Novice seeking some advice.

[m2h9p2]

I'm new to welding, just getting started. I've had the desire to get into it for a long time, now i'm finally in a position to make it happen. I intend to weld mostly home hobbie type stuff, hopefully build a small utility trailer etc.
I've tentatively narrowed my welder choice down to 2, the Millermatic 210 or the 175. I really like the 210, but i'm not certain I would really use the extra amps. If I go witht he 175, I could purchase a few extra goodies(chop-saw, grinders etc.)
I did plan my garage with welding in mind, 100amp service etc, so that's not an issue.
Any ideas on the Millermatic's or other suggestions???
Thanks

[lgjhn]

Hi and welcome to the forum....
Of the two units, I would go with the MM210 if you can. Some folks don't like the auto wire speed feature on the MM175, while others have no problem with it. I will say this for the 210; it has a really strong following on here and is one heckuva welder. It is a pretty good step up from the 175, but you can't go wrong with a 210. It is one of the most versatile welding machines out there. Don't let the "high end" of the machine trick you into thinking that its too much wellder......believe me, you will quickly "grow into" this machine and it will last you a long, long time.... I've welded light gauge automotive sheetmetal with it and have also done some pretty heavy farm equipment repairs all with this one machine. A welding machine is one piece of equipment you don't want to skimp on too much if you can help it.
IF you shop around on the internet, you should be able to pick it up at a pretty reasonable price...and maybe even do better with a local dealer too... I'd check em all out. Check cyberweld.com or Quimby's or IOC on Ebay.
Let us know how you make out and which machine you decided to go with.

[wldrman]

Go with the 210. You can always use the extra amps. Sounds like the 210 will go low enough for the small stuff as well.
Have fun! Post pics soon.

[wb5jhy]

Yep, go with the MM210. Top end amps is only part of the equation. More important is duty cycle at the amperage level your likely to operate. You mentioned a utility trailer in the future so you should really consider the larger unit. The wire drive is heavier duty and it comes with running gear too. Also, it comes spoolgun ready in case you want to do aluminum later.
Stretch the budget....it's a fine machine.

Tom

[m2h9p2]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice. I was wanting the 210 anyway, hopefully i'll get it ordered this week

[Danny]

Thanks for the advice. I was wanting the 210 anyway, hopefully i'll get it ordered this week

Excellent decision. The 210 is by far a more user friendly unit then the 175. Plus performance wise the the 210 is a far better unit then the 175.

[Cajun Welder]

cyperweld

I saw cyperweld mentioned earlier and I just purchase a new Miller Trailblazer 302 from them. I had no problems whatsoever and they had a super price. Would definitely buy from them again. Go luck with your new machine.

[m2h9p2]

thanks again....cyberweld seems to have the best price. another qustion, would I be better off buying a gas bottle($170) or renting it from the local NORCO store?

[burninbriar]

thanks again....cyberweld seems to have the best price. another qustion, would I be better off buying a gas bottle($170) or renting it from the local NORCO store?

If you plan to be in it for the long haul ,I think its better to buy a bottle. Haveing said that, I would not nessessarily go for a new one becouse after the first exchange you have some old used one any way. The place that rents bottles and exchanges them in my area sold me used one much cheaper than buying a new one. The big advantage is that I can exchange it anywhere since its mine , with papers. ( if you buy one its essential that you save youre sales record for proof of ownership).

[MAC702]

( if you buy one its essential that you save youre sales record for proof of ownership).

Depends on where you live. I find it odd every time I see somebody say that because I have receipts only for the two tanks I bought last month (and I don't plan on saving them.) I have 8 other tanks, NONE with receipts, and never have a problem exchanging them, and I've gotten gas from three different dealers in this area, Praxair, Airgas, and California Industrial.

[Cajun Welder]

Tanks

I just bought two 125 cf tanks from Airgas for $164.00 each, and the 80 cf were around $159.00. So it was a no brainer on which to buy. I bought others in the past as well and have never had a problem exchanging them. But it wouldn't hurt to keep the receipt in case they ever ask for it. You may check around, and get a better price from someone in your area, make sure to check prices on the different sizes, the larger one may only be just a little more. Hope this helps.

[burninbriar]

Depends on where you live. I find it odd every time I see somebody say that because I have receipts only for the two tanks I bought last month (and I don't plan on saving them.) I have 8 other tanks, NONE with receipts, and never have a problem exchanging them, and I've gotten gas from three different dealers in this area, Praxair, Airgas, and California Industrial.

I have seen when there is a theft somewhere, they will start checking paper work. I havent been checked in a long time , but if they do, and you dont have it , you dont get it.

[burninbriar]

Reminds me of a little story that happened to a freind of mine in Tucson. A little twist on the ownership papers thing. He was renting his bottles and the outfit he was renting from sold out to another company. In the transfer his paperwork got lost and when he tried to get a refill there was no record of him, they said as far as they were concerned, he owned the bottles so he basicly got a free OA bottle set. As far as I know he has never had a problem filling them.

[50#guage]

gas bottle

as a newcomer my question is- is the bottle (for wire fed units) flamable to the point where it should be in a separate area than a heater or furnace?

thanks

[MAC702]

is the bottle (for wire fed units) flamable?

No. At least , it shouldn't be, unless you are doing something strange. A wire-feed MIG uses either 100% CO2 (as in a type B fire extinguisher) or some mixture of CO2 with argon and/or helium (both inert.)