Comparison... Miller - I-Mig

[CGCINC]

I used a friends Millermatic 211 and really liked it.
It's expensive so I've been looking at the Everlast I-Mig 200 recently instead of the Miller.

Has anyoe used both?

I like the ability to do 110/220.
I will need a spool gun.
The duty cycle is higher on the Everlast but I'm never pushing to the limit so...!?!

I'm just wondering what the pros and cons are of both welders? (or at least the I-Mig 200)

[performance]

I have used both, or at least an older model Miller, but design is very similar in their newer models.

You'll find with the I MIG 200 greater controllability of the arc with the arc force control...and of course the stick performance.
I have found the 211 wire feed to be partially plastic. The Imig is built heavier in that sense.

[CGCINC]

I have used both, or at least an older model Miller, but design is very similar in their newer models.

You'll find with the I MIG 200 greater controllability of the arc with the arc force control...and of course the stick performance.
I have found the 211 wire feed to be partially plastic. The Imig is built heavier in that sense.

Ok, that helps me out. I like Heavy built equipment!

Another question:

On the product page it say's "Metals Recommended"

- Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Chrome Moly Steel
- Aluminum: Power I-MIG 250P
- (With optional Spool gun for 160-205)

Will the I-Mig 200 Not weld Aluminum with a spool gun? Or is that saying you need the optional spool gun with the 160 and 200?
I guess the 250 comes with it...

[zoama]

Ok, that helps me out. I like Heavy built equipment!

Another question:

On the product page it say's "Metals Recommended"

- Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Chrome Moly Steel
- Aluminum: Power I-MIG 250P
- (With optional Spool gun for 160-205)

Will the I-Mig 200 Not weld Aluminum with a spool gun? Or is that saying you need the optional spool gun with the 160 and 200?
I guess the 250 comes with it...

The 250 doesn't come with a spool gun but does have the connector. I believe the 250 can feed .045 aluminum wire through the regular mig torch with an optional teflon liner and feed rollers. Maybe "160-205" means 160 through 205.

[SeanMurphy265]

I've owned both, and I think they both have their strengths. Even though the Millermatic 211 is dual voltage which gives off the idea it's portable, but they are way too heavy to lug around a job site. It's not something you want to carry around. The Imig 200 is lighter, and after you add a spool of wire its heavy, but you can lug it around a job site. The millermatic 211 pulls more power than the Imig 211, not sure how much, but there are considerable differences between the two when I rand them off my generator. I do not own a spool gun so I can't tell you much about that. The 211 will only run one particular aws number aluminum wire. I did attempt that once, and I bought the wrong wire; it would not weld. I had good luck with both welders and can't say anything bad about either one. I have read where people had trouble with their millermtic 211 even some D.O.A. issues (imagine that!). Everlast is the more portable of the two welders.

[CGCINC]

Yeah, I've read that other places that the Miller is very heavy. I'm looking for something to to do onsite repair so that won't work.
I'm pretty sure I'm going with the I-Mig but I just wanted to get some info on the differences. Thanks all

[performance]

Our problems with the IMIG are incredibly low. I'd put them up against an equivalent Miller any day of the week. That is for sure.

[srp]

I am on the fence too, considering the Miller 211 and the Everlast 200 and 205P. The 110 option is a big deal for me but then again I would like to have pulse.

I have got some good input from Sean on both, If I bought one today it would be the Everlast 200, same as his.

There are no good videos of Everlast migs on Youtube, I vote to have Jody or somebody do a review on Everlast migs. I like to see new to me products in action before I buy, especially when it is being compared to Miller.

[CGCINC]

I like to see new to me products in action before I buy, especially when it is being compared to Miller.

I feel that way as well.... No matter what I buy.
The video's with Jody using the 250EX sold me on that.

I hardly ever use pulse on my Tig...

[SeanMurphy265]

If got some steel ordered for my plasma table, and If I have time today I'm picking up some steel for another smoker. I will try to do a video and put it up by the weekend.

[CGCINC]

If got some steel ordered for my plasma table, and If I have time today I'm picking up some steel for another smoker. I will try to do a video and put it up by the weekend.

Appreciate that! Get some close-ups of the front panel!!

[SeanMurphy265]

Here is a little overview.

[CGCINC]

Do you have to have a spool gun to run Aluminum wire through it?

Also, what is the main purpose of a spool gun? I know the wire is right there and easier to change but is it meant for a specific purpose?

[zoama]

Do you have to have a spool gun to run Aluminum wire through it?

Also, what is the main purpose of a spool gun? I know the wire is right there and easier to change but is it meant for a specific purpose?

Aluminum wire is too soft to push through a regular mig lead consistently so that's about the only reason for a spool gun.

[SeanMurphy265]

I do not have a spool gun. I tig aluminum.

[CGCINC]

Aluminum wire is too soft to push through a regular mig lead consistently so that's about the only reason for a spool gun.

Ok, Thanks.

Another question (Man I like to ask questions)

If I run across something too thick to weld with one pass, can you do a multiple pass weld with a mig. Or a more clear question, I know you can do a multiple pass with anything but will you get good pentration and will the weld be as strong as using a higher powered unit with a single pass?

And also, what is a "Clean Power" generator? What would be the problem with running the I-Mig 200 on a regular generator?

[kenwhite]

Yes you can run multiple passes, you just need to overlap the passes correctly.

I have a spool gun for my imig200 but have not used it yet, I need to get a 100% Ar tank, and as zoama585 stated it is difficult to push aluminum wire easily through a mig torch.

[CGCINC]

I do not have a spool gun. I tig aluminum.

I'm looking into boat repair and we used a spool gun in class to repair a jon boat. It would be difficult to Tig in some places on a boat.

[kenwhite]

Oh, and one other thing, you should wire the dual voltage welder/cutter directly to a 240V plug and then connect to the 120V branch through a 240V socket/outlet to a 120V plug extension cord/pigtail.

There are 2 reasons for this.

First, 120V plugs are typically only rated at 15-20 amps and 240V plugs are typically rated at 30 amps and above. By connecting the dual voltage machine as described above, the 120 plug will never be exposed to a high current overload condition which can cause it to overheat and catch fire.

Second, the 120V plug is only rated to have 120V across it's contacts. If a higher voltage is applied than what it is rated for, it can/will eventually arc across the contacts and create an a short or partial short overload condition. By connecting the welder/cutter as described above, the 120V plug will not arc between conductors since voltages greater than 120V will never be applied to it.

[srp]

I called Friday to order a mig welder and a 50 amp plasma cutter. The girl said Oleg was on an other line and he would return my call, he never found the time to call back. Sometimes when your not really sure what to buy, other people make up your mind for you.