Welder? Miller 252

[essner]

Hey guys Im going to be buying a welder within the next couple weeks. I was wondering if anyone out there uses one and if so how should I set mine up...all help is appreciated thanks
Devan
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[ETsC10]

I have seen several posts in the past mentioning the 252's great quality & versatility.
Are you buying new or scouting for a used welder & tank (equipment rental places
and government auctions come to mind)?

[mongoose]

The 251/252 ia propably the most used mig on the planet... unless your setting up shop or just doong lots of heavy heavy welding id step down to a 211 or something use that money for a tank and a spool gun..
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[vidman]

The 252 is a whole lot of machine. If your buying for small stuff around the garage, its way too big. Don,t get me wrong it is a great machine, we have 2 at work and will weld pretty much anything, but it is a lot for the home user.. jmho

[Tx Firefighter]

I'll say something that will certainly cause controversy.

That's a bit too much welder for restoring old trucks.

I have a Miileramtic 250, which is the non digital grandfather to the 252. It's awesome for building trailers and stuff but I do not like it for most old truck stuff. The gun is too large to get into tight places. I use my little 120v Lincoln for almost everything and only use the big Millermatic for stupid large stuff. That little Lincoln is small and easy to drag around, can be plugged in anywhere, and has a nice little gun on it.

If I were to be buying new, I'd get something smaller, more intermediate size like a 211 or whatever. That would handle everything on old truck work and save a good bit of money. The only reason I bought my Millermatic 250 is because it was 900 dollars and was still on the first spool of wire run through it. It was too good a deal to pass up.


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[maxxxy]

There is a miller 252 at the machine shop I work at, and I am by no means a professional welder, but I love that thing. It has welded anything I've thrown at it with ease from sheet metal to 1/2" steel and probably thicker. If I had the money I'd buy one of those. Though it is really large and takes up a lot of space.

[dieseldawg142]

agreed'ed, 252 is a big welder. a 200-220 would be a good choice.
i was with my boss the day he bought his millermatic 200 (1991). have welded 1" plate (vee'd) for dump truck pintle hitches to cab supports on my k5 (not easy!,later bought a miller 110). no digital stuff here, but 22 yrs of rock solid service, only thing done- just recently replaced the gun

[maxxxy]

I was wrong earlier, my shop has a miller 212, and it is still wayyyyy more than id ever need for personal use. Great piece of equipment.