[TR] MIG Welders

[aribert at c3net.net]

I have a Miller 125 AC buzzbox (50A, 220V), a Century 135 MIG (20A, 110)
and oxy-acetylene.  I really wish that I had a TIG!!!  I just can not
justify spending $1,500+.

I would strongly suggest that you buy the welder from the welding supply
store with part of the purchase deal being that they demo the unit for
you.  You bring in a few sample coupons of various gages that you want to
be able to weld.  Have them dial in the machine, do a sample weld, let you
do a sample weld and write down the welder settings for each sample before
moving on to the next set of coupons.  This way you have a baseline for
what worked for the experienced welder.

Personally, I like MIG the least.  I find that I have trouble dialing in
the correct wire feed and current to get both the sizzle sound and the
resulting good looking weld.  Also, the only cold welds (welds with no
penetration) that I have had fail were MIG.  The MIG's only benefit is
that it is 110V and portable - although at a 20% duty cycle.





> Hi guys. Awhile back, I bought a used Craftsman 110v, 75a (max) MIG.
> Also bought the Argon/CO2 cylinder and some .023 solid wire. I'm trying
> to use it for 20 ga mild steel for bodywork on my TR restoration
> project. If I try anything other than a tack weld, burn through is a
> distinct possibility...and ugly, sloppy welds are a given!  And yes, the
> polarity is correct. So, since MIG is supposed to be relatively simple
> to learn - and I can't seem to - I have come to the conclusion that the
> problem is with the welder, not the operator. Could be wrong, but I'm
> working on my self esteem. :^)
>
> In any case, I am giving up...time for a new welder. I have narrowed it
> down to the Millermatic 180, the new (available soon) dual voltage
> Miller 211or perhaps the Hobart Handler 187 or 210.

I was wondering what the rest of you use for your
> restoration projects (or whatever). If you had to do it again, would you
> buy the same unit? Do you have other brands/models that you like?
>
> I'm leaning towards the MM180, in large part because it's available
> locally from a real welding supply store. >
> Fergie
> 1959 TR3A  TS53990L(0)