Im looking to buy a miller this coming week.
If local prices are too high I might end up buying on line.
Any place you guys would recommend?

Most places have free shipping and lowest online price Ive found was approximately $650.
Has anyone took an online ad to a local store to see if they would beat it?

I've been looking into a new Miller as well. The 2 places I keep going back to are cyberweld.com and brwelder.com
Both seem to have pretty decent pricing.

Check Craigslist in your area. There are always guys getting rid of stuff right now due to the "economy downturn" to keep the lights on...just a shot.

There was a miller 130 with a tank and cart and a few extras on craigslist here a while back for $600.
Im going to be welding aluminum also and according to miller it would be expensive to adapt the 130 for aluminum welding.
But yes I have been looking there too.

Are you dead set on a Miller?

I use this one and it works great.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200306073_200306073

It's made by the same company as Miller, and comes with miller gun if that helps.

I bought a 140 a couple years ago from a welding supply company in Indianapolis. They have an internet site and the price was the best I found. Might try a search of welding supplies & Indianapolis and see what you find.

Airgas is running a special on their Lincolns and Millers, 140s and 180s. Miller's 180 is now less than $700.

Check out air gas i got a new 212 they were clearancing out. Also indian oxygen company is been the cheapest i've seen. There on ebay and they have a regular web site also.

i have a hobart from nortern tool its made by miller and at a decent price,built well for the hobbyist

Doesnt the hobart only have a few voltage settings while the miller is variable voltage.?

Doesnt the hobart only have a few voltage settings while the miller is variable voltage.?

Stick with the variable if you can swing it. I've used the 4 setting units but prefer the variable versatility. Don't hold me, but at Airgas the 140 Miller Autoset is around 570 now. 5 or 10 bucks more than the Lincoln. Just there getting wire and cannot recall exactly. Both are on sale as well as the 180. Get the 180 if you can. It's cheap enough now and the sale has already been extended one month but how much longer is not known.

Stick with the variable if you can swing it. I've used the 4 setting units but prefer the variable versatility. Don't hold me, but at Airgas the 140 Miller Autoset is around 570 now. 5 or 10 bucks more than the Lincoln. Just there getting wire and cannot recall exactly. Both are on sale as well as the 180. Get the 180 if you can. It's cheap enough now and the sale has already been extended one month but how much longer is not known.

Scott,
I checked online for prices and they arent as cheap as the prices you said.(Im not holding you to it :D)
Could it be a regional or local sale.
If I can get a 180 for the price of a 140 Im all over it.
I'll have to call my local airgas tomorrow.

Could be a regional thing. I don't know how they oversee nationwide ops. Call Waterbury CT Airgas and get a price. Tell your local airgas to match the price or you'll buy it here instead. I could be wrong but the on-line prices may not reflect the actual store prices. The counter man said he was notified of the sale initiation by HQ but they have let it ride longer than expected. Probably because the economy is the best it's ever been.

Thank you. I'll call in the morning.

I'm sure the 180's are really nice machines, but don't you have to deal with a real long extension cord or lots of 220 plug ins.

We used to repair a lot of pickups and cars here in my garage ,change motors etc. whatever they needed, and I can't recall ever having to need a 220 welder in the last 30 years.

If your going to build a bunch of trailers or something like that, but restoring cars or pickups you will never need the 220.

Rob

No way Mitch, this is MUCH more than the store's price. Wow. http://www.airgas.com/browse/product.aspx?Msg=RecID&recIds=153851&WT.svl=153851

I've got the Miller 180. It is an amazing machine.

What type of extension cord do you use, is it heavy or bulky or real easy to handle.

Do you have more then one 220 plug in.

I got my Miller 140 Autoset off of eBay for 650 shipped. I am happy with it.

Are you dead set on a Miller?

I use this one and it works great.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200306073_200306073

It's made by the same company as Miller, and comes with miller gun if that helps.

This is a GREAT welder, and at at great price from Northern Tool too. Hobart welders ARE Miller welders, only less money. All the parts inside are Miller. The 4 settings will give you all the voltage settings you'll need, as the wire feed is variable, and THAT is what "fine tunes" your selection. The 140 is 115V, so you gain MUCH more portability with it, and you can turn it way down for good sheet metal welding without blowing thru. It will still crankup for good penetration with thick steel too.
The 220V models are good too, and they will perform best with continued use on thicker steel, if that is what you will be doing most of your work on (instead of sheet metal). Buy the welder for what you'll be using it for most. The 115V models are all most home owners and us car guys will ever need.

