but as your projects get bigger, you might find yourself wanting a bigger machine.
By the time OP's projects get bigger than a 1Ton flatbed he will know a bit about shop eqpt. What works, what doesn't, what the internet likes to warn you about that will never happen. Mudd are you sure it wasn't the 15A breaker in the basement that popped? That I think,,,,,, is usually the case with 115v MIGs, the guy was a newbie and he wants to think he ran up against duty cycle like the big boys talk about (but it was just the 15A breaker). :laughing: Just kidding mudd, but this happens!
But seriously, if you set that Miller130 on the top setting you need to find a 20A 115v circuit to plug into. I believe a washing machine circuit is 20A. Garage circuits might be 20A.(?). Look at your breaker panel for 20A breakers and use that circuit. If using an ext cord it needs to be as thick as your pinky finger. I've used 15A cords on 120v MIGs at full power on 20A circuit and a 15A cord works because you don't hold the trigger for more than what?.... 10 seconds at a time? No newbie welds for 2 minutes without letting up on the trigger. Very few experienced welders use a 115v MIG like that. They don't HAVE 115v MIGs anyway so they don't 'know' these things other than speculation found on the internet. Then they bought a bigger welder thinking duty cycle is a concern and ain't lookin' back. You WILL pop a 15A circuitbreaker with the welder at full power settings. However, on a 15A circuit, plenty of welding can be done on the machine's 3/4ths power setting.
I "hear" Aluminum welding is where a "regular guy" needs to pay attn to duty-cycle. I've never used a Miller 130, only a 135 (the next newer model). I have never had any MIG shutdown on me since starting MIG welding in 1980 (which includes 8 years using a Miller 135 on 115v and before that a 115v Hobart for ~7 years.).
Now it's time to cue up Shield Arc to reminisce welding on 2" thick pilings with a MIG running 1/8" wire between hits from the pile driver at 60 below in Fairbanks back in the '70s.
Other than that, enjoy your Miller. It's good stuff; a far sight better than the $179 entry-level machines out there. On the 135 the only thing I've ever had to do on it is change the liner once (and the tips of course) and every part is available.