can't decide

[joey2589]

hello all somewhat new round here lurk more than anything.

finaly im in a position where i can aford a small welder. millermatic 140 or 180. my delema is im not sure wich one to get. i have the power here at the house to run either machine. my delema is i like to go help friends do odd ball stuff to there random projects. and most wont have 240V available if i go the MM180 route. but if i get a mm140 for portability ill wish i had the mm 180 at home for little more power when needed.

lol now some would say get both and i wish the buget would fund both but cant.... and at the same retrospect that puts the pasport also out of my budget.

so hopefuly i dont ruffel any feathers by asking such a noob question. thanks.

[SinGear]

For what it's worth my vote is the MM180 it just give you a lot more capabilities, now as far as your buddy's are concerned, if they want your help bad enough they'll bring the stuff to you.

I'm sure I'll get raosted for this one but if the 110 for small portable stuff is really a need maybe consider picking up one of the low end Lincolns at HD to use as a portable. Just my 2 cents, good luck

[Broccoli1]

If it is for friends- yup make them bring the odd ball things to you.

[joey2589]

lol... ok

[fjk]

what they said -- adding that your friends can stop and acquire some suitable 'inducement' while they are on the way ... :-)

a bit more seriously -- you could also make a 240v extension cord with appropriate plug/socket foozling. then when you go to your friends, you could plug into a drier socket (if they have one - many do). there's some info on this on the hobart message board. (in fact, you may want such a cord for your own place -- just to make it easier to get around)

f

[SinGear]

what they said -- adding that your friends can stop and acquire some suitable 'inducement' while they are on the way ... :-)

Oh good point, gotta bring beer, because ya know d@mn well their not gonna pay ya.

Also good point on the dryer extension cord, it's actually how I have mine set up until I do the new panel in the garage. I'll save you some time if your house was built after 96 by code (out here at least) it has a 4 prong plug, if you go looking for one at HD save yourself some time and head to appliances and buy the whip with the molded plug. I didn't have any luck finding a male 4 4 prong.

[Mega Arc 5040DD]

Just get the Passport plus then you can do either stay home on 220v or go out on 110v. That what i did works great.

[Sberry]

It might not be all that difficult to set up an outlet at the buds place if this was an issue, I find the need to move these machines highly over rated. For the extra money the 180 is a leap over the 140, almost twice the machine.

[krackle]

I always say get as much power as you can afford, you will be glad you did later.

[MAC702]

You will always regret not getting the 180 when you had the chance. Duty cycle and power make it a MUCH better value for the little extra cost.

But, consider the Passport!

[FATFAB]

I vote for the PassPort as well why choose when Mill made them both and better and in one fine box?????

[FusionKing]

I vote for the PassPort as well why choose when Mill made them both and better and in one fine box?????

He already said it was not in his budget or he'd get it.

FWIW that's my choice as well...I would much prefer the arc quality as well....inverters rock!!!!

[JgishODU99]

Hey Joey,
I been running my mm150 and the spot off of the stove outlet with some scary thick extension cords. I also can use both with my 5000 watt generac. Go with the 180. I thought about what would be the thickest metal I'd deal with, what would the majority of the work be done on, and then I added a step up in capabilty to get the 150. The 135 was cheaper but I've never said "D--n I wish I had more power", although the newer 180s or 250s are nicer units. Still I'm happy with what I got. Enjoy your upcoming purchase.

[joey2589]

thanks guys.

yea i reckon ill get the mm180. i have a nice extension cord about 100' of 6/3 now thats a monster cord.

stove is gas and dryer is 120V. but the air compressor is 240V on a 30A breaker.

gotta take the lill woman to the county fair this weekend hopefully wont hurt my welder fund to much

like said been a member for couple years not very active but soon will be more active. ill post up some pics of my past projects.... be nice now not to have to borrow my buddies welder.

[Tailshaft56]

Good decision. BTW the 180 is rated for premium beer, not the cheap stuff!!! LOL