This is a GREAT welder, and at at great price from Northern Tool too. Hobart welders ARE Miller welders, only less money. All the parts inside are Miller. The 4 settings will give you all the voltage settings you'll need, as the wire feed is variable, and THAT is what "fine tunes" your selection. The 140 is 115V, so you gain MUCH more portability with it, and you can turn it way down for good sheet metal welding without blowing thru. It will still crankup for good penetration with thick steel too.
The 220V models are good too, and they will perform best with continued use on thicker steel, if that is what you will be doing most of your work on (instead of sheet metal). Buy the welder for what you'll be using it for most. The 115V models are all most home owners and us car guys will ever need.

A collegue has one and I've had no problems welding with it. Or other 4 position welders for that matter. I simply prefer a variable. I will say I never had any issues welding sheetmetal with a 180 and up either. My welding projects are not confined to thin stock and find the versatility of larger welders more suitable to my needs. Prices vary widely, shop around. Used welders are fine too. They are simplistic by design and little will fail on them. I see many on C.list by people trading up or liquidating.

Heres one at $625. I dont know about shipping, but I bought a Lincoln Power Mig 140 from them a couple years ago, and shipping was free. Things might of changed because I dont see any Lincoln migs on their site. ?? Cant hurt to ask.
http://www.weldersupply.com/productdetails.asp?ID=99

What type of extension cord do you use, is it heavy or bulky or real easy to handle.

Do you have more then one 220 plug in.

One cord, and one plug-in. I don't see what the big deal is.

Whatever you do, don't buy the welder with the non-variable settings. I've used one, and they are garbage compared to the variable type.

[QUOTE=Wooderson;2740492]One cord, and one plug-in. I don't see what the big deal is.

It depends on how long the extension cord is.

One cord, and one plug-in. I don't see what the big deal is.

Whatever you do, don't buy the welder with the non-variable settings. I've used one, and they are garbage compared to the variable type.

[QUOTE=Wooderson;2740492]One cord, and one plug-in. I don't see what the big deal is.

It depends on how long the extension cord is.

I think the point is if one is using a cord better be sure it's of adequate gauge to avoid voltage drop. Spindly cords won't cut it. Many people don't have outlets every 8 feet. Easy enough to add though.

One cord, and one plug-in. I don't see what the big deal is.

Whatever you do, don't buy the welder with the non-variable settings. I've used one, and they are garbage compared to the variable type.

What welder doesn't have a variable setting?

What welder doesn't have a variable setting?
Theres quite a few that have only pre-set voltages.Theres only about 5 or so different voltages you can set it at. He's saying buy one that has the variable voltage setting knob, where you can fine tune the voltage setting .

Heres two of the same model, but one has tapped settings and the other is variable.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/powermig180.php

Theres quite a few that have only pre-set voltages.Theres only about 5 or so different voltages you can set it at. He's saying buy one that has the variable voltage setting knob, where you can fine tune the voltage setting .

Technically, isn't that still variable voltage?

It's not like there's only ONE setting.

Unlimited setting is fine, but IMO, you can weld just fine with presets. And they're certainly not "garbage."

Technically, isn't that still variable voltage?

It's not like there's only ONE setting.

Unlimited setting is fine, but IMO, you can weld just fine with presets. And they're certainly not "garbage."

I wouldnt say they are garbage, but if you are going to buy a new one,why not buy one with infinite amount of settings? I think it is most useful when using on sheet metal. I dont know what the actual difference is inbetween each voltage, but on my variable Lincoln, the smallest of tweaks with the adjustment made a big diffence on some thin metal. It may still be able to be done on a stepped welder, but probably less frustrating with the variable one. Just my 2 cents worth.:)

I wouldnt say they are garbage, but if you are going to buy a new one,why not buy one with infinite amount of settings? I think it is most useful when using on sheet metal. I dont know what the actual difference is inbetween each voltage, but on my variable Lincoln, the smallest of tweaks with the adjustment made a big diffence on some thin metal. It may still be able to be done on a stepped welder, but probably less frustrating with the variable one. Just my 2 cents worth.:)

Your right on the money Terry.:thumbsup:

Garbage is a relative term and should not be taken literally. And yes they are all technically variable but one in controlled by a rheostat. If one were to use a better unit, one would prefer the rheostat controlled heat better. The relativity is similar to comparing a adequate spray gun to a higherquality gun. Better tool equates to better performance.

i bought my welder and plasma cutter from Indiana Oxygen Supply, they do Ebay sales as well as online...On a side note I wish my Lincoln Power Mig 210 had variable voltage output...and FYI Hobart welders are indeed made by Miller but the control circuits and drive systems are "offshore" products, hence the lower price

I bought my thermal arc 185 TIG from Indiana oxygen off ebay, very happy with the machine and service.

