Need advise for a welder - Lateral-g Forums

98ssnova · #1 03-27-2016, 02:14 PM

So I have a Miller Matic 141 MIG used so far with good results. Can you guy think of anything that would limit me with using to build my car. Say frame mods etc? Thanks guys!

**GregWeld** · #2 03-27-2016, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98ssnova

So I have a Miller Matic 141 MIG used so far with good results. Can you guy think of anything that would limit me with using to build my car. Say frame mods etc? Thanks guys!

Your 141 is rated to 3/16" - so frame mods are about at it's max - but certainly doable. What people don't factor in when buying welders etc is the DUTY CYCLE.... yours is rated 90 Amps @ 20% Duty Cycle. There's where the price of the machine etc make it a "home owner" or light duty machine. My 211 has a 160 amp @ 60% duty cycle rating.

Given that most of our welding for hot rod projects are for short bursts... some of this is perfectly adequate. It wouldn't be if we were in a job shop trying to crank out parts all day.

98ssnova · #3 03-28-2016, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Your 141 is rated to 3/16" - so frame mods are about at it's max - but certainly doable. What people don't factor in when buying welders etc is the DUTY CYCLE.... yours is rated 90 Amps @ 20% Duty Cycle. There's where the price of the machine etc make it a "home owner" or light duty machine. My 211 has a 160 amp @ 60% duty cycle rating.

Given that most of our welding for hot rod projects are for short bursts... some of this is perfectly adequate. It wouldn't be if we were in a job shop trying to crank out parts all day.

Thanks Greg it was free I won at the company Holiday party. So I will take that should be just fine for what I want to do.

**GregWeld** · #4 03-28-2016, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98ssnova

Thanks Greg it was free I won at the company Holiday party. So I will take that should be just fine for what I want to do.

Heck yeah you lucky dog!!! I won a bowling ball once... that was it! For my entire life -- I'd much rather win a Miller welder!!

**GregWeld** · #5 03-28-2016, 08:48 PM

Remember too ---- the welder ratings for gauge are what they're capable of in ONE PASS. Nobody says you have to weld anything in one pass.

rallystyle · #6 10-07-2018, 01:19 PM

Well i moved and now have a spot for some welders. i had access to a Lincoln 175 tig before and now i dont have anything. looking to add a mig welder to the mix. was looking at the miller 141 or 211. maybe 215. i would be using it to put in sub frame connectors and mini tubs. i will buy a tig down the road as it is my preferred method of welding. any feed back on which way you would go? or any other machines i should look at? thanks

**GregWeld** · #7 10-07-2018, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rallystyle

Well i moved and now have a spot for some welders. i had access to a Lincoln 175 tig before and now i dont have anything. looking to add a mig welder to the mix. was looking at the miller 141 or 211. maybe 215. i would be using it to put in sub frame connectors and mini tubs. i will buy a tig down the road as it is my preferred method of welding. any feed back on which way you would go? or any other machines i should look at? thanks

I've always advocated to buy the larger machines if you can.... they're just simply better welders and allow you to do whatever you feel like vs what you "can". once you own a welder -- you'll find all kinds of friends that need repairs on gates -- or broken whatever....

I too, far prefer a TIG machine -- water cooled -- with all the bells and whistles -- because you can then weld almost anything. But of course - the cost is X gazillion more than a MIG