211 and/or a Thunderbolt 225

[Frank R]

First time poster and newb to welding. Just interested in hobby welding around the shop. I want to make a welding cart and some rolling stands for machinery. No cars.

I bought a Thunderbolt 225 at an auction a couple of years ago but have not used it yet. I have recently run 220 to my garage. I also recently bought a Millermatic 211.

Now, I have a small garage and need all the extra room I can get. My question is: will the 211 do everything that the Thunderbolt will do? Can I get rid of the Thunderbolt?

I have heard "If its thick, use stick" but I don't know if my little Thunderbolt is big enough to make a difference.

[Broccoli1]

The MM211 will do 99.9% of everything a Hobby welder will need done.

I've built quite a few things w/o having a Stick welder- before we even purchased the MM252 I used a 120v machine, then a Passport. Don't really need the 252, probably should have just purchased a MM212.

I'm really a hobby welder that has been able to build stuff for my work/business but welding is not any part of the business.

For me:
Wire feeder like the MM211 or equivalent is a workhorse. Fast & Clean, sheet metal to 1/4", some 3/8".

I would sell the Thunderbolt and buy more hand tools: Port-a-band, Chop saw, Hand grinders, Clamps.

I put off the Port-a-band for way too long.

I highly recommend one. Quiet, no mess like with an abrasive chop saw. I can get pretty good 45˚ with one.

2- grinders; One with a cut off wheel and one for Flap Discs.

C- Clamps: can't have too many clamps.

[USMCPOP]

Save up and get a dinky inverter stick/TIG welder to complement the 211.

[Frank R]

Thanks Ed.

[Frank R]

Save up and get a dinky inverter stick/TIG welder to complement the 211.

Any particular ones in mind? I don't know a thing about inverter welders. But I did get the 100 spool gun for my 211. Will I need/want more?

I thought the 211 and spool gun will keep by busy for a long time.

[Broccoli1]

Any particular ones in mind? I don't know a thing about inverter welders. But I did get the 100 spool gun for my 211. Will I need/want more?

I thought the 211 and spool gun will keep by busy for a long time.

Are you a man? Of course you'll want more, need... well that's up to you and the Mrs.


I'll mention it again.. hand tools, more hand tools.

You'll need something to cut the steel
something to grind with
Clamp with, more clamping

[Broccoli1]

here is a current thread on Grinders, save you some time since it is pretty well covered on brand, cost etc etc

http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtal...45371-grinders

[Thrutraffic]

Don't know why you'd want to get rid of the TBolt. I'm new to welding too and intentionally bought a 211 and the Hobart LX 235 which is a TBolt. My next machine will be a Diversion 180.

Other than more high end expensive machines what could I need? All three of these will fit nicely on the welding cart I'm building.

[Sberry]

My neighnor, a journeyman with modest home/hobby stuff hasnt been down to weld something in 10 yrs but once for an alum zip since he bought a 175 mig. I might keep a buzzer I already had but the new mig isw the workhorse in small shops for general fabrication and repair. The rest of the stuff makes great dust collectors.

[weldbay]

When you run into some really dirty plate you will be glad you kept the stick welder.