Beginner looking at Passport Plus

[xryan]

The Passport and the upgraded Passport Plus are kick @$$ machines. You will not be disappointed. I called mine lovingly the Fisher Price Welder, I loved mine and made a lot of money off it, then sold it for about the same price I bought it for, YEARS later. You would be HARD pressed to find a better, more portable and rugged little powerhouse, even looking at what's offered today.

[ryanjones2150]

I once said that I would never need to weld aluminum...<br />
<br />
...I'll never want to tig weld....<br />
<br />
...now I wish all the jobs that rolled into the shop were aluminum and I tig everything practical.

[shovelon]

Sure it is a great first welder. But your motto buy once, cry once does not apply. You will get hooked and welders will be your drug. Hold onto your wallet, it will be a bumpy ride.

Oh, and tig is the gnat's azz.

[shovelon]

Sure it is a great first welder. But your motto buy once, cry once does not apply. You will get hooked and welders will be your drug. Hold onto your wallet, it will be a bumpy ride.

Oh, and tig is the gnat's azz.

[Avery11]

Hello all, first time poster with a typical question. I am a noob; did a little stick in high school and enjoyed it but haven't touched a machine in 20 years.

Fast forward. I am buying a small tractor and have some welding projects in mind that I will take at my own pace. All involve steel and nothing greater than 3/8 with the majority in the 1/8 neighborhood.

I believe in "buy once, cry once" "it's too expensive to be cheap", etc.

A friend has a Miller Passport Plus with a Miller Spool Mate 100 that he offered to sell to me. It comes with all original equipment. The "gun" is OEM. He said he would throw in a few spools of wire, gloves, helmet (nothing special), and a bottle of 75/25 mix. Small bottle prob 40 cf or less.

The price is settled at $950.

I have 110 in my garage and don't mind adding 220 down the road.

1. Is this a good welder for my first and prob last as a home owner?

2. Is this a good price? I cannot find any used models for sale anywhere so I assume they are bought and kept.

If its a great machine at a great price that is neither overkill nor something I will grow out of then I will likely buy it. Interested in your opinions or recommendations.

Looking for versatility, ease of use/learning curve, durability, and value in that order.

BTW, this is at the very top of what I would spend on a machine and I have no interest in TIG. I will be welding both indoors and out on very small projects.

Thank you.

A.