New Member Checking in...Miller 320 a/bp

[TheycallmeSpaz]

Good morning from Mooresville, NC... I just wanted to say howdy and that I look forward to gaining some wisdom here and getting my feet wet finally! I have MIG/Stick welded 10+ years doing metal fabrication at a restoration/ body shop but I finally purchased a TIG unit for my personal use at home!

I found this dinosaur on Craigslist, it's spent it's life in an aero-hanger building experimental aircraft! I still have to run service in the corner of my shop where this beast will rest, I believe I am going to run a dedicated box and hard wire it to either a 60amp or 100amp breaker. Any wisdom and advice is welcome!

Cheers,
Miller 320 a/bp with CoolMate 3, two pedals, torch... I need a bottle and regulator.

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[Aeronca41]

Welcome, Spaz! You found a true classic in what appears to be very nice condition. You might be interested to look at this thread http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...to-me-airco-3a

we ran off on a couple of rabbit trails, but Helga [you'll understand when you read the thread. :-) ] is the big sister of your machine. Ryan's is now,as he says, choochin' right along.

You can find a manual here if you don't have one. https://www.millerwelds.com/support/manuals-and-parts

generally the ser no search doesn't work on the older machines but if you use the second search block and put in the name it will come up with a list of manuals from which you can choose by ser no. The manual will probably specify the breaker and wire size. If you can't find it, call Miller and they will email one to you. Enjoy!

[Aeronca41]

You said you need a regulator-when the regulator for my ancient MM200 died last year, I bought the $35 Flowmeter from HTP (USAweld.com) -- figured for that price, it was worth a try. It has been working very well for a year now. HTP has an excellent reputation, and this regulator supports that.

Just a suggestion.

[TheycallmeSpaz]

Welcome, Spaz! You found a true classic in what appears to be very nice condition. You might be interested to look at this thread http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...to-me-airco-3a

we ran off on a couple of rabbit trails, but Helga [you'll understand when you read the thread. :-) ] is the big sister of your machine. Ryan's is now,as he says, choochin' right along.

You can find a manual here if you don't have one. https://www.millerwelds.com/support/manuals-and-parts

generally the ser no search doesn't work on the older machines but if you use the second search block and put in the name it will come up with a list of manuals from which you can choose by ser no. The manual will probably specify the breaker and wire size. If you can't find it, call Miller and they will email one to you. Enjoy!

Thank you for this good sir!! This will help me get started, and also yes I need a regulator so looks like I might give USAweld a try! I very much enjoy finding old/well made tools and keeping them working and using them! My brother is the same except with wood working tools... all old planes and wood working tools that date pre 1900's that he still maintains and uses today! I'm an old soul!!!

[Aeronca41]

You're quite welcome! I hear you on the old stuff. I'm old myself-70 is clearly visible ahead - and I like the things that were built to last instead of throwing away. Some of my hand tools are from the 1920's and they still work just fine. 1960's and 70's welders also. I have a Harris torch from the early 70's, and my dad's Purox from the 1950's--still working fine. Of course the 1950's regulators are done in but the torch works like it did 60 years ago. Good tools, well cared for, will last a very long time.

Your welder was a great find, and there is very little that is likely go wrong with it that you can't fix. You have a keeper.

[ryanjones2150]

See, people are just jealous of me and my Helga....this is what, the third person to post up in a week with a 330 or a 320? <br />
<br />
I'm a trend setter. A real innovator here. Bunch of copy cats....first, Joe is out poaching lathes in my own back yard and now this! The paparazzi are in my future....

[H80N]

See, people are just jealous of me and my Helga....this is what, the third person to post up in a week with a 330 or a 320? <br />
<br />
I'm a trend setter. A real innovator here. Bunch of copy cats....first, Joe is out poaching lathes in my own back yard and now this! The paparazzi are in my future....

Laxative ........ sometimes clears the mind..........

Big prune fan myself.......

[D Auger]

Ha ha lmao poaching lathes ...

[ryanjones2150]

If I swallow a laxative or three, I won't be able to remember anything anymore! <br />
<br />
....and it's true about the lathes, just ask Joe. Dadgumit.

[TheycallmeSpaz]

I apologize for not following up until now... life has been busy!

About 2 weeks ago I finally got some line to run service in my garage. I took my time and ran it form the panel on a 60 amp breaker up in the eve and across to where the welder found its home I have yet to name her, I am welcome to suggestions!!


Here is the video of her living once again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_7Hrb9-t1Y

So I purchased this baby to finally be able to teach myself how to TIG... and for my current turbo project car (something else old that I like working on)

BMW e34 535i (m30b35 motor is an iron block SOHC straight six... aka tractor motor!)
I am currently doing a rebuild, ARP's, MLS... + big fat turbo

I will need to use this old Miller lady to weld all the charge piping/exhaust down pipe/intake manifold...etc. A lot of fabrication lies ahead!



Also... a question for the experts.

The welder came with a Weldtec WT-20 torch... but no extra cups/collets...etc. Where can I find kits with enough to get me started. Is the torch head a universal "20" size that I can simply order kits for?

Cheers!

[H80N]

The welder came with a Weldtec WT-20 torch... but no extra cups/collets...etc. Where can I find kits with enough to get me started. Is the torch head a universal "20" size that I can simply order kits for?

Cheers!

Cups... Collets .... Backcaps ...etc for 9 & 20 series torches should interchange just fine

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...s&_sacat=67062



BTW.... really sweet looking 320..........Looks NEW..... 1968 all over again

[Aeronca41]

Spaz, thanks for posting. Always great to see the old iron back in service. As I said earlier, you have a keeper! That was some find.

[ryanjones2150]

Ain't she cute?

Weld with her yet?

[TheycallmeSpaz]

Cups... Collets .... Backcaps ...etc for 9 & 20 series torches should interchange just fine

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...s&_sacat=67062



BTW.... really sweet looking 320..........Looks NEW..... 1968 all over again

Thank you all for the kind words! Thank you for the info on the torch... just ordered a torch assortment kit with cups/collets/back caps and I also picked up some 1/16 and 3/32 pure tungsten and 2% lanthanated.....oh oh and a 150# bottle of Argon yesterday, dang those bottles are expensive to own... but I am certain I will be glad I went with the 150#. Regulator came in the mail yesterday... so I hopefully will be able to strike an arc with her this weekend and play around a bit.

I will return with results and I am sure that I will have some pretty shoddy booger welds to show for it!

[ryanjones2150]

She's a dang fine stick machine too.

My Helga chuckles at me when I stick 1/8" rod in the stinger then asks, "that all you got little man?"

....she's a heavy weight for sure. 470 amps she'll do I think? Wonder what would happen to a 1/8" stick of 7018 at 470 amps...