millernatic 141 or 190

[cm644rodrigues]

Hi I'm looking for a new welder for my garage. Mostly auto restore welding sheet metal,exhaust, subframe connectors. I have plugs for both machines in my garage. Would the 190 be overkill for sheet metal or should I just go with the 190 as I may need to weld thicker stuff down the road. Thanks guys. This will be my first welder but I use them at work and use friends.

[BD1]

Usually once you get started welding you become HOOKED ! With that I would not even consider the 141. If you need the machine to be portable the 191 is only 35 pounds and 240 volts. However if weight is not a issue might consider the 211. A few more bucks but a little more power and it is multi volt, 120/240.
Shop around and see what local supplier will give you the best deal . Get a price with a tank too. A package deal with more goodies will result in a better deal. Machines are priced pretty close to all suppliers, not too much room for deals.

[cruizer]

I'd go with the 211 as well, though really it all depends on your budget.

[Broccoli1]

Definitely the 190 (or 211)

You can dial down the 240v machines but you can't dial up the 120v machines

[eecervantes83]

Buy the biggest u can afford. Period

[Sberry]

Despite the model numbers the 240V unit is twice the machine the little one is. Far superior.

[Danny]

Definitely the 190 (or 211)

You can dial down the 240v machines but you can't dial up the 120v machines

Ed,

You aren't very fond of the arc characteristics of the 211 correct?

[Broccoli1]

Ed,

You aren't very fond of the arc characteristics of the 211 correct?

Not at all.. but I'm spoilt with the Passport.

[Danny]

Not at all.. but I'm spoilt with the Passport.

Ed,

The 190 being an inverter based unit, like your Passport, has me wondering if the 190 arc characteristics are far superior to the 211. If the V/A curve supplied for the 190 is accurate, the 190 may offer a little more top end power than the 211.

If I am remembering your description of the 211 arc characteristics, it performs similar to the MM 180. On the 180 once you go over about 150 amps, the arc starts becoming harsh, and it becomes difficult to keep the spatter level down.

For thin ga sheet, the MM 180 couldn't come close to competing with a Lincoln Power MIG 180C. The 180C has an excellent low end for thin ga sheet. If your looking for a thin ga sheet metal unit, the Power MIG 180C is definitely a unit to consider.