Welding Tips and Tricks

I have a Syncrowave 200 for AC/DC TIG and stick, and a stand-alone MIG unit, but neither of these can run my spool gun. I've had to use it off of my Vantage 400 mobile unit on CV mode. Ideally, I would like a MIG unit with a spool gun connection to replace my current MIG welder. The one that comes to mind is the Millermatic 252 but don't know how it compares with others. I have not done a lot of research on equipment yet, so I'm looking for recommendations from experienced users, about what features are desirable, reliability, controls, etc.

I've heard good things about the mm252.

I have a smaller older version, the millermatic 210. It's been an excellent machine for me.

I've been running an MM252 in the shop at work for about 3 years now. Great machine. I don't have a single grumble about it. We don't run a spool gun, but it's got gun memories, so it retains the settings for whichever gun you have connected. I'd buy it again.

Never had a problem with the 252s I've used. Run like tanks. Depending on what you want for amps you could go with a new or older 211 that are phenomenal for spool guns.

i agree with the 252 i have one in my shop and it welds pretty good with the spoolgun hooked up to it. i don't really like that the mig gun is on a angle coming out of the unit and i really don't know the reason why they made it that way.one other thing is when im welding with the mig it seems to grunt every so often when i'm close to maxing it out. but i guess no welding machine is perfect. but if your looking for a machine to weld steel and aluminum the 252 is the way to go.

Farmwelding wrote:Never had a problem with the 252s I've used. Run like tanks. Depending on what you want for amps you could go with a new or older 211 that are phenomenal for spool guns.

My dealer said the 211 is not recommended for the 30A spool gun, but the 252 is the one I need. Also, the 211 won't have enough output for my purposes.

Tommy2069 wrote:i agree with the 252 i have one in my shop and it welds pretty good with the spoolgun hooked up to it. i don't really like that the mig gun is on a angle coming out of the unit and i really don't know the reason why they made it that way.one other thing is when im welding with the mig it seems to grunt every so often when i'm close to maxing it out. but i guess no welding machine is perfect. but if your looking for a machine to weld steel and aluminum the 252 is the way to go.

I'm guessing that it's to eliminate that first overbend as it comes out of the machine...one less bend to allow the wire to feed smoother. Question: Where is the weld current connection for the spool gun on that machine? Do you need to just put a pigtail with a twist connector off the positive lug at the drive rolls?

I have a 252 and the only complaint I have about it is the start. Sounds like a drive by shooting unless I let off the switch for a split second and then it starts right up. I guess I am spoiled from my old MM200 that welds like silk. Other than that it's a good machine.