millermatic 135

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i just purchased a used Millermatic 135 (welder only ) I'm wondering if i got a decent price at 375$ .. it works well .. what do you guys think .. i just got it to learn on .opinions appreciated thanks - John
Reply:I bought one new back in '94, with the exception it was the Millermatic 130. (I think they are almost exactly the same, but the 135 is newer.) Sold it in 2007  and bought it back this year. I won't make the same mistake again. I keep .023 wire in it, and use straight CO2. It's great for the small jobs, and when you don't have 220 available. Keep in mind, it's limited to 1/8" steel. (I once used it with a roll of aluminum wire, with straight argon and was able to satisfactorily weld a thin aluminum toolbox, but I had to keep the gun cable pulled real straight.)I paid about $700 for mine, new, back in '94. If the one you got is in decent shape, I don't think you'll regret what you paid for it.Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)
Reply:Originally Posted by bratkid63I bought one new back in '94, with the exception it was the Millermatic 130. (I think they are almost exactly the same, but the 135 is newer.) Sold it in 2007  and bought it back this year. I won't make the same mistake again. I keep .023 wire in it, and use straight CO2. It's great for the small jobs, and when you don't have 220 available. Keep in mind, it's limited to 1/8" steel. (I once used it with a roll of aluminum wire, with straight argon and was able to satisfactorily weld a thin aluminum toolbox, but I had to keep the gun cable pulled real straight.)I paid about $700 for mine, new, back in '94. If the one you got is in decent shape, I don't think you'll regret what you paid for it.
Reply:Originally Posted by lunk71I'm just gonna use it for light stuff around the shop / housei probably payed a little more than i should , but its a miller  .. the tip of the gun looks ruff .. can i replace just the tip ? .. or am i looking at replacing the entire gun?
Reply:looks good!! Did you build the stand yourself ? I was thinking of making the stand my first "project ".
Reply:That looks really nice,lilredex
Reply:Yes, made from bed rails and other assorted stuff that was around. Would do two things differently if doing it again.  Put big wheels (maybe 8' dia) on the back and move those front ones inside the frame, they tend to hit things sticking out like that.  Those tank rings were bent with a H/F ring roller.  Pretty happy with it otherwise, lots of good ballast (storage) in the bottom.
Reply:what size bottle is that ?and what type of gas is most often used , and why ? argon or o2
Reply:Great deal, where did you buy that?Midwest Metal ProductsMetal Wire Forming Fan Guards Delta-Larm
Reply:If you're welding mild steel, get an 80cf or (better) a 125cf bottle of C25 (75% Argon, 25% C02).  You'll be able to do thicker than 1/8 with flux core wire, I'd guess.  You can rent Steve Bleil's MIG instructional video for $10 and be less likely to do something stupid -- at least, it's worked so far for me.  Better still, sign up for a welding class at your local community college or trade school.  MIG is pretty simple to do, but welding is pretty complicated as a craft.
Reply:Originally Posted by mrandreiGreat deal, where did you buy that?
Reply:Originally Posted by Jack OlsenIf you're welding mild steel, get an 80cf or (better) a 125cf bottle of C25 (75% Argon, 25% C02).  You'll be able to do thicker than 1/8 with flux core wire, I'd guess.  You can rent Steve Bleil's MIG instructional video for $10 and be less likely to do something stupid -- at least, it's worked so far for me.  Better still, sign up for a welding class at your local community college or trade school.  MIG is pretty simple to do, but welding is pretty complicated as a craft.
Reply:I have a Hobart Handler 140...made by Miller and even has a Miller gun on it.  I paid $425 about 2 months ago for it but it has the cart and helmet etc with it.  So I dont think you went wrong.  I am doing the same type stuff you discribe and love it.  Dont think you went wrong.Hobart Handler 140Longevity LP-40D Plasma Cutter14" chop saw4.5" angle grinder
Reply:My suggestion is to use straight CO2. I use both, CO2 and 75/25, (different machines, different gas) and really don't see that big of a difference, at least not enough to justify the cost difference. My 20LB bottle of CO2 (it's a liquid at pressure) lasts longer than my K-bottle (250 cubic ft) of mix, and costs a bunch less to refill. The only disadvantage I see is a slight increase in spatter. Another advantage is it will give a bit more welding heat at a given amperage, which is good for small 110v machines.Just my $.02 Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)