miller vs lincoln?

[dukevader33]

I am looking to buy a new wire feed welder, my no name brand did well for years but I finally killed it. I was looking at mainly lincolns or millers but I don't know which one has the better reputation for quality.
Also any other brands you guys suggest that may be comperable. I will be using mostly flux core and welding 3/8 " or less thickness.
Any good web sites for good deals on welders? Here in hawaii I am looking at a licoln 140-C or maybe a miller 211(I think).
Please give me your thoughts and opinions, I want decent quality but spending a grand is a liitle more than i was hoping.
let loose boys and tell me what you think.

[Boostinjdm]

If you really want to know what we think, try out the search feature.

I haven't seen a bad review of the 211 yet.

[Rick V]

Hi dukevader33,

I'm the happy owner of a Lincoln SP-175T wire feed welder. At 230 volt input, it welds at 130 amps at 30% (max 180 amps) - similar specs as the Miller 180. The Lincoln is smooth except at the highest amp setting. I had upgraded from a 115 volt input 70 amp output Cambell Hausfeld - a world of difference! The smaller unit worked fine with flux core but really lacked the power when I tried using CO2 gas. The Lincoln had way-way more power. So I would recommend a 230 volt unit = scratch the lincoln 140-C.
(If you want a Lincoln 140-C, there are lots on the Jijiji, Craiglist, etc. - as folks upgrade to 230 volt power.)

However, that was then. In terms of the best wire-feed welder out there for the buck today, I think the Miller 211 is the hands-down winner - a lot of power at 150 amps at 30% (max 210 amps) and it will also run on 115 volts at 90 amps at 20%! That is sweet.

Don't know the situation there but here in Canada, there is a Big Spring Promotion on Miller welders - from all the local welding stores (we got 4).
Miller 180 auto-set, regular $1240 is on special for $940, but
Miller 211 auto-set, regular $1448 is on special for $990
Look at that - the dual voltage 211 (with 15 - 30 amps more) for only $50 more than the 180!
In my opinion, the Miller 211 is the way to go. Versatile 120 / 230 volts and mega-power in a small package.

Rick V

[Tralfaz]

I just bought a Miller 211 a couple months ago and love it. I can't compare it to the Lincoln, but I can say the Miller has been solid for me so far. As Rick mentioned, it supports both 120 and 230 volts and the plug swap to switch outlets is well handled on the Miller, so after a bunch of research I went down that road partly due to the versatility. The auto wire speed setting is handy as well.

[ed mac]

i like lincoln and i have one but for $970.00
from cyberweld no tax or shipping the
mm211 is the best deal out there its 74 lbs
runs of 120 or 220 auto set and you
can run a spoolgun

[Broccoli1]

Originally Posted by ed mac

i like lincoln and i have one but for $970.00
from cyberweld no tax or shipping the
mm211 is the best deal out there its 74 lbs
runs of 120 or 220 auto set and you
can run a spoolgun

No free shipping to HI

[Broccoli1]

Originally Posted by dukevader33

I am looking to buy a new wire feed welder, my no name brand did well for years but I finally killed it. I was looking at mainly lincolns or millers but I don't know which one has the better reputation for quality.
Also any other brands you guys suggest that may be comperable. I will be using mostly flux core and welding 3/8 " or less thickness.
Any good web sites for good deals on welders? Here in hawaii I am looking at a licoln 140-C or maybe a miller 211(I think).
Please give me your thoughts and opinions, I want decent quality but spending a grand is a liitle more than i was hoping.
let loose boys and tell me what you think.

Both manufacturers are quality companies but since you mentioned 3/8" then go with the MM211 or look at Lincoln 180's.

240v Machines are a much better buy than 120v machines in that you get twice the machine for not that much more money.

The MM211 is an exception- it does cost a wee bit more but it does have dual Voltage capabilities.