opinions needed for a newbie

[forkedup]

I am ready to purchase my first "real" welder, I have had a couple cheapos that barely worked and have used a couple of friends welders (lincoln 110v and a miller dvi). I am very much a newbie at welding but am getting progressivly better. After alot of research and reading (thanks welding web and members) I had all but decided to go with the miller 211. Everything I read, the reviews and visits to local supply houses indicated it would be a good welder for my intended uses. I was/am fully ready to purchase the welder Thursday. Now looking through the local craigslist ads tonight I find a 4yr old miller dvi mig welder (same one as my friends that I have used). I have not seen it in person but the pics look great, comes with bottle and auto darkening helmet (helmet is not a big deal as I already purchased one in anticipation) The pricing is very close, the dvi would be a couple hundred less than the brand new 211 with a bottle (no cart). The specs on the welders look almost identical if I am reading them correctly. The only real diff I see is 40% duty cycle on the dvi and 30% duty cycle on the 211. And the auto set. Is this a big deal? Is it worth saving a couple hundred for a 4yr old welder vs a brand new one (warranty etc.) I will be using the welder for work or anything, just garage projects and my jeep (suspension, rollcage, seat frames etc. no farm equipment repairs or anything like that). But this will probably be a welder i keep forever (yeah I know its an addiction and you always want bigger) Please help a newbie with some advice. Thanks in advance.

[roadrash]

Well, as a newbie myself all I can tell you is that I bit the bullet and purchased a 211 several months ago through the internet and couldn't be happier with it. The autoset is kinda like a welding for dummies feature that works well although sometimes a little more tweaking gets you a little better result. I can't imagine a better welder.

[prop-doctor]

i would go with new and the warranty
unless you just need to pinch the bux
you get the welder ,,,build a cart.., the differ in duty is ---like 1 minute
and i have heard good reviews on the 211

[forkedup]

Thanks for the replies, it confirmes what I was hoping for. Looks like I will have a new 211 tomorrow

[wb4rt]

sorry double post.

[wb4rt]

For my use as a hobby welder, the dual voltage and easy spool gun hookup made the 211AS an easy choice. I think you will be very happy with it. I haven't used the DVI, and it is dual voltage, too but the warranty is worth a lot.