Help Setting Up A MIG Welder, or Selecting A New One,,,

[yomax4]

So, do I get better arc characteristics if I use the Miller Trailblazer for power and use the little suitcase feeder to just feed the wire?

I guess I am asking if the Trailblazer and feeder is better than a Millermatic 252?

I do love using the Trailblazer compared to a low cost DC transformer welder.

I have never used an engine driven MIG,,,

The only down side to using the engine drive and voltage sensing feeder is listening to it run all the time.

 

[BukitCase]

I have to agree that if you have a stick welder for bigger stuff AND want more portability, the newer MM211 is a good choice - Before I got the 252 I had the original transformer based mm211, MUCH heavier than the newer MM211 - I doubt I will EVER sell the 252 while I'm still BREATHING, but I have a few places I need to weld that are either outside, or just without the power required for the 252; so I bought a new MM211 a few months ago - not seeing a noticeable difference in arc from the MM252; also, Miller addressed every shortcoming of the earlier MM211 - weight is less than half, autoset is MUCH more flexible (manual is still there, which I tend to use), fan is now "on demand" instead of always on, the inverter can handle "dirtier" power inputs and 50 OR 60 hZ - my only complaint is that you have to buy a SEPARATE 15' gun if you want one, they will NOT let you "trade up" for a little more $$$...

I built a "4-way movable" cart for it - it can move around on smooth floors using 2 13" tires and 2 5" swivel casters, or I can tip it back on JUST the 13" tires and move it like a hand truck (shorter trips on gravel, etc) or I can flip its "trailer tongue" down and TOW it with my ZTR (the smaller casters retract for this), or (finally) its "roll cage" has a 2-way adjustable "picking eye" so it can be balanced to hang straight regardless of things like changing spool weight/bottle weight - with that I can either pick it with the backhoe or a crane and set it on a trailer or pickup bed...

The "roll cage" is also designed to protect the gauges, as well as support a standard "barbeque cover" during periods of non-use - here's what it looks like... Steve

 

[MatHaas]

I have to agree that if you have a stick welder for bigger stuff AND want more portability, the newer MM211 is a good choice - Before I got the 252 I had the original transformer based mm211, MUCH heavier than the newer MM211 - I doubt I will EVER sell the 252 while I'm still BREATHING, but I have a few places I need to weld that are either outside, or just without the power required for the 252; so I bought a new MM211 a few months ago - not seeing a noticeable difference in arc from the MM252; also, Miller addressed every shortcoming of the earlier MM211 - weight is less than half, autoset is MUCH more flexible (manual is still there, which I tend to use), fan is now "on demand" instead of always on, the inverter can handle "dirtier" power inputs and 50 OR 60 hZ - my only complaint is that you have to buy a SEPARATE 15' gun if you want one, they will NOT let you "trade up" for a little more $$$...

I built a "4-way movable" cart for it - it can move around on smooth floors using 2 13" tires and 2 5" swivel casters, or I can tip it back on JUST the 13" tires and move it like a hand truck (shorter trips on gravel, etc) or I can flip its "trailer tongue" down and TOW it with my ZTR (the smaller casters retract for this), or (finally) its "roll cage" has a 2-way adjustable "picking eye" so it can be balanced to hang straight regardless of things like changing spool weight/bottle weight - with that I can either pick it with the backhoe or a crane and set it on a trailer or pickup bed...

The "roll cage" is also designed to protect the gauges, as well as support a standard "barbeque cover" during periods of non-use - here's what it looks like... Steve

Wow, what a nice set up! Great work on that cart/wagon :thumbsup:

Good feedback too. Glad you're happy with it.
I use pillow cases to cover all of my welders and plasma cutter haha. I just cut down the long edge and slide it over the front. Keeps all of the dust off of the machine and dust out of the internals when it's not in use.

The new machine is definitely an improved version over the unit i have.

 

[Big Barn]

I built a "4-way movable" cart for it - it can move around on smooth floors using 2 13" tires and 2 5" swivel casters, or I can tip it back on JUST the 13" tires and move it like a hand truck (shorter trips on gravel, etc) or I can flip its "trailer tongue" down and TOW it with my ZTR (the smaller casters retract for this), or (finally) its "roll cage" has a 2-way adjustable "picking eye" so it can be balanced to hang straight regardless of things like changing spool weight/bottle weight - with that I can either pick it with the backhoe or a crane and set it on a trailer or pickup bed...

The "roll cage" is also designed to protect the gauges, as well as support a standard "barbeque cover" during periods of non-use - here's what it looks like... Steve

I've been known to be unreasonably critical but I REALLY like that cart.

 

[BukitCase]

Thanks guys; it probably woulda taken me HALF as long, if I'd started from scratch instead of tryin' to "repurpose" this leftover from an old safety rail :laughing:



Although I'm pretty sure it would've taken a whole different direction WITHOUT that "kick starter " ...Steve

 

[MatHaas]

Haha. I frequently use left over or unused material and turn it to something new. Helps cut down on the junk I pile up. Lol. Time consuming for sure!

 

[timswi]

Not to hijack, but looking to replace my very old 110v mig. Looking at the Hobart Handler 140. Any thoughts on that model as opposed to the similar Miller or Lincoln?

I mostly do autobody type stuff with the occasional heavy weld <=1/4".

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Not to hijack, but looking to replace my very old 110v mig. Looking at the Hobart Handler 140. Any thoughts on that model as opposed to the similar Miller or Lincoln?

I mostly do autobody type stuff with the occasional heavy weld <=1/4".

In my opinion, those are good little machines for what you describe.

 

[BukitCase]

The miller 141 is about $215 more than the hobart, but if I were gonna use it for body work I'd spend that in a heart beat - all the smaller millers now use their heavier duty drives, which can run a 15' gun - Hobart says NOTHING about a longer gun (both COME with a 10') - I've NEVER been a fan of tapped or switched controls; the Hobart still has only 5 choices for voltage control, miller is infinitely adjustable. MUCH easier to dial in the sweet spot for ANYTHING you're welding - with thinner metals it's even MORE useful.

I'm sure you'll get other opinions, and if cost is a bigger factor than flexibility the Hobart beats a lot of "wannabe" machines; you asked for opinions, and we ALL know what THOSE are like :laughing: ...Steve

(Sorry Dave, not my fault you snuck that in while I wuz typing - did I mention I'm a picky SOB??!?

 

[timswi]

The miller 141 is about $215 more than the hobart, but if I were gonna use it for body work I'd spend that in a heart beat - all the smaller millers now use their heavier duty drives, which can run a 15' gun - Hobart says NOTHING about a longer gun (both COME with a 10') - I've NEVER been a fan of tapped or switched controls; the Hobart still has only 5 choices for voltage control, miller is infinitely adjustable. MUCH easier to dial in the sweet spot for ANYTHING you're welding - with thinner metals it's even MORE useful.

I'm sure you'll get other opinions, and if cost is a bigger factor than flexibility the Hobart beats a lot of "wannabe" machines; you asked for opinions, and we ALL know what THOSE are like :laughing: ...Steve

(Sorry Dave, not my fault you snuck that in while I wuz typing - did I mention I'm a picky SOB??!?

Thanks guys..Budget isn't a major concern, just don't want to overpay for no reason. Agree on the detents, my current one is infinite. That may take some getting used to.