Trying to decide between these two welders. Money isn't really an issue, but I'm concerned with the physical size and weight difference between the two. The 180 looks like it would be fairly portable and is 100 lbs. less than the 212.

Anybody have any input? For general automotive/garage fabrication would the 212's capacity ever be used? I'm also a little concerned with the duty cycle on the 180.

 

go with the 212. the 180 is more geared the home owner looking for a little more to weld gates, and some heavier wrought Iron, its a great unit but you'll be happier in the end with the 212.

 

Just buy a Millermatic 251 like I got. Never have to worry about duty cycles or metal being too big.

 

i use a 251, you could close your eyes and fall asleep and still have some amazing welds.

I <3 millermatic 251. We use it to do all of our roll-cage work among a million other things.

However, if it's between the 180 and the 212, get the 212.

 

i picked up the DIV2 a couple weeks ago...its pretty wicked. by switching a simple plug you can power up with 220 or 110. its not "industrial" like the 212 or 252, but it still will do 3/8" in a single pass. i haven't used it a ton yet, but i was all grins after welding my lca brackets on.