seekin input on a1/4" mild steel MIG Machine

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I am planning on purchasing a new MIG machine in the next day or so. I would like some input on what machine would handle my needs. I am planning on some frame repairs 3/16" and body repairs 22Gage. I am thinking that 1/4" is the largest I would need to weld in the foreseeable future. I have a work shop with a 200 AMP feed so 120V or 240V are both options. I am leaning toward a MM180, HH187 or HH210. I don't mind spending money on the right equipment, but I don't want to waste money on more equipment than I need.Thanks for the help in advance.
Reply:I think the 180 would be large enough (110), except for the duty cycle, check that out and Welcome to all the knowledge.  John    SMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Miller's small 120 volt machine (140?) is all the welder you'll ever need for this application. It'll do 3/8" nicely, so if 1/4" is all you're anticipating don't overspend with a bigger machine. Plus, the beauty of a 110 volt machine is the portability. Of all the welders I own, I'll reach for this one every time because it's a good welder and easy to use with a small gun tip that'll allow you to get in close and tight.Ronnie LyonsMeridian, Idaho
Reply:I have a Miller 135 and love it, but I am upgrading to a 180. My advice go for the 180 or 210.
Reply:MM130 is a great machine no doubt..I just out grew mine the day I bought it many years agoNow have a 251The 180 would most likely be your best choice.....you wont be disapointed w/ the 135 or 180 weld it like you own it
Reply:I agree with the guys. A 135/ 140 is a 110v machine, and the 180 is the 220 machine. You will like either one.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Yeah, but I´d go for the 180...You won´t regret having the power when needed!My Babies: HF Drill pressHF Pipe Bender3   4.5" Black and Decker angle grindersLincoln Electric PROMIG 175that´s it!
Reply:I am a hobbyist and have a HH140 set up for gas.  There are times when I kind of wish I'd bought a 180 or 187, I run mine on position #4 a lot (highest).  The thing that got me was the portability of the 140 and the fact that I didn't really plan to do anything thicker than 3/16".  So far I haven't even tried 1/4", but I've heard here that you need to weld it in multiple passes.I always figured that one day when I get a bigger shop I may spring for a larger MIG or multi process machine depending on what I need at that time. I will always have the portability of the 140.Hobart 140 Handler w/ gasHyperTherm Powermax 380 Plasmaoxy/acetylene
Reply:I have decided on a MM180 with autoset. I liked the low cost and ease of adding a spool gun.
Reply:Before you go and just buy a mig go to some dealers and ask if you can try one.Lincoln Power Mig 200Ready Welder spool gunLincoln Tomb Stone AC DCMPM 150 AMP DC portable Arc welder and GeneratorRiland 40 AMP Plazma Cutter
Reply:Originally Posted by CRASHI am planning on purchasing a new MIG machine in the next day or so. I would like some input on what machine would handle my needs. I am planning on some frame repairs 3/16" and body repairs 22Gage. I am thinking that 1/4" is the largest I would need to weld in the foreseeable future. I have a work shop with a 200 AMP feed so 120V or 240V are both options. I am leaning toward a MM180, HH187 or HH210. I don't mind spending money on the right equipment, but I don't want to waste money on more equipment than I need.Thanks for the help in advance.
Reply:most of the miller machines will crankdown to 30amps for light metal. Also most will run smaller wire.  I am interested in the new DVI-2 miller machines.(approx $1200) Supposely they will run on 110V or 230V with just the addition of a adapter plug (included), and will weld 30-175 amps. Has anyone had experience with these particular machines. Seems like a good compromise between a small portable machine and a larger not so portable machine. Altho at 156lbs, I probably wouldnt be carrying it anywhere often. I currently use a Lincoln 110v/135amp machine but have found the duty cycle to be very limiting and hate having to do multiple passes. I am considering an upgrade to a 230V mig but havent decided just how big to go. Once you go over 200amps, there is a big price increase in the machines.  I have considered the mig/tig/stick combo's but have never tried tig and dont know if the investment ($3000+/-) would be worth it. It seems every week, I am welding or fabricating something useing mostly 1/4inch steel angle/channel and flatbar. I have a Lincoln 225amp AC/DC stick ( bought it new back in the late 70's) I usually use for this, but those durn rods and excess flux sure make a mess on the shop floor. Would like something that would weld this efficiently, and with one pass, thats a lot cleaner, plus the ability to weld Alum incase I ever decide to try to would be nice. Any suggestions? Brands, size, etc.
Reply:Honestly, Mudstopper, the way to go is to get 2 seperate machines for smaller production. The real multi-process units are as you know, around $3500 base price. Now, add solenoid, add tig torch, add support panel for HF, and on and on.... it actually costs more like $6000 to have a fully operational multi machine. Or, figure, an econotig,($1500) and a 175 mig welder($600) and you see the cost outlay is a little more approachable. Plus, the big units take tons and tons of power, unless you get a Ranger or other gas powered unit....($10K plus.) For home/ small shop use, Do you have the capability to run an 80 or 100 amp input machine?? And can you really use it enough to justify all the cost involved? As for hating to do multiple passes, that is just a part of welding. People tend to overlook preheating quite a bit, like it is some forgotten lost art.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Traditionally the rule is 1 amp for every .001" of base metal thickness, so for welding .250" thick material you'll need a 250 amp welder.  This is for single pass welding, and I've been having trouble attempting to complete a lap weld of .120" thick material with my Lincoln 135A material (a lap weld is a lot like doubling the thickness; since on one side of the joint I'm welding .250" of material).I don't know how much bigger I need to go for sure, but I am sure I need more than 135A.  Preheating might help, but I am not sure how much it will help.Hobart Stickmate LX AC/DC, Millermatic 252 & 30A spoolgun, Thermal Arc 185 TIG, Miller BWESmith Oxy-AcBridgeport 2J , South Bend 42" 9AHusky 7.5 HP 22.3 CFM 80 gal compressor
Reply:Thanks Rojo for confirming, and bringing me back to my senses. I honestly probably wouldnt use a tig enough to justify having one, never got good at gas welding either. I was considering the 175 amp machines until I saw the DVI's and thought what the heck. I already have the smaller lincoln, why would I need to have another machine that just cost more and wont be any advantage to me If I decided to move it outside my regular shop area. My biggest concern with the welders I have now are low duty cycle on the small mig and the mess with the stick
Reply:I do alot of welding 18ga (sheetmetal on old cars) and then do a little of the heavier stuff up to about 1/2 inch when I am fabricating tools.  For the sheetmetal I use .023 wire and I have a HTP america 200 amp  machine.  It has done everything I need and I have been very happy with it.  Buy the biggest machine you can afford, most folks don't regret going bigger for the better duty cycle...Thermal Arc 185 TigHTP 200 MigCraftsman O/A1942 Bridgeport Mill12 Ton Hyd PressConsew Walking Foot
Reply:Muddstopper, keep your eyes peeled for a Maxstar 150, or an econotig, or a synchro 200. All of them come up for good prices used, and are good units. And buying them used, many times you get the goodies with the welder- consumables, tips, tungsten, filler, bottle, etc. You gotta watch the want ads on www.dezertrangers.com and the for sale ads in the shop tools section. Someone always needs money, and sells off a welder for half price!!!And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.