Eric Anderson

Hey guy's, I'm looking to pick up a new mig outfit, I'm probably going with a 110volt unit as it will pretty much be for sheet metal, I'll still use a stick for heavy work. Anyway I was thinking of a Miller 140 or 180 , any thoughts much appreciated. Anyone have a different favorite Hobart, Lincoln, etc.? And has anyone used the Clarke/Craftsman units, any luck with them?

gearheads78

hated hated hated my Esab 110 unit did I mention I hated it

love my Miller 175 (now 180) but its 220. I think it might also work on 110 but I did'nt bother seeing it it does or not since I was wanting to use 220

Eric Anderson

Hey Richard, I was kind of leaning towards the 180, like I said I'm not worried about heavy use but would rather have a little too much welder than not enough. I haven't used a miller, I was definitely looking for some pos. feedback on the miller, thanks.

68conv455

I hated my cheepo mig so I upgraded to a Miller DVI a few years ago. The welder made a night and day difference in my welding. The DVI will plug into any outlet, 110 or 220 and comes with a variety of adapters so you can plug it into your 110, 220/20, or 220/50 outlet. It's one of my best tools. At the same time, I bought an electronic helmet. Expensive but well worth it.

Eric Anderson

Thanks 68, there's 2 for Miller.

csstrux

I would go with the 180 amp unit if i were you. Much nicer and more versatile. I got a hobart unit whit isn't bad but wish I had gotten a lincoln, or a miller. I think hobart is made by miller, nice solid and reliable, but fine tuning is a bit tougher.

Eric Anderson

Hey Chad, I've heard the Millers are a little easier to get dialed in, that is one reason I was leaning towards one.

Just checked Hobart and Miller are both owned by ITW, who knew?( Chad obviously )

marinus_

I spent three years repairing welding machines but I never had to repair a miller.
I guess that says something for the millers eh!!

Eric Anderson

Thanks marinus, looks like Millers takin' this one so far.

ozoneblue

Go with a Miller but go ahead & get the 220 & argon gas I have used a Miller matic 35 for years no major problems you can also get a aluminum spool gun >As i use to work on diesel trucks all aluminum cabs Very handy tool

dan2286

I am sorry to highjack this thread, but I had a question. What are pros and cons of using a gasless wire fed welder? Do they do a good job with stuff like sheetmetal and other little projects(nothing structural)?

To add some input on welders, my old school has a Lincoln welder and they were having problems with it less than a year of having it. I forget what kind of welding it did but it was a really nice one that was between 4 and 5 feet tall around.

Eric Anderson

The reason I was considering the 140 is the fact that I don't have 220 in my garage yet, I should run it anyway so I can get a bigger compressor also. The 180 is definitely sounding like the better choice. I've seen people weld with flux core wire and no gas on sheetmetal before but it took alot of setup and the results were less than stellar, this could have been the unit or the operator, The pro of a no gas unit is they are inexpensive, but thats just my 2 cents on that as I dont really have any experience with them, I've only ever used mig on sheetmetal, so I'll leave that one to the pros.

gearheads78

Don't waste your time with gasless. Not near as clean of a weld.

citcapp

I went with the 180 lincoln and I like it a lot 240 volts with gas. Does a great job. Used it for the 1957 Olds 455 conversion. All of the welds turned out clean. The machine is easy to set up and to use. I bought a cart for it from Harbor Freight half the cost of the lincoln cart. The cart holds the bottle, tools and mask and the cord hangs on the side. Bought the welder on e-bay and saved 300.00 on the best price I could find at a welder supply.

Eric Anderson

Hey citcapp, good point on the cart, I priced them there also, also the welders on e-bay looks like I'm going the same route. Did you get it off of weldingsuppliesatioc by any chance? From the results I've seen I would agree with Richard on the gasless.

Eric Anderson

Hey guys I'm pullin' the trigger on the Millermatic 180, thanks for all the input!

gearheads78

Good deal you will like it. Order an aluminum spool gun too but have it sent to my address for testing first. Once I make sure it works for a few years I will send it to you that is as long as I am satisfied with its performance.

Eric Anderson

It's always good to know I have my own Quality assurance dept.

citcapp

You can send any tools my way for testing and evaluation. I will return them after I finish the testing along with a written report

csstrux

It's VERY hard to get a clean weld with flux core wire. Go with the better unit...you won't regret it. Depending on the unit, you can do aluminum, or steel and do structural, or sheet steel with the same unit. I got mine for under six bills, not counting the cart or cylinder. If you shop around you should be able to find one reasonably priced.

MN71W30

I had a Lincoln SP100 for 20 years. It worked OK. Had issues with the gun from the start. I finally had a tantrum and smashed the handle on the ground and felt no remorse.
I now have a small Miller and it is a nicer unit. It automatically adjusts the speed and heat for half **** welders like myself.