I need some advice on buying MIG welders; old vs. new

[fj40charles]

I have done a lot of research on this welder (much of the discussions you were a part of), and had concluded that this is the right machine. Essentially, I wanted more than I currently need, and this fits the bill perfectly.

One thing I would like to do, and have not had much success in doing, is to get a source for some replacement parts (spool hub assembly); and to straighten out the case and repaint it (I want it to look new). Do you know of a good source for replacement parts? I am willing to buy a second unit, for the sake of spare parts, if necessary.

Spool hub assy will be available from Miller.

You should be able to make the "T" handle for it. Find a MM200 you can copy it from.

Send me PM and I'll help you out.

Sheet metal will be hard to find. Might need to try to find a dead unit for the sheet metal.

 

[Pin_Head]

Virtually any local welding supply (LWS) will have parts for Miller and Tweco.

Don't get too carried away with polishing it. It has character the way it is.

The nice thing about transformer machines is that your friends won't ask to borrow it.

 

[spdwaver]

Spool hub assy will be available from Miller.

You should be able to make the "T" handle for it. Find a MM200 you can copy it from.

Send me PM and I'll help you out.

Sheet metal will be hard to find. Might need to try to find a dead unit for the sheet metal.

Thanks for the information. I may just straighten out what I have, but there are tears on the top section, along with a bent internal housing which means that I can't put a bolt through and into any threads. Otherwise, if you know of anyone who has a dead welder, I would be happy to buy it.

I was able to get a new Radnor brand torch yesterday, from Airgas, and it's a really nice unit, actually; very proprietary, according to the salesman. I'm not sure how this brand stacks up to the rest out there, but it does have a nice heavy feel to it, and the slip on/off nozzle is nice; and, I got a really good deal on everything I bought yesterday.

 

[spdwaver]

Virtually any local welding supply (LWS) will have parts for Miller and Tweco.

Don't get too carried away with polishing it. It has character the way it is.

The nice thing about transformer machines is that your friends won't ask to borrow it.

I agree with you that the appearance is not important, but I would like for it to not match the rest of my tools. Besides, making new panels might be a fun project, and will give me a chance to practice welding on thinner metals - something that was a challenge when using the SP135 and flux core wire (burn-through).

 

[fj40charles]

Thanks for the information. I may just straighten out what I have, but there are tears on the top section, along with a bent internal housing which means that I can't put a bolt through and into any threads. Otherwise, if you know of anyone who has a dead welder, I would be happy to buy it.

I was able to get a new Radnor brand torch yesterday, from Airgas, and it's a really nice unit, actually; very proprietary, according to the salesman. I'm not sure how this brand stacks up to the rest out there, but it does have a nice heavy feel to it, and the slip on/off nozzle is nice; and, I got a really good deal on everything I bought yesterday.

Radnor is Airgas's house brand. I believe most of Randor's mig guns are Tweco compatible. The nozzle and contact tips should be the same as a Tweco.

You'll need to buy a spool of solid mig wire. .035 70ER-S6 is a good starting point.

 

[spdwaver]

Pin_Head: Thank you for your generosity!