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A friend is looking to replace his 8 year old HTP160 Mig Welder. He is a hobby welder but does do his own body work and fabrication. When he is done with a project it always looks very professional.

He is looking at Miller welders, specifically the Millermatic 190 and the Millermatic 211. The 190 uses an inverter the 211 a transformer. Our local Airgas store handles them but know one there actually has used either of them. If you have used one of these please post your recommendations. He is also running into a lot of feedback like Miller welders are the best in the industry!!!

He posts on the HAMB website so has asked for feedback there.

Thanks, Mike

Mike,

Where I live Airgas is by far the most expensive welding supply source. They have what is called "Regional Pricing", meaning they adjust their prices way up locally if there is little or no competition. Their competitors have uniform pricing regardless of locality. Why should a rural hick like me have to pay more than a city slicker I figure?

The way to buy welders is at trade shows. I got a Miller "Synchrowave 200" tig machine for $1800 delivered to my door. All I had to add was an agron cylinder. Shopping locally for the argon cylinder is what revealed the high Airgas prices.

My machine is a transformer type. I have used inverter machines at the local community college and I can't tell any difference.

Tig machines have come a really long way since I learned tig in the 1960s. I'm a hobbyist, not a pro, but I think your friend would be impressed by what an inexpensive machine in the hands of a tinkerer can do.

Hi Brino,

Thanks for the help. I appreciate your thoroughness.

Mike

Mike,

Miller welders are excellent and I doubt your friend could go wrong. If he hasn't purchased yet, or is still making up his mind, I would encourage him also to take a look at Hobart welders--they are excellent as well; as a hobbyist welder, after trying several brands, when I got hold of the Hobart, I suddenly was able to weld!

Jim

I've had most all of them...My favorite was a Miller 450 Delta Weld Mig...Could do anything I wanted...But, alas it was 3 Phase...Had to get rid of it for the county life...Hobart 250 TR is a good transformer welder...My first was a Miller 250 DialArc/HF TIG/Stick...Hardly use it anymore...Have a Miller Sycro...Smooth, but I still like the old Lincoln soft start for aluminum...Check out the Miller Web site for more info...I just can't get used to inverter welders...Digital and all...Espes. the small wire spools...To much $$...I prefer the large spools for price and they just last a long time...I don't recall spending much more than $500 on any of them...$1,000 on the Dial Arc and that was w/tank and water cooler, almost new...Shop around...Plenty of older machines...Won't cost you and arm and a leg...Word of advise...Get the best Miller he can afford...If he doesn't subscribe to "Practical Welding" Magazine...Email them...It's free...good info..The 160 is just not "pro" enough...