Im looking to start welding and found a miller 175 for a good deal. I dont know anything about welding so will this weld thick enough metal to make sub frame connectors or notch a factory k-member. I want to do other things like a custom bumper for my truck. Do you think this is a big enough welder for what I want to do?

 

I'll do fine.

 

What he says....Yep

 

Providing you have access to a 220v power source.

 

It should do just fine. I bought a Hobart 185 that runs off 220V and did frame work and body work to my Dad's truck. I even used the flux core wire(helps when you are outside too) and it did a great job.

You can't go wrong with using a good name brand welder.

 

Household 220v is enough right. I'm going to go look at it tomorrow what areas should I look at. What type of things would be a real deal breaker. He said hell have it set up and he will teach me just a bit

 

Here is the specs for the Millermatic 175.

Input Power

Rated Output

Amperage Range

Max. Open-Circuit Voltage 30

You can use household 220v current only. Your standard 110-120volt won't work with this welder. You can plug it into a Washer/dryer outlet with the correct plug(or make an adapter). If you have a 220V air compressor you can run it off that outlet too(again, check plugs)

Some times welders, air compressors and plasma cutters have different plugs. Washers and dryers are different. The main thing is too make sure that the breaker on the 220v line will handle the welder. This welder is rated at 19.5 input amps. A 20 amp breaker could work, but you will run the risk of it kicking off often being so close to the amperge of the breaker. A 30 amp breaker or more would be best. Check the plugs in your home, on the welder and amps on the circuit breakers on your 220v lines.

 

I have a millermatic 185, which is basically the next generation of that welder.

I wired a dedicated 220V 30A outlet.

That welder should do EVERYTHING that you need, not a problem.

 

I got it. Now I need to get an outlet installed in my garage and clear some space to work. and find a mask. Does anyone know of a good bargain for an auto darkening mask. I got to try to weld for the first time at his shop, it looked like a birds nest but im sure ill figure it out. he set me up pretty good with a new liner and a 10lb spool of flux and one of solid wire too plus a cart.

 

he gave the new regulator that came with his miller 212 too

 

Harbor Freight for a mask...

 

I got the mask from northern tool after reading good reviews on it. It was only 50 bucks so cheaper than harbor freight.

 

agreed, i think they are 50 right now for a auto dark kind, otherwise look for jackson at your welding supply store or craigslist

 

If you have $50 eyes, wear a $50 helmet.

 

They've been selling the same design for a long time and I couldn't find any lawsuits against them. As far as I can tell this one just has a more primitive sensor that has less adjustability which makes it go dark in the sunlight or a bright household light. It does the dark part just fine. They went cheap on the auto part

 

If you are gonna weld everyday for hrs. I'd buy a good mask/helmet, but for occasional welding the Harbor Freight mask is fine. I have not had any problems w/ mine. I know alot of people w/ them and they have had no problems either. I have seen the exact same mask online and at welding supply stores priced from $90-$150.....

 

My big concern is delay from sensing light to the helmet darkening, as well as the delay from end of arc to end of darkening.

 

Then buy a different mask...

 

I did, spent a bunch of cash on a fancy miller helmet. I bought a HANS device too. Both of those hurt the pocketbook to buy, but offer peace of mind and increased safety margin.

 

I know lots of pro welders (Mostly structural steel and TIG welders) who use the cheap masks. I have a $400.oo miller mask that I got off ebay brand new for $23.oo. Took a while to get one that cheap. (Was a typo in the product description. Was listed as .."Meller Audo Dairkining mask" or something like that.) I was the only bidder. Just dont give up... You will know if your mask is good based on how your eyes feel after using it for a couple hours. If your eyes burn or feel tired and itchy, dis-continue using it. Retinal burning is no joke, and the damage is permanent.