermatic 211 Auto-Set
The no-brainer, tried and true reliable beast that no one can seem to hate. 30% duty cycle @ 150 amps. 210 maps max. Pros: Proven USA-made box, reliable and everyone seems happy with the results. Dumb-simple to use. Easy support. Cons: Transformer design, heavy as fawk, single process.

Tweco Fabricator 211i (formerly Thermal Arc)
Multi process machine that is also a proven performer. 35% duty cycle @ 150 amps. 210 amps max. Pros: Multi-process, reliable, transformer, adjustable inductance and burnback, light, good support. Standard gun and consumable parts. Cons: Ummm....none, really that I can think of.

Now for the rookie....

Razorweld Mig 195 (American branch of Jasic, a reputable Australian company)
Brand new machine using IGBT and SMT inverter technology. Ridiculous 35% duty cycle @ 200 amps. 200 amps max. Pros: Small, super light, and killer duty cycle. Should have good support. Burnback control. Standard gun and consumable parts. Cons: New and unproven. No inductance control. :nono-1: Should have good support doesn't mean it actually will.

All these machines are within $100 of each other. All will do what I need. Which one to go with?

 

[Goodysgotacuda]

Probably the Tweco

 

[BADGER]

And done - Tweco 211i Fabricator en route. The Miller is a bit of a dinosaur in comparison (albeit a good dinosaur), and I like the multi-process capability of the 211. I really would have liked a 252i but couldn't justify the additional thousand bucks.

So instead I spent that additional 1k and picked up a Thermaldyne Cutmaster 42 while I was at it.

 

[Jeeps & Guns]

That is a nice combination.

 

[Doormandan]

It all depends on how and where you are going use it. If all three welders meet your needs then I would pick the Miller ( we use all Millers in our shop). Before you buy, the roll around shop models are also a great choice and will allow you to do a little more. My advise is to pick the one that the weld shop stocks the most sundries, ( tips, guns, gun liners ect)

 

[bsack]

And done - Tweco 211i Fabricator en route. The Miller is a bit of a dinosaur in comparison (albeit a good dinosaur), and I like the multi-process capability of the 211. I really would have liked a 252i but couldn't justify the additional thousand bucks.

So instead I spent that additional 1k and picked up a Thermaldyne Cutmaster 42 while I was at it.

It's kinda like a Ford/Chevy/Dodge debate but you went to same route I would have. I'm tickled silly for ya.

 

[RubiCajun]

It's kinda like a Ford/Chevy/Dodge debate but you went to same route I would have. I'm tickled silly for ya.

OK Ed, now can I quit tickling you, Silly.

 

[bsack]

OK Ed, now can I quit tickling you, Silly.

When tickled I pee myself.

 

[Cavallini03]

I am looking at getting a machine and its down to the Miller and Tweco. How are you liking it so far?

 

[kg6bws]

Ive got a Millermatic 175. Slightly smaller, older cousin to the 211. Just starting to have some problems with it...14 years later. More than paid for itself in that time.

 

[funfred]

More than paid for itself in that time.

One or two bumper projects would have paid for it, right?

 

[kg6bws]

Bumpers, sliders, roof racks, gates, fences, heavy equipment repairs, truck frame repairs. Basically anything I didnt feel like taking my big engine drive, I would cart my millermatic and a generator.

 

[sin52]

And done - Tweco 211i Fabricator en route. The Miller is a bit of a dinosaur in comparison (albeit a good dinosaur), and I like the multi-process capability of the 211. I really would have liked a 252i but couldn't justify the additional thousand bucks.

So instead I spent that additional 1k and picked up a Thermaldyne Cutmaster 42 while I was at it.

Is the Tweco Fabricator 211i made in USA?
I'm interested for my shop.

 

[MAC7]

Any feed back on how it's holding up? Is it what you expected it to be?


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[gerryjk]

Tweco should do great, nice machine. Dad have Miller since late 80's and its a dinosaur, still working great but definitely heavy.

 

[azoth99]

For some reason couldn't find the up to date thread on welders, welding etc... So I put this info here for someone who may be searching.

Lincoln just dropped a possible WINNER!!!

Lincoln 210 3 processes, dual voltage.

Mig, Tig, and Stick all in one dual voltage welder. up to 3/8" and all for the asking price of $999.00

Going to be hard not to pass a deal up like this one. Especially for those who want to learn other welding processes besides Mig and want a decent priced home welder.

http://lincolnelectric.com/en-us/equipment/multi-process-welders/Pages/power-mig-210-mp.aspx

 

[BennettSmith]

I think it probably be the Tweco to buy.