140 or 180

[laabdog]

looking for a good small welder but can't make up mind on the 140 or 180 model. like the idea of 120v for versital all around but then i like the 220v for a little bigger steel but can't use everywhere. i'm just going to use around home and what ever. don't want to make a mistake thanks tom

[Jerry Bransford]

I started with a Hobart 135 110v MIG welder and I was thrilled with it for 5-6 months. Then I tried to weld a transmission mount onto a big piece of 3/16" steel and the little Hobart just barely had enough heat to make the welds and they weren't too good. It just couldn't quite keep up with the big piece of steel's ability to conduct the heat away from the weld.

I sold that Hobart to get a new Miller Autoset 180 (220v) about six months ago and I couldn't be happier with its significantly greater welding potential. My welds improved considerably with it too but much of that credit is probably due to the new Autoset feature that eliminates the worry of getting the wire speed right. Getting 220v into my garage was a minor project but well worth the end result. But if you can say with 100% certainty that you'll never weld anything bigger than smaller pieces of 3/16" at most, the 140 is fine.

[Sroufe7]

I've been battling this problem for the last couple of weeks.

115V welders are really handy and can be used anywhere, but it'd be nice to have the power of a 230V welder.

I have decided to get the new Miller 211. I can get one locally new for under $1000. And then I think about getting the new Miller 212...lol

Man to many choices...

[wrenchnride247]

I've been battling this problem for the last couple of weeks.

115V welders are really handy and can be used anywhere, but it'd be nice to have the power of a 230V welder.

I have decided to get the new Miller 211. I can get one locally new for under $1000. And then I think about getting the new Miller 212...lol

Man to many choices...

The "new" Millermatic 211 can use 110 V, and 230 V as it comes with the "MVP" plugs.

[Sroufe7]

The "new" Millermatic 211 can use 110 V, and 230 V as it comes with the "MVP" plugs.

I know, that's why I was planning on buying it.

[wrenchnride247]

Oop's... didn't mean to quote that to you I figured you were getting it for that reason, but Laabdog might not know.

[Craig in Denver]

I always try to 'buy up'. It's a lifetime investment, I vote for the 211 also.

[metal-doctor]

Buy as big as budget will allow. Guaranteed you won't regret it in the future. A mid range size is usually easier to resell at some point if you need to go even larger.

[Sberry]

A 180 is really twice the machine for a third more money.