Millermatic 35 ????

[IBCRUSN]

Let me bring you back to the 70's when shag carpet was in, disco was king and every cool kid had Pong.

I found a decent looking Millermatic 35 (see below) for what looks like a fair price not far from home with a large bottle but since I'm not too knowledgeable on welding equipment yet and I especially don't have a clue on the older MIG machines. Anyone have any experience with this old dog? Reading through the owners manual it looks like a decent machine...220A @ 30% to 115A @ 100% and no PC boards to monkey with. A couple welding forums speak favorably of it but I figured I'd run it by you folks. I'm all ears.

Millermatic 35

 

[Poser]

Go over there and run a few beads with it....


I would pick it up if it works fine.

 

[IBCRUSN]

When I said local I meant in relative terms, it's in KC,MO. That and I've never used a MIG (scary I know) so I have no clue. I'll give the guy a call tomorrow and see if he'll take a refundable deposit and hold it until next weekend and I can grab one of the local guys to help.

 

[El Cazador]

They're darn near bullet proof. Parts still available and easy to work on yourself. $550 ain't that bad especially with a bottle. If it's in decent condition it'll fill all your needs and is excellent for learning MIG. As was suggested, see if you can get a demo to make sure wire feeds freely without any coasting after trigger release, there are no worn or "dead" spots in the dial (variable resister), worn cables, gun's in good shape, etc.

 

[Gumby]

I have one. It's not very adjustable, but I really like it. It's durable and welds nice.

 

[zebrabeefj40]

I too own one of those welders. Works very well for most stuff that needs welded on a Cruiser. I've been able to buy any replacement part needed so far. Fair price if it works.

Nick

 

[IBCRUSN]

The one on Craigslist KC, MO sold the morning of the 21st so I missed out on that one. I'm keeping my eyes open for other that come up.

I did find a decent L-Tec (ESAB, Linde, Union Carbide) TIG power supply w/ a suitcase wire feed but it doesn't have a hook up for gas and the kicker is it needs over 100A for 220VAC. I'm all for 400A service for our house but to dedicate 100A to a welder is a little overkill and I don't imagine 480VAC in a residential situation is even possible.

 

[fj40charles]

Millermatic 35 was the first mig with a built in wire feeder from Miller. These welder work real well and have a nice arc. It is very similar to the Millermatic 200 welder.

Don't let the age of the welder scare you away.. I have a 1992 Millermatic 200 welder. I sold a MM210 and spool gun that I purchased new because I like the MM200 better.

Keep looking and be prepared to buy if you find a good deal on craigslist. Miller welders generally don't last very long.