Welder Information

[Ken]

Jack sent me this info on Welders. His neighbor...retired welder...owns the 135T Plus. Built an airplane trailer with it.


https://weldingsupply.securesites.com/c ... OR:K1874-2


or the Miller 135.


http://store.cyberweld.com/milmigwel.html



Both can weld with Flux core wire....or have the ability to add gas stabilizer.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Built an airplane trailer with it.

Flying quads..... now that's a concept. Fly to the Rubicon..... Drop the wings pound out a ride and fly home early enough to pick the kids up at school..... (no traffic). roflmao........

Ya could even do a half day..... lol.

[Dennis]

I went through this a few years ago. I ended up going with the Millermatic 175. The 220 wasn't a problem for me. The Hobarts are built by Miller and the only difference is suposed to be a few plastic parts as opposed to all metal in the Miller. I searched high and low online. I ended up going to Harris Gas on Alburn in C.H. They basicly matched the deal I was gonna get online. It wasn't quite a match, but close enough that I was happy. I got the MM175 w/the cart, an auto-darkening helmet, a large tank of gas for $1000. out the door.

Here is a couple more links for you.
http://www.welders-direct.com/
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/
http://www.ramweldingsupply.com/ They have a store in South Sac.
http://stores.ebay.com/Welding-Supplies-from-IOC

I seem to remember that there was a place on e-bay selling a unit by panisonic that had a plasma tourch built in for like $1500. I was kind of wishing I went that route after I bought mine. It looked like a nice setup for the money.

[ontherks]

Well between the two I would get the Miller 135, we have well over 200 welders at work and the millers are way better than the lincons.

At my house I have a older hobart 120 and the miller 210. If you can get 220. If not the 110 will be ok, just flux core on thick metal, and hard wire and gas on thinner ones for a nicer weld.

[Ken]

I agree on the Miller vs Lincoln comparison. Miller has a great reputation and definitely uses more steel parts than Lincoln.

You can see on this chart...they just do a few little things here and there..that go just extra step.


http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig ... c_135.html


I checked out the specs on the Lincoln, and the Miller stated specs of the Lincoln are accurate.


Thanks for the info on Harris....

[ontherks]

Yeah Harris is good, also Airgas has some decent prices, but we spend so much they we also get a good discount too.

But if this says anything I bought my 210 from Harris

[dp]

good stuff! I don't have any welding experience and would like to know what is require to weld aluminum? I see some of the Millers mention that.

[oldtrucks]

Here's my 2 cents on welders....I currently have a Millermatic 185. It's one of the smaller units they build that comes on a full size chassis and have been very happy with it. I run two guns on it, one with .035 steel wire, and a spool gun for .023-.025 steel/aluminum/stainless wire, depending on what I'm doing. I use it mostly for light fab and body work, Old Trucks ya know. I recently purchased a Lincoln Precision Tig 185 and find myself looking at a new Lincoln Mig machine in the near future when I upgrade from the 185. I've always liked the Millers better, but I think Lincoln has really stepped it up, and personally I think it a better product right now. I usually by all my gas and consumables through the local Airgas store. They have great service and as Dennis pointed out, they will try and match or beat a price. I purchased my plasma cutter through the eBay link Dennis posted, Indiana Oxygen, and was very pleased with him as well.

[oldtrucks]

DP aluminum can be welded with just about anything, but best results will be with a TIG machine (HeliArc). I've tried oxy/acetylene with mixed results, mainly because there is no shielding around the weld and it's difficult to see when aluminum is about to melt. Unlike steel that turns orange/red, aluminum gets a white look then just turns to goo. I've also had mixed results with my MIG machine using a argon mix. I do ok on heavier gauge but the lighter gauges turn into puddles. The secret to good results with any of them is practice, lots of practice.

[Ken]

I have to go with the 135's. I don't have 220 in my garage. Million + dollar house, and they put 1 outlet for a Fridge in my 2 car garage and 1 outlet with 2 plugs in my 1 car garage. Lame beyond Lame.

[ontherks]

WOW only one plug. I would be doing some electrical work. The 110v should be fine for you, I doubt you will be welding much 1/4" and thicker stuff anyway. The few things you might I would just bevel the joint good and run muitiple passes.

[Ken]

I did add some plugs.....but none are 220.


I now believe...if you plan on building your "dream home"....build a practice house.

There's so many thing we forgot.

[dp]

Thanks Larry! Someday I would like to weld up an aluminum flat bed for my pickup.

Ken, you gotta build yourself a shop out in the back.

[MrBill]

Ken is your meter on the outside wall of the garage?

[oldtrucks]

I now believe...if you plan on building your "dream home"....build a practice house.

I understand all too well. The one we're getting ready to build has been in planning for over a year. Still find things that have to be changed or massaged. I've mocked up models and moved walls to the point that I think I've built it 100 times in my head.