What could I build?

admin

Hi folks,I've been hanging around for a few days trying to figure out what MIG machine to buy.  I have learned a good bit already and hope to learn even more from the professionals hanging around here.  I went and checked out a couple today at Airgas.  I have narrowed it down pretty much to the Miller 180.  But before I buy, I would like to know what kind of projects will this limit me to.  Right now, I just need the machine to build stuff for a lot more money than if I went to Harbor Freight and bought the tool, but what the heck, it's more fun, right? Seriously, could I build a trailer with a 180?  Could I build a bike frame?  I'm kinda dreaming there, but it's nice to know the limits of the equipments capabilities.  Although right now, the user is the limitation, lol.I guess I'm wondering if I should step up to a 212.  I wish I could find a good used one, but craigslist is bare right now as far as MMs or even Lincolns.A little bit about myself since this is my first post.  I have no prior welding experience, but I like working on cars and like drinking beer.  What else?  I think that's a good start.Three more questions for now: 1. I live near houston, in Missouri City.  Where's a good place to buy material?2. Where's a good place to buy supplies, Airgas folks seemed pretty helpful and down to earth, but not sure about how competitive they are price wise.3.  I am also looking to buy a vertical bandsaw, Grizzly G0621.  What's a good blade brand for cutting plate Al and MS?Thanks in advance to all!!Last edited by CAR67; 02-24-2009 at 12:32 AM.Reason: Forgot to say thanks
Reply:Hi, I have a few welders myself, and it's fun playing around with them and building projects. Cars and beer great combo!...I would say that you can get the exact welding specifications off Millers website, or Lincolns on that size machine.  I would guess that with shielding gas, you'll be around 1/8"-3/16" in REALISTIC single pass metal thickness size with a 180 mig. I think that the entry-level 220 machines are good for light fabrication and body work, great welder for automobile repairs, because nothing is too thick.  If you want to step it up some, the  Miller 212 should give the average hobbyist plenty to play with for trailer fab and some heavier gauge materials I guessing in the 1/4"-5/16" single pass with mig process.  As they say, you can dial it down, but can't dial it up....nice thing about buying a bit bigger. I will add however, that I do find the smaller migs easier to weld sheet metal with, if you plan on doing autobody. I have a 255c Lincoln mig, and a 140c Lincoln mig, and the 140c is much easier when dealing with autobody sheet metal repairs. Good luck in your decision and have some fun!!
Reply:Probably only going to be limited to your imagination and ability.  For band saw blades, I buy all my from Ellis Manufacturing in WI.  Best price and boy do they last.  I buy the Vari-Tooth blades.   They've got a neat saw also for doing straight or mitre cuts.  The Model 1600.Here's a link to their web site.http://www.ellissaw.com/Good Luck.
Reply:Hi, The MM180 is a good machine. The new MM211 is even better, as it will run 110v for lightweight sheetmetal or 220v for the thicker stuff. It has almost the same umph as the MM212. The DVI2 is another good choice as well. I doubt as a hobbiest you would ever out grow the MM212. It's a great machine.Here's millers comparison of the machines.http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/onephase.phpI'll pm you some other stuff.
Reply:I think the 180 is a great machine for what you want to do with it.  A hobbyist welder could weld for years with a 180 and not need any more machine than that.   The 180 has a nice arc and a nice price and is somewhat portable and will run off a 4000 watt generator if needed (only needs 20 amps at 220v).   I have run the Millermatic 175 from the Generac 4000XL plenty of times for mobile mig work before I got the Bobcat and Passport and it worked great.That Millermatic 211 isn't much more than a 180 and allows using 110v as well as 220v and has more power output on 220v than the 180.   The 211 would be my choice for a relatively inexpensive do-all semi-portable mig machine.  It would make a good substitute for a Passport on a budget I think.If I was going for a full-size shop-only machine, I would go for the 252 instead of the 212.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Hey guys, thanks a lot.  I think the 180 will do what I need and plenty more for a hobbyist like me.