IH8MUD Forums - View Single Post

honk · 08-24-05, 05:53 AM

I have a Millermatic 210 and it's usually enough. Keep in mind that the model number isn't a reliable indicator of a welders output, or rather it's usable output. I think that home model mig machines are given too much confidence - meaning that an inexperienced person often thinks that such machines are very powerful and can weld most anything when the truth is that most all are maxed out doing single pass welds on 1/4" steel and can't join aluminum larger than 1/8". I think if I do another one the Miller 350 will be it IF I can pull enough amps out of my home supply to power it at it's max.

That's another factor that I never see mentioned here: welders take power in proportion to their output. The miller 210 requires 42 amps at 230 volts to weld at 180 amps.

Hobart and Miller share parentage now. The Hobarts are more of a "consumer" product and uses some cost saving pieces to make the lower price. Lot's of people say that they "love" their Hobarts even while it's in the shop being fixed.

Goatgetter, you aren't going to weld the things you listed safely with a 140 class welder. Cold welds risk lives. I guess that the DVI has uses but I don't like it much. It's a sop for people who don't have the energy to figure out a 220 supply. If I wanted the go anywhere versatility I'd buy the Passport, but I'd know it's limitations and would not have it as a main or single welder.

Get the most power that you can afford and supply. No welder has too much power but plenty of them don't have enough.

08-24-05, 05:53 AM	#8
honk IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NW Posts: 2,632	I have a Millermatic 210 and it's usually enough. Keep in mind that the model number isn't a reliable indicator of a welders output, or rather it's usable output. I think that home model mig machines are given too much confidence - meaning that an inexperienced person often thinks that such machines are very powerful and can weld most anything when the truth is that most all are maxed out doing single pass welds on 1/4" steel and can't join aluminum larger than 1/8". I think if I do another one the Miller 350 will be it IF I can pull enough amps out of my home supply to power it at it's max. That's another factor that I never see mentioned here: welders take power in proportion to their output. The miller 210 requires 42 amps at 230 volts to weld at 180 amps. Hobart and Miller share parentage now. The Hobarts are more of a "consumer" product and uses some cost saving pieces to make the lower price. Lot's of people say that they "love" their Hobarts even while it's in the shop being fixed. Goatgetter, you aren't going to weld the things you listed safely with a 140 class welder. Cold welds risk lives. I guess that the DVI has uses but I don't like it much. It's a sop for people who don't have the energy to figure out a 220 supply. If I wanted the go anywhere versatility I'd buy the Passport, but I'd know it's limitations and would not have it as a main or single welder. Get the most power that you can afford and supply. No welder has too much power but plenty of them don't have enough. __________________ Specialization is for insects '77 BJ40 FST;'77 FJ40; '65 FJ40;