Miller Maxstar 150

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I have a Miller catalog here, but not too sure what all entails for picking out a Miller Maxstar 150.  For example, I see that one model has remote fingertip control.  I have also read on here that the footpedal is really good; does the footpedal come with the 135-01-1?  I have no experience with TIG welding, so I don't know whats what. I have seen a TIG machine heat up a weld to smooth it out; I need to do that to the existing welds on a sandrail frame.  If I had a "Miller Maxstar for dummies" book here I would be happy  #907 135-01-1 TIG/stick package#907 135-01-2 Remote fingertip control#907 136-01-2 (Maxstar 150 STH)non contact TIG arc starts?Last edited by YFZ; 11-21-2005 at 10:24 PM.
Reply:A week with no bite, so...The STH has high frequeny arc starting... non-contact starting. The tungsten doesn't touch the material. (It isn't really HF, but is still called HF... don't ask, the details arn't worth it. The effect is the same) It has all of the features of the STL as well, and a few more, such as a rudimentary pulser.The STL is basic TIG, lift arc (NOT scratch start) only, no pulser. Lift arc does the job, but can be awkward. The 2T feature (NOT well documented) allows youto stop the arc with a button (not included, unfortunately, but the fingertip remote switch works) rather than by pulling away to break the arc. Both are available as bare machines (I think they have a work lead and a stick holder) as well as the package with regulator, torch, remote, etc.The fingertip remote straps onto the torch. Millers is not great You can get used to it, but I modified mine to make it more to my liking (changed thepot and put in another resistor so it strikes at half panel setting rather than at low end) The pedal is not included in any of the packages AFAIK. The Maxstar150's take a different remote than anything else on the planet (the connector is available from several electronics houses if you want to make your own... I made a pushbutton set eventually)If you won't transport the thing on a regular basis, the bare machine and accessories you need will be cheaper than the package, if you already have a regulator or a torch with the correct connector, and you don't need the case. The kit is Worth it it it lives in your truck for the case. Price the parts you need and then decide. If you want the pedal rather than the fingrtip, more reason not ot get the package, as the pedal isn't cheap. I doubt any dealer will give you a swap of the pedal for the fingertip unit in the package, but you never know.The machine is a good TIG unit for steel (and copper) and a good stick unit. Mine has more than paid for itself in convienience  and, more importantly, silence.