O/T Miller 212 welder

[Capt Chrysler]

Hey Folks,

Anybody spent anytime with the "New" autoset Miller 212 welder?

Didn't get a real warm and fuzzy feeling with the "Auto Set", but I bought one anyway.


Capt. Chrysler

[k.a.m.]

Capt Chrysler, I have heard pretty good reviews on it but I have not used one personally. I hope to here back on this and read what you think of it.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[Capt Chrysler]

Hello k.a.m.,

Well it's been about 9 years from the last job with any welding. So I think there might be a relearning curve ahead.

Also these freaking 2 speed glasses don't seem to make it any !?@#$!!!! better.

Capt. Chrysler

[k.a.m.]

Capt Chrysler, morning. When I started wearing trifocals it made watching my puddle very difficult, that is when I went to the auto hood and I have a 1.50 cheater lens in it that helps a lot. Getting old stinks
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[Dace]

I wish for a mig...any mig. For the last 2 years I've been using an old buzz box stick welder. The thing is wicked old but it does the job quit nicely. I can switch the polarity for thinner metals also. Thinking about it now, I kinda like the buzz box.

[k.a.m.]

Dace, same here. I weld with a miller thunder bolt A/C D/C in my home shop. I welded stick for around 30 years off and on doing fab work. I do wish for a small MIG for sheet metal work, I have few patiences left welding super thin materials with stick it seems now a days I think each has their place in a shop no doubt.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[purplewg]

I have a Miller 212 but not the autoset. I love it. I also have a Hobart 140 and hate it. It has never fed wire properly since I got it and it really isn't hot enough either.
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The Wild Pig build.
My UDS Build.

Don't squat with your spurs on.........

[WestTnbum]

I tried the Miller 212 with the auto feed and just could not make it work for me. I bought the Lincoln 140C and love it, it is great for doing light stuff and I can run gas or flux. The best part is I can just plug up to any 110V outlet.
Danny

[Hell Fire Grill]

Hey Capt.

If you want that welder to give you a warm fuzzy feeling.........Try welding in the rain.

[BabyHuey]

I have the pre "auto set" 212 for my shop and love it (my recomendation BTW ). Time will tell if the auto set will hold up. Miller has a good R&D program, but I find it hard to believe you can beat a tap switch. Personally I like to be able to tweak the settings so I don't know if the auto set would be for me, however you have that option. I have had some limited experience with the 212 auto-set, but it hasn't been out long enough for anyone to give a opinion on it's durability in the field.

Miller is tailoring more and more of their products to the novice or inexperienced welder (Auto Set/Diversion 165 Tig, Spectrum). These machines allow a very limited experienced welder run a bead of weld or make a cut. Whether the welds have the proper penetration, holding strength, or aesthetic properties no longer seems to be a priority as much as get a welding machine into every garage. For welders that have spent a good amount of time educating themselves through school, and the field, it is really a slap in the face to put a machine out that requires no basic knowledge to set up. It is similar to comparing a novice BBQ'er with a pellet smoker to a wood burner and seasoned pit master. However when it comes to welds there are many safety factors involved.

Sorry for the rant, but I see home built traliers, hitches, racks, and other stuff being built by the "instant welder" and then put on the road for someone to get hurt.

Now, that I have that behind me. Miller supports their products better than any other weld machine manufacture on the market today, Hobart following a close 2nd. did you consider the 211? It has a reduced duty cycle, but is portable and will plug into a standard 110 outlet when you are in a pinch.

Good luck and congrats on the new welder!
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God Bless the "Q" and the People who eat it.... Amen!

Link to my pit build slideshow:

http://s333.photobucket.com/albums/m398/LilBabyHuey/?action=view¤t=4675c7d7.pbw

[Capt Chrysler]

Instant welders…A 110 V mig in the sale ads last night for $99.99?!?!?!



……………Kinda like when I was in automotive, low guy in the shop with the least training was the brake guy. I all wondered why the job that could easily kill/hunt someone was at that level. Sure up set some folks when I got the service managers job! O well no brake failures under my command.


Capt. Chrysler

[BabyHuey]

[Capt Chrysler]

[Smoked Up]

I have the 210 Miller and couldn't be happier with it. It will weld up to 3/8" with a single pass. How often do you ever weld anything thicker than that? For me, never.