MIG for a beginner...

Date 04-18-2005 02:48

The millermatic 175 will set you back about$750 from www.brwelder.com
and the millermaticDVI will set you back a bit over your stated budget at just over $1000. I would step for the DVI as it is a dual voltage setup so it will plug into a 115v outlet or 220v outlet and the output is much stronger. I also use www.cyberweld.com as a referance source. As for your searching- the AWS considers this process GMAW- gas metal arc welding{mig=metal inert gas} much the same but the new name is actually more correct.

Good luck with your new miller you'll love it!

By Paul Cataldo Date 04-18-2005 02:57

Hey thanks bro.
Well, do you think the DVI is a better choice than the Millermatic 210 as well? If I sell off a few things, I might be able to get a 210...
I do not know much about the DVI, other than the dual voltage feature...
If I recall, the 210 is a little more power than the DVI...

By pjseaman (**)

Date 04-18-2005 23:58

Hey:
You asked the right guy, I own the mm210 and love it, but it won't plug into a 110v outlet. The mm210 is sweet and I love mine and it will kick the DVI's butt in all catagories except being able to use standard plug 110v. I have used both and 1/4" plate full penetration is topped out for the DVI whereas the mm210 will do 3/8" with a bit better duty cycle. All in all I think the mm210 is a better value. If production work is ever part of your plan then the 210 is the only call!

If you need particulars of the mm210 email me at pjseaman@sigecom.net and I'll be happy to expand as much as you need.

Peace,

By pat.v Date 04-19-2005 19:23

There are a lot of 210's + spool gun from IOC on the internet.The spool gun is the 3035 vs the 30A used on the 251. Have you ever used the 3035 for aluminum and does it look like it would last. 220 is how I'd wire the 210 in my shop. Can a shop also have woodworking tools or is wood dust setting me up for disaster

By pjseaman (**)

Date 04-20-2005 02:44

I have the 3035 spoolmate also and it isn't as heavily built as the 30A but with a little care it will serve you well. I've used mine fairly heavily and it works very well. As for woodworking in the same area, make cleanup your most important task or you will have a problem. Compressed air to blow out the corners while using the shop vac to suck up the loose dirt. Also I would make a spark screen to shield your more difficult to clean areas.

Good luck,

By metalfab (*)

Date 04-20-2005 06:27

If you want a 115V welder don't get a Miller DVI; 90amps at 20% duty cycle is very weak. I have a Hobart 135 that does 1/4" material (.035 fluxcored) with no issues. The DVI is double the price of the Hobart 135 and for a little more money I'd get a Miller 210 over the DVI in a heartbeat.

The Miller Passport has the same dual 115/230v plug, a slightly better duty cycle than the DVI and great portability. Still, at that price the 210 is the best bang for the buck.

Are you welding mild steel and/or aluminum? If any aluminum get the 210. If 1/4" thick mild steel is your limit then save a few hundred $ and get a Hobart 140.

By pjseaman (**)

Date 04-21-2005 03:54

The power output matches that of the mm135 and hh135 on 110v power but it also has the 220v top end just short of the mm210 so its in the middle between the two.

Peace,

By metalfab (*)

Date 04-21-2005 05:24

The DVI does Not have the same output as a HH or MM 135 when the DVI running at 115 V, 45A difference to be exact at the same Duty Cycle. The Passport is more rounded machine if you want a machine that does both 115/230 V, that and its very portable. The 210 is still the best out of all these performance-wise, if you Need it.

Hobart 135:
115 V: 135A, 20% Duty Cycle

Miller DVI:
230 V operation: 150A at 23 VDC, 40% Duty Cycle
115 V operation: 90A at 18 VDC, 20% Duty Cycle

Miller Passport:
230 V operation: 150 A at 21.5 V, 20% Duty Cycle
115 V operation: 110 A at 19.5 V, 20% Duty Cycle

Miller 210:
230 V: 160 Amps at 24.5 VDC, 60% duty cycle

By metalfab (*)

Date 04-21-2005 15:26

Back to the posters original question. What is the best GMAW welder for under $1000. What are you going to weld and what material thicknesses?

For home I'd say 115V welders are great; Hobart 140 or Miller 135, they run about $600 and $800 (Canadian) respectfully. Virtually the same machines. 20% duty cycle when you max them out. I have the Hobart 135 and use to run Fluxcore .030 wire and recently tried .035 wire...huge difference when welding 3/16" and thicker. On that note, I know the 'rating' for these welders state 3/16 max. If you bevel, you can go thicker without issue.

There is also the 230V machines; Hobart 180 and Miller 175. I'd go for the Miller 175 if I had the extra cash, it runs on your budget limit, around $1000 (Canadian).

By Paul Cataldo Date 04-21-2005 15:35

Thanks fellas,
I couldnt' log in for the longest time. I can't believe the email reply notifications won't provide a link back to this thread when someone replies. Very annoying.
Anyhow, I will be doing a lot of things such as steel racks, trailers, etc.
I think I'm finding out I should probably hold out for the 210 or maybe the 251. I really don't think I'll be able to afford the MM 251 though. Might be able to swing the 210. We'll see.
Thanks for all the info fellas. You guys are great!