Miller 185

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At school we have a Miller 185 MIG welder.  I never really used it much but im looking into getting my garage wired up to get some welders.  What can anybody tell me about this welder.Thanks,Tom
Reply:Its a Millermatic 185.  Thought I should specify that
Reply:I've had one for years along with a spoolgun that allows welding Al.  It has been trouble-free since I got it.
Reply:Thanks.  How does it do on heavy stuff such as 1/4 and up?
Reply:I have had a MM185 with a 185 spoolgun for 10 years. I wouldn't weld 1/2" all day long but it does a good job on small weldments. .035 Gas fluxcore really runs nice on heavy plate. I have used mine for production for many years on lots of different materials. Here is a pic of a truck hitch with the gas fluxcore just to try it out. Its both 1/2" and 1/4" steel plus some 5" channel. I also use .030 wire for everyday jobs it seems to run a little better than .035 solid...Bob Attached ImagesBob WrightSalem, Ohio  Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:Thanks.  What is one of them worth used?  How big of breakers do you have yours running on?  You use Flux wire in it too?
Reply:Mine was $1350.00 new 10 years ago. With the spoolgun and 2 bottles it was $2048.29. I suppose 500-600 bucks for a used one would be in order. I tried gasless fluxcore once but i didn't like all the smoke in my shop, outside prob would be fine. I have a 30 amp breaker...BobBob WrightSalem, Ohio  Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:all it takes is a 30 amp breaker?  I thought it would be around a 50 or 60.
Reply:26amp input at 230v.http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o1313p_mil.pdfGreat machine. I use mine predominantly with .030 hard wire, but have the spoolgun for alum.My shop is wired to run 100amps. The welder circuit, a 50 amp breaker. If you have the choice go with a 50 amp or larger circuit, that way if you need a 50 amp breaker later you've already done all the work. It will be cheaper in the long run.Last edited by DSW; 06-16-2009 at 11:28 PM.
Reply:Yes 50 amp bkr, i was wrong. I looked today...BobBob WrightSalem, Ohio  Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:Thanks AA.  I think I might look into one of these machines.