The last body shop I worked at had three hobart welders with 4 voltage settings. It seemed the setting you really needed was somewhere inbetween one of the present settings. Finally I decided to bring my Miller 135 to work which ran circles around those hobarts.

IMO its easier to get a quality weld with controls that have infinite adjustment.

Each person welds differently and a higher quality machine like the 135 or 140 caters to you and those differences versus a machine like the hobart which makes you cater to the machine.

If you have never MIG welded before then the hobart machine with present adjustments will probably suit you fine. If you have welded before then you know each machine also welds differently and having only 4 adjustments is a guaranteed method of driving yourself crazy.

Adjustment is the key to welding, thats why TIG welding is the ultimate form of welding, you can CONTROL every aspect of the weld...Eric

The non-variable controls are for people who like to reject much better technology. I'm amazed they still make those models.

I agree that the variable heat adjustments over the 4 position helps a lot with sheet metal welding. It's not how thin you can weld. It's how little you want to grind off afterwards. On straight panels the less grinding the less heat transfered. Meaning less weld buildup less warpage. I used to stick weld with guys at the plant and they used a standard non auto darkening hood. These guys were used to doing it that way. My thoughts are just because it's always been done that way doesn't mean it's right.

I recently purchased a Millermatic 140 with the autoset feature from the Internet. $640 with free shipping.
The problem with purchasing locally, the sales tax will add almost $50 to the price. I would like to buy from the local dealer, but $50 is $50.
The 140 I'm told is the largest one Miller makes that will run off of 120 volts. It's nice to have the 120 volt model because you have no trouble finding a 120 volt outlet. The comment the gentleman made about an extension cord was in reference to the 240 volt machine. A 240 volt outlet is a lot more difficult to locate, so you may need a nice extension if you are welding a distance from your power source.
Squido

Not sure if it has been mentioned yet, but if you want to do more than just sheetmetal...thin gauge stuff. You need to look into the millermatic 211, it has a MVP plug which you can use with different voltages by just unscrewing the plug and putting on a different plug, no rewiring necessary. 110v and 230v, single phase.

They may be a litle pricy but well woth it, you can also get a good aluminum spool gun for around 150.00. I have seen the machines for about 900.00.

The non-variable controls are for people who like to reject much better technology.

Yeah; that's it.

My friend is a professional welder by trade. He advised me to stay away from the variable voltage machines as this voltage control is THE biggest reason they need to get these models repaired. He said as long as I can select different voltages with a position switch, you’re good to go. The variable wire feed is what you use to fine tune your settings.

We use the Hobart models all throughout our factory...in some pretty nasty production working conditions....with very, very little problems. When my friend also suggested getting a less expensive (than a Miller) Hobart; I was sold.

I got my 140 from Indiana Oxygen. I had an older, cheaper 110 unit with 4 pre-sets and it worked, but the infinite heat settings lets you fine tune just a little more. I figure I'll only buy it once, so it made sense to buy a top quality product that can be serviced most anywhere.

I also wanted the 110 unit as I could take it other places if neccessary. I have a nice 220 stick welder, but it's use is limited to my home and a 20 foot extension cord. With the 110 unit, I can use it in other places.

Several guys have posted that it is actually easier to weld sheet metal with the 110 unit then it is with the 220 machine. I don't know that to be true, but when I bought my unit and researched the threads, I found several that said that.

Yeah; that's it.

My friend is a professional welder by trade. He advised me to stay away from the variable voltage machines as this voltage control is THE biggest reason they need to get these models repaired. He said as long as I can select different voltages with a position switch, you’re good to go. The variable wire feed is what you use to fine tune your settings.

We use the Hobart models all throughout our factory...in some pretty nasty production working conditions....with very, very little problems. When my friend also suggested getting a less expensive (than a Miller) Hobart; I was sold.

I got my 140 from Indiana Oxygen. I had an older, cheaper 110 unit with 4 pre-sets and it worked, but the infinite heat settings lets you fine tune just a little more. I figure I'll only buy it once, so it made sense to buy a top quality product that can be serviced most anywhere.

I also wanted the 110 unit as I could take it other places if neccessary. I have a nice 220 stick welder, but it's use is limited to my home and a 20 foot extension cord. With the 110 unit, I can use it in other places.

