So I got my Christmas Welder!!

[Zack1978]

Hey everyone,
So as a total surprise to me my family got me a welder for Christmas. I have no clue what the hell I am doing, but I want to learn!! The welder is a MillerMatic 135. So what do you think of my new toy?


Zack

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_135/

 

[CruisinGA]

I got the millermatic 175 last christmas, which is the 135's 220v big brother.

The 135 is plenty of welder for most of the projects you'll ever tackle on a cruiser.

Get a tank of C25 (75%argon, 25% co2), and some .035 solid wire for it and start practicing!

In my short year of practice, I've discovered the most important things to keep in mind for myself is the prep of the steel prior to weld, keeping gaps minimal, keeping a 70-80 degree angle to the steel with the wire, and learning how to manipulate wire speed, heat, and feed speed for welding on inclines and overhead.

Above all, keep in mind a pretty weld is not necessarily a strong one.

Have fun!

 

[fj40charles]

I'd use some .030 wire.. I think .035 will be too think for a low powered welder.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

That's a nice gift. Agree, you need gas. If there is a local Airgas store, get the Radnor 0.030 wire. It is better for some odd reason.

If you don't have gas, you have to weld with flux core which is kind of a pain.

The traditional first project is to build a cart for the welder and the bottle. Search under username "Chicago" for a nice design.

Some other stuff you need:

Leather coat and apron
Gloves
Autodark helmet
stainless wire brushes
Angle grinder with cup brush
Angle grinder with cutting wheel
Angle grinder with grinding wheel
100% cotton clothing and cap
Welding pliers
Sharp diagonal cutter for clipping the stinger to length
Several large "C" clamps
Right angle magnetic holders
Those vice-grip things made for welding-these are great/indespensible

 

[gladly]

TCLA_paul made a nice cart too

BTW chicago's thread is at https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=112530

 

[Zack1978]

I can't wait to try it out, I am very nervous!


Zack

 

[cruiser88]

just start welding s*** ,thats the only way your going to learn.just remember to wear a good hood

 

[66fj40x2]

Sweet!!!!

I get to pick up my Miller 180 Friday (I hope).