miller 185 or new 211 ?

[glenn907s]

Hi I was just looking @a new 211 and was trying to see if its worth replacing my 185 w/ it . My 185 I have had for a long time and have not used it much, I'm getting ready to move and the 110 -220 volt opt looked nice, but I dont know if if the 211 would smoke my 185. I mostly weld car body and frame stuff and misc stuff. Was trying to see about duty cycles and welders parts, I think I could get 350.00 or so and a new 211 is like 1100.00 or so, is it worth it or not? :confused::confused::confused:

[acruxksa]

I'm still a total noob at this, but I recently purchased a 211. I truly do love it, but I honestly don't think it's worth it to replace a 185 with a 211. Everything I know about this welder leads me to believe it's very similar to your welder except with the 110v option. It is a nice option for sure, but not nice enough to warrant spending $600 for unless your having problems with your current welder. Depending on where you move and whether you can get 230v is definitely a consideration, but you are probably well aware that wiring 230v can often be relatively easy. FYI, I was able to pick my MM211 up for about $970 so $1100 seems a bit high.

Also, you could probably buy a good used MM140 for less than the price you'd pay to sell your MM185 and buy an MM211. Then you would have two welders. :D:D

[myistar]

The cost of the Millermatic 211 is about $962 after tax. That's what I ended up getting it for. I absolutely love it. It's a very very nice welder in my opinion. Has alot of power in such a small machine.

I just looked at the manual. And it is a larger size than the new MM211. Your machine now has 6 Taps for voltage settings. So the continuous/infinite voltage setting on the MM211 is a plus. Also you get 25 more amps output. And the MM211 is more portable due to the size. Only downside I can think of is you can't use the 33lb spools and you don't have dual drive rolls. You are stuck with the 10lb spools and a single drive roll system. But overall, I think it is worth the transition if you have to money to spend and wanting to get something new.

[aametalmaster]

I am sure someone would give you 350 for your MM185...Bob

[Broccoli1]

Also you get 25 more amps output.

the MM185 is a 200 amp machine.

[myistar]

the MM185 is a 200 amp machine.

it might be. I've looked at the Miller Manual for it, it said Amperage Output 185A. And the MM211 is 210A so subtract those, and the MM211 has 25 more Amps output.

[aametalmaster]

I think the duty Cycle is higher with the MM185...Bob

From the Miller lit online.
Rated Output MM211
150 A at 23.5 VDC, 30% duty cycle (230V)


From my MM185 owners manual.
Rated Output MM185
150 A at 23 Volts DC 60% duty cycle

[Broccoli1]

Bob,
I thought the MM185 also had a top end of 200 amps ??

[davedarragh]

Bob,
I thought the MM185 also had a top end of 200 amps ??

Broc: 30-185 amps.

Glenn: It's up to you, but if there's nothing wrong with your 185, you could always buy something else to add to your tool inventory.:D

I think you could get more than $350 for it though, if you do decide to sell it.

"What ever the market will bear"

Dave

[urch55]

Glenn As I read the pros and cons, well I don't read pros for selling it just cons. I would keep it if I was you.. And I know what it can do because I have one with the option 185 spool gun kit.... KEEP IT.!!!!

[aametalmaster]

Bob,
I thought the MM185 also had a top end of 200 amps ??

Judging what i have welded with mine over the last 10 years i would say it does. I think Miller under rated it a tad...Bob

[Danny]

Bob,
I thought the MM185 also had a top end of 200 amps ??

Ed,

In the real world, with solid wire and C-25 or a self-shield fluxcore, the MM 185 will top out around 200 amps .

[glenn907s]

So I think I might keep it, it is in greet shape. It sounds like maybe there is some weak spots on it can I up grade the weak ? And maybe get a new torch?? What would be a good upgrade on parts and torch? Like I was saying it has been used very little and if I'm going to keep it I would like to make it rock solid. Thanks for the input.

[Craig in Denver]

My 185, I have had for a long time and have not used it much. :confused:Soooo, what's the question?? :confused: We (guys) seem to have an impulsive spending problem. I had been happy with my Syncrowave for many years. When I discovered the Dynasty 200, I thought "Man, I need one of those." Even though the Sync's will weld anything from beer cans to full size trailers. If you're single and get to spend your money as you want, don't upgrade anyway. If your wife controls the money, prepare yourself for a divorce. :eek: No, I didn't buy a Dynasty, yes I'm single. :cool:

[aametalmaster]

So I think I might keep it, it is in greet shape. It sounds like maybe there is some weak spots on it can I up grade the weak ? And maybe get a new torch?? What would be a good upgrade on parts and torch? Like I was saying it has been used very little and if I'm going to keep it I would like to make it rock solid. Thanks for the input.

I have been happy with my M-15 gun for all of these years. Parts for it are cheap and widely avail...Bob

[Desertrider33]

I love the Bernard QGuns. I have 3 of them and if I have a need to buy another torch in the future, it will be another Bernard.

www.bernardwelds.com

[Broccoli1]

I'm with Craig- why spend money on something that is rock solid and hasn't given ya one bit of grief:)

ya wanna spend money? Buy a Tig machine:D:D

[davedarragh]

So I think I might keep it, it is in greet shape. It sounds like maybe there is some weak spots on it can I up grade the weak ? And maybe get a new torch?? What would be a good upgrade on parts and torch? Like I was saying it has been used very little and if I'm going to keep it I would like to make it rock solid. Thanks for the input.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Dave

[urch55]

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Dave

Dave I agree with you 110% but I think sometimes there are people that break it just to fix it.! Go figure.!!!!!!!:confused:

Bob :cool:

[urch55]

I'm with Craig- why spend money on something that is rock solid and hasn't given ya one bit of grief:)

ya wanna spend money? Buy a Tig machine:D:D

Ed now that's a good solution buy a Tig..

Bob :cool:

[Showdog75]

If it's still for sale I'll give you $350 for it.

[glenn907s]

I would love to get a tig my buddy use a miller square wave water cooled tig but thats his day job mine is pulling the trigger on a spray gun so second welder is out but up grade might fly w/ wife if I have the right sales pitch.:rolleyes::rolleyes::D The 110 to 220v would be a good selling point as long as it is not to much and that price gap was not to bad but if it's not that much better than not worth it.