spend the extra money and get a fabricator 252i and youll have 100% duty cycle @150 amps
I've read the stickies and have got some valuable info from it, but still wouldn't mind getting some feedback. I'm looking to purchase a welder and the majority of the work I typically do is covered by mig. My main use will be restoring a Mach 1 as well as random household projects and random fabrication. The max steel thickness I've ever welded is 3/8". I've never tig welded before but am very curious about it and wouldn't mind messing around with it. I don't have any need to Tig aluminum. If you were to buy a welder, would you stick with the proven MM 211 or would you opt for the Thermal Arc Fabricator 211i? They are at about the same pricepoint, so the addition of arc and tig is nice. I know the tig torch and pedal are extra. I was originally looking at a MM 251, but I really don't need anything with that high of duty cycle and when i do need to weld consistently its not typically thick metal. The multi voltage of the 211 and 211i is a bonus. Thoughts?
Does anyone know if the Fabricator 211i has a PCB separate for the mig/tig/arc controls? Anotherwords, should there be a situation where a PCB goes bad would I lose everything or just that particular weld type? Thanks in advance!
spend the extra money and get a fabricator 252i and youll have 100% duty cycle @150 amps
Lincoln Power Arc 4000
Thermal Arc Fabricator 252 i
Thermal arc 186
Thermal Arc 26 tig
Tweeko 200 amp spool gun
Hobart AirForce 400
WP-17V-12R
I thought about the 252i as well, but it is twice the price of the 211i and the only difference I can find is the higher duty cycle and extra 1/8" thickness. I really can't justify twice the price for a higher duty cycle considering what I will be welding.
The 211 is a proven winner by all. The next step could be a 212 ? Yes, the 120/220 is a added bonus. After this I would go for a Miller 200 syncro and you will have stick and tig .
Just trying to help you spend more money. Or, a Miller 180SD. i got mine for 800.00 with tig setup, pedal, and stick leads. Price depends on your location.
true but 211 is only 210 amps max where as the 252 is 300 max my opinion is more power and duty cycle
Last edited by assassin_works; 09-25-2012 at 10:07 PM.
Lincoln Power Arc 4000
Thermal Arc Fabricator 252 i
Thermal arc 186
Thermal Arc 26 tig
Tweeko 200 amp spool gun
Hobart AirForce 400
WP-17V-12R
I have the fabricator252i. And would not consider the 211i. The 252 accepts a 33 pound spool, and also has a better tig setup. It does not require an external valve for tig welding. Where the 211i uses a manual valve for gas flow. I run a small one man shop and really have no use for this big of a welder, 99% of the time I'm welding 1/8 or thinner. But I just completed a job that was 1/2 inch steel. And was glad to have the extra power. The 211i would probably handle all my welding needs so in saying that always buy one size bigger than you need/anticipate needing. You will never wish for a smaller welder. But if you go too small you will always wish for bigger.
I know your looking at hobby type stuff, but once you start welding, the neighbors will start bugging you to make stuff. And a paying hobby is nice it helps you progress faster on your own projects. So don't limit yourself.
Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.
Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fab
Support those that support WW.
For the price of both welders the 211i is the better deal. The 211i weights 16 lbs less has the ability to hold a 33 lb spool of wire, comes with more accessories than the 211 and at max output has a higher duty cycle. I own a 181i and a mm211 and have access to a
252i. If you can come up with the extra cash the 252i is the way to go it also weighs 10 lbs less than the mm211. The inverter welds far different than a transformer machine and having the ability to have tig and stick at the same time is nice. The 181i is almost 1 year old and have not had a problems with it.
If you are set on a new machine right away, I would consider the TA 211 3 in 1 (Mig, DC Tig & Stick). Miller is bringing out a 3 in one next year from what I hear. I have a TA 210 and its sweet on light gauge stuff. I can barely get it in Spray on 1/4" plate, but it will do it.
I've always bought Miller for the company I work for, but when the bucks come out of my own pocket...I have to look for a blend of both worlds. Nothing wrong with TA if you don't beat on it.
Thermal Arc Fabricator 210
1970 Lincoln Redface
Miller 150 STL
Still need a Syncrowave and a plasma and a milling machine and a lathe and a bigger shop and a....
My TA 252i is one of the first they shipped. And it has not let me down. I ordered it last November, and have 3 33pound spools of wire through it. And have used up 1/2 of a fourth. As well as a few 11 pounders. I have done everything from 22ga to 1/2 inch. I have used the tig and it's nice but I have access to a syncrowave 250dx so most of my tig work is don't on that machine. But I will not hesitate to tig with my 252i.
I cannot say enough good about it. Longevity has yet to be seen, but I think it will be a non issue, as a shop welder.
Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.
Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fab
Support those that support WW.
Jason
Lincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tig
Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52
Miller Bobcat 250
Torchmate CNC table
Thermal Arc Hefty 2
Ironworkers Local 720
Thermal Arc Fabricator 210
1970 Lincoln Redface
Miller 150 STL
Still need a Syncrowave and a plasma and a milling machine and a lathe and a bigger shop and a....
If you plan to weld anything beyond a 1/4 thick and you want it to stay togehter ie a motor mount or hauling trailer then buy the 252 and leave the others alone. You want to tig ms and ss then buy a little Thermal 90sst for $400
The 211 is will run 035 nicely but I do not trust it on a single pass weld on any thing 1/4 and above unless you can weld both sides.
Thermal Arc Fabricator 210
1970 Lincoln Redface
Miller 150 STL
Still need a Syncrowave and a plasma and a milling machine and a lathe and a bigger shop and a....
I think they're talking about the Thermal Arc 252.
Not sure if you already pulled the plug on a new welder purchase. I own the 211, 252, and a Syncrowave 350. The 211 will work great if your intentions are as stated. You can always pick up the 100 amp aluminum spool gun for the 211 if you ever decide you need to weld aluminum. If you're planning on heavy use, definitely consider spending the extra on something like the 252. You'll never regret it.
Miller Syncrowave 350 LX
Millermatic 252
Millermatic 211
Miller Bobcat 250 NT
Hypertherm Powermax 1250
Last edited by J. Brown Welding; 03-16-2013 at 10:12 AM.
I actually found a barely used Lincoln Power Mig 255 locally for $800. For that price I couldn't pass it up! I've always typically leaned blue, but this red machine has impressed me so far