Millermatic 180 or 210

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First of all . . . I do not yet know how to weld. I'm want to learn to weld so I can build racks, tables, stands etc . . . for my woodworking shop. I initially looked at 110vac machines but realized I would be at the top end most of the time, so I'm looking at a 220vac machine. I like Miller from what I have read. Most material I would be working with would be (steel) square tube, angle & some pipe or round tube. 16 GA to max 1/4" thick . . . . except for maybe tacking a thicker piece of plate (table top) to legs . . . .Also, can you weld aluminum without a spool gun with either of these machines?My question to you guys is as follows. Would it be harder to learn or to weld with a seven step machine like the MM210 versus the MM180 with infinite control.I did drool over the 251, but figure that is overkill . . . . .Any suggestions appreciated . . . .BTW, I found you guys via a lawn forum.Steve
Reply:Go as big as you can afford and allowable by your electric system. If you don't have 220 in your house/garage/shop and don't want to pay for it, then get a Miller MM140, Lincoln sp135, Hobart 140 or the Clarke 130EN.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:If you're already looking at 240V machines, don't ever look back.How much 1/4" do you see in the future?  Not only will the MM210 do a much easier job of it, it's also capable of spray transfer if you really want to rock and roll on a big job.The taps on the MM210 easily cover its range and actually make it an easier machine to use.  It's a favorite machine with many of the guys here, though the new 180 is also very nice in its niche.  It's all going to depend on your budget.  Sounds like you can get by with the 180, but you'd definitely appreciate the 210 with no regrets.I never recommend aluminum without a spoolgun, but the higher outputting machine has a clear edge when working with aluminum. It really sucks the heat.  For future upgradability, the MM210 is spoolgun ready, no extra controller required.
Reply:The 180 will do what you want and is smaller and more portable.  What is you shop space situation?  The lincoln 180c is spool gun ready.
Reply:I just got the Hobart 187 which is the Millermatic 180 and I LOVE it. It will do spray transfer also.I find the power more than enough. It will do 5/16" in one pass and has up to 700 ipm on the wire feed. Plenty for even what I needed to do. I'm using my hobart to build a front end loader for my tractor as we speak. I have mine loaded with flux core .035 and a 10lb spool in it. (Makes my little Campbell hausfeld mig look like a soldering iron comparing the welds that each does.)If you have 220 volt in your shop, go with the 180 unless you want to do 1/2" and above in one pass.Hobart Handler 187Campbell Hausfeld 225amp AC stickwelder. Campbell Hausfeld Versa Arc 95 Mig welder HF 4x6 BandsawHypertherm Powermax 30
Reply:Originally Posted by cjdavis618I just got the Hobart 187 .... It will do spray transfer also.
Reply:I'm not. I going by what I have read online and in the manual. I picked up this welder on Monday and still trying to find time to use it more.What I see is that for .023 wire and a mixture of 98/02 it can be done. I have no use for it, but that is what I have read by people on the hobart, Miller and other boards. I still like the welder regardless whether it does spray with .030+ wireI can send you the manual if you like Mac. And my apologies, where I said 5/16", I meant 3/16". That I have welded and cross sectioned with the bandsaw and had great penetration. I have been doing fcaw on it. I got my gas bottle today with 75/25 and have yet to change it over.Hobart Handler 187Campbell Hausfeld 225amp AC stickwelder. Campbell Hausfeld Versa Arc 95 Mig welder HF 4x6 BandsawHypertherm Powermax 30
Reply:Okay, that makes much more sense now.  I have access to the manual already.  I have a similar machine, but it won't spray, even with .023" and C-3 gas.  I've yet to try the 98Ar/2O2, which will, of course, make a difference.
Reply:I like it alot. I seem to have no problems with power compared to the campbell I have. That bacon frying sounds so much better with the hobart. Hobart Handler 187Campbell Hausfeld 225amp AC stickwelder. Campbell Hausfeld Versa Arc 95 Mig welder HF 4x6 BandsawHypertherm Powermax 30
Reply:"I just got the Hobart 187 which is the Millermatic 180"I don't believe the MM180 and HH187 are at all the same.  They are both reliable machines, though as I researched them, it seemed clear that the HH187 was considered best in the class over the Miller and Lincolns (by those who had used multiple brands).   I picked one up a couple of months ago and find it amazingly easy to use for a novice such as myself.