Several guys have posted that it is actually easier to weld sheet metal with the 110 unit then it is with the 220 machine. I don't know that to be true, but when I bought my unit and researched the threads, I found several that said that.

Not being argumentative but my welders and all I've known in the body biz for 20 odd years never had to have a welder repaired for a bad variable control. All full blown shops.

Also never had a problem welding sheetmetal with larger welders either. Sometimes all day every day in collision and resto work. I'd like to hear some substantiation on that point. If there is some knowledge I am lacking I'm all ears.

Yeah; that's it.

My friend is a professional welder by trade. He advised me to stay away from the variable voltage machines as this voltage control is THE biggest reason they need to get these models repaired. He said as long as I can select different voltages with a position switch, you’re good to go. The variable wire feed is what you use to fine tune your settings.

We use the Hobart models all throughout our factory...in some pretty nasty production working conditions....with very, very little problems. When my friend also suggested getting a less expensive (than a Miller) Hobart; I was sold.

Your friend has no idea what he is talking about.

Not sure if it has been mentioned yet, but if you want to do more than just sheetmetal...thin gauge stuff. You need to look into the millermatic 211, it has a MVP plug which you can use with different voltages by just unscrewing the plug and putting on a different plug, no rewiring necessary. 110v and 230v, single phase.

They may be a litle pricy but well woth it, you can also get a good aluminum spool gun for around 150.00. I have seen the machines for about 900.00.

Like Chris is saying here, if you can spend a few more bucks go with this one.:thumbsup:

Your friend has no idea what he is talking about.

And you obviously know EVERYTHING! :rolleyes:

I don't know how I build cars with my POS 4 setting welder. Just lucky I guess.

I obviously know more than your so-called "professional" friend.

I have the older Miller cricket for 150$ on Craigslist. Guy was moving to central America in three days and needed it gone. It was in almost new condition it works fine for tin repairs but anything heavy I use my uncles Miller 240V in his shop.

A larger 220v machine will weld just fine on thin metal as long as the machine can be dialed down low enough.

Most smaller sized 220V machines can go down to 20 amps.
My TIG welder has a dial which allows me to adjust the amp setting, on 20 ga metal I run around 40 to 45 amps. Granted TIG and MIG are different methods but gives you an idea on the actual amperage during welding.

The 220V machines normally have slightly larger guns because of the higher amps, that could be a reason why some people think the 120V welds better because the smaller gun size is easier to handle.

The 180 is the cheapest upgrade you can buy for welding power. If you are going to do 1/4" I recommend it. If you can buy locally. Especially if you don't know much about welding. They can help you with problems much better. You need gas and wire anyway and many times you can get a package deal for everyting which offsets price on welder alone.

Scott,
I called the Waterbury store and they said "yes we are having a sale on Millers, $642 for the Miller 140".
Maybe the sale signs were mixed up when you were there.
Airgas here had them for $650.
I ended up buy a Miller 140 locally from Praxair for $635 and a spool gun for $180., cheapest I could find.


Might have saved a few bucks if I had bought off the internet, but Id just assume buy local if the prices are that close.

Thanks for everyones help.

X100 go with the Miller 180(new version of the old Miller 200) It's 220V, plugged my into the cloths dryer outlet. I've welded 16-22 gauge sheetmetal with no problems. As long a you get the settings close, the machine will self adjust. Real nice machines, got mine for under 800, which included cart, bottle, gloves, helmet, couple spools of wire, and some extra tips. You can also add the transformer and spoolmate later for welding aluminum. Bought mine off ebay.

Here is a link to a current ebay auction for a 180 package deal. I bought my 4 years ago around Christmas, maybe thats why I got all the extras. If you find a package deal to include the bottle, 80LB bottles are worthless, I have not found one shop around me that will refill them or take them in on trade. I finally got TSC to take it, they gave me a 100LB and only charged me for the gas...
http://rover.ebay.com/ar/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpt=1860767766&adtype=1&size=1x1&type=3&campid=5336121898&toolid=10001 http://cgi.ebay.com/MILLER-MILLERMATIC-180-MIG-WELDER-PKG-907312_W0QQitemZ360235836764QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_ Welders?hash=item53dfbaa55c (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?type=3&campid=5336121898&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2FMILLER-MILLERMATIC-180-MIG-WELDER-PKG-907312_W0QQitemZ360235836764QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_ Welders%3Fhash%3Ditem53dfbaa55c)