iMig 200 or iMig210?

[wdannhardt]

I'm looking to upgrade from my Hobart Handler 135 to something with more current. I’ve always regretted not getting the larger 220V version of this machine. I fabricate trailers, tables & various other items out of hot rolled steel (angle, tube & channel). The Hobart works fine for me, until I get to 3/16 and thicker material – I just don’t trust the penetration. As a result I wind up stick welding a lot. I’m pretty good at stick welding, but I’m tired of all the smoke and slag. I want to be able to mig weld this heavier stuff.

I saw a chuckEe2009 review of the Everlast i-mig 205. Looks perfect for me, but it’s no longer available. Choices now are i-mig 200 or i-mig 210. Can anyone tell me if the 205 unit chuckE2009 reviewed is more similar to the 200 or the 210 available today? I think he said it his unit had a 35% duty, so I assume it’s more like the 200?

This is my thinking:

i-mig 200:
Reasonable cost
I like the lighter weight (35lbs I think)
35% duty cycle is enough for my hobby work
From the review, the unit sounded quiet (single fan)
Dual voltage is nice
Not sure if is powerful enough to weld ¼ angle iron in a single pass?

i-mig 210
Pulse function is a nice feature (I would likely use this in thin material when I “seal up” tubing joints
Extra amps are always nice (I don’t want to make that mistake again)
50% duty is not a big deal, I don’t production weld
Significantly higher cost than i-mig 200

Are there any other factors that I should consider? Same guns? Same Reliability?

Any advice is appreciated,
Walt

[christian]

Hey,

Welcome to the forum, Walt.

Until someone from Everlast or an actual user of these units has feedback for you, I'll say a few things.

I believe the iMIG205 and 210 are identical in specs and price, so the 205 is now the 210. But there's no pulse for either unit. I think you have to step up to the 251Si to get an Everlast MIG-Pulse, which also has TIG with high-frequency arc starts, which puts it in a class of its own.

But, yeah, the iMIG 200 seems like a sweet value for a 200 amp MIG unit that has inductance and burn back adjustment. And it seems to be on sale via Amazon right now, at $666 and free shipping, with favorable Amazon reviews. The 200 amp range begins at 25 amps.

The iMIG 210 has a better duty cycle than the iMIG 200. Othewise, I don't see a lot of difference. The 210 is also on sale right now via Amazon, at $888 and free shipping. The 210 is newer, and has only limited Amazon feedback so far, but, of course, its quite good. The 210 amp range begins at 30 amps.

So, you undoubtedly won't go wrong with either of these, but the 251Si looks the most interesting to me, as it can undoubtedly go into spray arc transfer with the right gas, and the Pulse feature probably makes it nicer in any position welding.

[wdannhardt]

Thanks for the response. As for pulse, I guess I used the wrong term. The feature I was describing is the stitch/ spot timer adjustment - which cycles the arc on /off at variable settings. Probably not good for strong welds, but OK for sealing welds.

The 251 is interesting, these multi units are sure tempting. I have a Lincoln AC Tig welder that has also been good to me, but if I get an Everlast mig, and I'm satisfied with the quality, I might replace it with a PowerTig 200DX, or similar. On Aluminum, I really would like to have variable AC Freq control, which is lacking on my old Lincoln.

Do you think the iMig 200 can weld 1/4 in a single pass?

Thanks,
Walt

[christian]

Gee,

It has been a long while since I've used a MIG unit. But, if I thought I'd want to do much single-pass butt welds, fillets, or lap joints with 1/4" plate, angle flanges, or similar channel web sections, then I'd undoubtedly want a unit like the 251Si. Maybe you can call Everlast by phone to see if it can be gotten at a reduced rate without the included TIG Package. I think they sold it both ways at one time. Otherwise, it's only about the same price as my 210EXT. I think nearly all Everlast units are a best-value in-class.

Less is often more, but not when it comes to heat output.

And, recently in the context of buying a Miller Dynasty 280DX or a Dynasty350, it was stated, "Buy once, cry once."

I kind of liked that, but there's undoubtedly far fewer tears with an Everlast unit. Ha, ha, ha...

Thanks for the response. As for pulse, I guess I used the wrong term. The feature I was describing is the stitch/ spot timer adjustment - which cycles the arc on /off at variable settings. Probably not good for strong welds, but OK for sealing welds.

The 251 is interesting, these multi units are sure tempting. I have a Lincoln AC Tig welder that has also been good to me, but if I get an Everlast mig, and I'm satisfied with the quality, I might replace it with a PowerTig 200DX, or similar. On Aluminum, I really would like to have variable AC Freq control, which is lacking on my old Lincoln.

Do you think the iMig 200 can weld 1/4 in a single pass?

Thanks,
Walt

[Doc Pete]

I have the "old 205" and yes, I was told it is the new 210. It's light enough to move around. If you play with the spot and stitch functions, you can really get some interesting combinations for welding. It has a ton of power. I bought the matching (took some time) spool gun for it and it does 1/4" aluminum without any problems. You can easily over drive .035 wire and almost get it to spray without changing gas mix. I'm only a hobbyist, but I'm very happy with it.
Pete