Hank is correct. DC is based of 10 minute intervals. 60% = 6 minutes continuous before thermal overload kicks in. That’s also rated at is MAX amperage too. May be 60%DC at max amps, but 100% DC at 50% amps.
The welders are nice. I’m not too fond of the “auto” features as I sometimes find myself welding weird things where I may need to under or over speed the wire feed a bit to get the puddle to do something I need. But those welders have a manual mode anyway so it’s no worry really.
Increased price of the 212 is the cart function and the extra amperage. That extra 30 amps is going to make a different in welding, so if you can afford it, I’d go with the 212. the 212 is 60% DC at 160amps. At 130apms(the max of the 211) it’s probably more around 80%DC or more. That’s where the extra amperage capability comes in handy as you’re not stressing the machine to do the work. There’s nothing wrong with the 211 though.
If you never plan to weld anything thicker than 1/4" plate, the 211 should do fine. Over 1/4" I’d go with the 212 without pause.
Also don’t push out buying a used machine either. Contact Taylor/United and ask if they have anything used. There are other places to shop used as well. You could find a good used machine for half of those new ones and have more capability. Seth @ Moon just purchased a Miller Inverter TIG used, was a rental with about 10 hours on it, for ~$2700. New it’s a $5K machine. Just another suggestion that’s all.
I just called over to United & Taylor on Freemans bridge road and spoke with Sam. He said that they didn’t deal in used equipment and his competitors wouldn’t either. He said I would have to go somewhere like the tool shed.