Hi Josh, when I was purchasing my Lincoln MIG, I was doing research and found the big box stores had the  same model welder as AA welding supply for considerably less. I went to a Lincoln seminar and talked to the experts and found out that even though the big box store was the same model, it was not the same machine. Plastic drive for the wire feed and a tapped transformer instead of a variable voltage adjustment etc. Sorry I can't comment on the Miller machine but I am sure someone on here can advise. I hope this doesn't fall into the IMHO category, that was not my intent.

I also have the Miller 211 and agree with all of Steve's comments, including his comment about the location of power switch!  It would be a lot better on the front of the machine, but that's a minor detail.

I am a novice welder (took a class at a local trade school to learn the basics and have a few hours practicing with the 211) and I find it very easy to use.  Nothing I have welded has come apart yet.  The autoset feature works great. I started out using the 220 plug but switched to 110 recently and find I am welding better with it using 110.  I am not sure why that is the case, because it really shouldn't make a difference, but so far I like welding better using the 110 plug. Maybe I am am just getting with practice which makes me think the 110 is better. I'll switch back to 220 again soon and give it another go.

I bought mine from Welders Supply a few years ago.

https://www.weldersupply.com/P/275/MillermaticAutoSet11

MS, what setting is used if welding two different thickness metals together?

The trick I use is to pause a tiny bit on the thicker material and then sort of blend in the thinner material in sort of a quarter turn motion like if you were using a whisk to beat eggs.  Technique is the most important thing in welding.  You just need to stay on top of what's happening.  As you weld and the material heats up you'll find you could really use less amperage, but without something like a foot control for a TIG you have to just be mindful and adjust your technique.  A lot is made of settings on a MIG, but they aren't a remedy for bad technique.  This is why when someone wants to learn to weld I advise they start using a stick machine.  Once you learn how to stick weld most other forms are easy by comparison. 

terry wrote:

josh-kebob wrote:

I'm considering purchasing a Miller 211 might welder. Anyone using one and if so, please post pros and cons. Also, I'd be interested to know the best place to purchase.

Not interested in any IMHO replies...my post is pretty simple.

Thanks

JKB, I purchased my Miller from Cyberweld.com
 

Thanks

I have a small Eastwood MIG and it has worked really well.  If I wanted a high-end welder, I'd give strong consideration the the Eastwood offering.  At $1300, it looks to be a lot of machine for the money.  https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-mp250i-multi-process-250-amp-welder-mig-tig-arc.html

Personally my last welder was a 23 year old Miller Challenger 172 mig welder.

The advantage of the big names is that parts and consumables will be available decades later.  The entire control board of my old Miller is still available new for $108.00

In 23 years of use the only thing it needed was a $20 relay replaced once. 

That is why when I wanted something with more range I went out and bought another Miller.

Bentworker wrote:

Personally my last welder was a 23 year old Miller Challenger 172 mig welder.

The advantage of the big names is that parts and consumables will be available decades later.  The entire control board of my old Miller is still available new for $108.00

In 23 years of use the only thing it needed was a $20 relay replaced once. 

That is why when I wanted something with more range I went out and bought another Miller.

 
That is the exact same machine I have and about the same age. The only money it needed was for consumables and I have used it for many projects that had up to 3/8” material with the odd job that needed multiple passes for very heavy stock.
I have a 180 amp shunt type stick welder that I built from Popular Mechanics plans aroun 1959 era. It has been used on hundreds of projects including welding broken Ford tractor front beam axel, it will burn up to 5/32 rods.