Well tommorow is the big day, the tool stores welding sale. I suspect I will have a sleepless night as I am filled with anticipation and excitment. Anyways I have decided to go with miller as the brand of welder and forget about hobart or lincoln, they both had to much visible plastic parts compared to the millers with no infinite voltage control. And with everyones advice I think I will step up to the 220v power range and go with the Millermatic 175 for $899cdn plus with this model you get the free cart, auto darkening helmet as well as a free welding class. Anybody have any experience with this model? I will also be buying a 55 cuft gas bottle as these will be on sale for $119cdn and you can get it filled for half price so about $15 for gas. I went to home depot and I spent about $120 on 8/3 tek cable, breakers, plugs, and fittings etc. just to be able to run 220v to the garage with enough capacity to run the welder and compressor. Any last minute suggestions for me? Or any comments on this model welder? Thanks
Posted by Mike Clayton Graphics (Member # 723) on :
I have used Miller products for the last 20+ years for mig welding. Played with TIG a bit, but did not have the time to learn it properly.
Lincoln is a good model as well, Millers just seemed more "user friendly". If you have the opportunity to take a class, I urge you to do so!
Good Luck!
MC
Posted by Dale Manor (Member # 4858) on :
Hey, why don't you grab an auto darkening weding helmet. I have been using one for several years and can't imagine going back to the old...."where the Hell am I" type.....
Good luck with your new toy...I think you'll alppreciate the extra power of the 220v model. We have an older Millermatic 200 and it works great for a wide range of applications.
take care Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Julio
I have the Miller 185 as my shop welder and absolutely LOVE it! Its so reliable. I did replace the short whip with a 15 foot model. The extra reach is invaluable.
I also torched the cart as soon as I got it an built a heavy duty model instead. But our stuff gets moved a lot too.
You are going to immensely enjoy your new toy... er... tool!
-dan
Posted by Dale Horn (Member # 4037) on :
On the auto darkening helmet - go for one with an adjustable shade. There are cheaper models that start at 4 then pause for a moment and then jump to 10 - this makes it hard to weld small things. Make sure it covers past your whole neck or it will look like just your neck went on a holiday. Also get some some anti-stick gel for the gun and tips. Fire extinguisher, welding gloves, safe work area.
Now you're going to need a band saw, chop saw....
Posted by Pete Sharkins (Member # 4525) on :
Speaking of carts... My Dad's came with one of those cheesy grey, screw together jobs. After I tack welded the trays to the uprights, it's MUCH stronger. I used 2 tacks per corner per side. Did the bottle bracket, too.
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