Shucks - I think I messed up.

[Junk]

So here's my deal. Couldn't get into any local votech classes - cause they're always too filled. Figured based on what I'd read that I'd buy the Miller 175 mig and teach myself .

Well, after further review, it looks like the majority of my welding is going to be outside. Some very light aluminum (.120 maybe) and only up to 3/16 steel. Me thinks me made a horrible newbie mistake. My Miller 175 is still in the box but I can't return it. Guess I'll sell it on ebay or something.

Now here's the question. Is there a good place I can learn more about the different types of welding before I waste mo money? . Seems to be a frequent problem of mine.... too impatient. I'm not going to be welding a ton, and I don't mind tacking something if I have to take it somewhere else to have them finish. I'd like to keep it somewhat portable..... also will use it some for some light repairs from 4x4ing.

Any recommendations on where I can learn more to help me make a better informed choice would be appreaciated.
Thanks
Junk

[ChadRat]

I'd keep the 175 and get a torch setup for the aluminum. See if ya really like welding then ya can always upgrade later to bigger and better stuff.

actually, I would play around with the 175. Set it up for flux core if ya are outside. If ya really like that then get the torch setup.

[Dan]

Re: Shucks - I think I messed up.

Originally posted by Junk
So here's my deal. Couldn't get into any local votech classes - cause they're always too filled. Figured based on what I'd read that I'd buy the Miller 175 mig and teach myself .

Well, after further review, it looks like the majority of my welding is going to be outside. Some very light aluminum (.120 maybe) and only up to 3/16 steel. Me thinks me made a horrible newbie mistake. My Miller 175 is still in the box but I can't return it. Guess I'll sell it on ebay or something.

Now here's the question. Is there a good place I can learn more about the different types of welding before I waste mo money? . Seems to be a frequent problem of mine.... too impatient. I'm not going to be welding a ton, and I don't mind tacking something if I have to take it somewhere else to have them finish. I'd like to keep it somewhat portable..... also will use it some for some light repairs from 4x4ing.

Any recommendations on where I can learn more to help me make a better informed choice would be appreaciated.
Thanks
Junk

Junk

Im not understanding why you think you have made a mistake in choosing a MM 175 for 1/8" aluminum and up to 3/16" mild steel when the MM 175 is capable welding both of these material s and thicknesses. However I must state that it isnt the best choice for the aluminum. My first choice for the aluminum would be a TIG machine. For outdoor use on the steel you can just use a self shielded fluxcore wire. Once your skill level is high enough multi passing up to 1/2" thick steel with an E71T-11 self shielded wire should be a possiblity with a MM 175.

[Junk]

Thanks Dan.

I wasn't insuating that the 175 was a bad machine, but rather likely to be much more than I should have bought. Thought I'd be better with arc or something else.

All the votechs fill up with kids too fast. Yet, when I walk into a local welding shop, they don't have time for me since I haven't a clue what I'm doing. Very frustrating. I found a few good sites like the weekend welder, but so far I haven't found anything that says something similiar to "here's what you need based on your needs".

This old dog would like to learn some. Thanks.

[Mike Sherman]

Well, you've got the mig, so now all you need is a gas drive stick welder and a spool gun. Then you will be all set. Put some self shielded flux core in the mig and weld whatever you need outside. Buy a spool gun for the aluminum or a good tig unit. Don't sell the mm175, it is a good machine and now that you have it, it will last a lifetime.

[Trent Combs]

Show up the 1st day of class at your local voctech with an ADD slip. Most instructors are tickled to add a person of experience to season the crop of kids, even if they have to exceed class limits. By the third class, many of the kids quit showing up.

I understand how you feel about buying one thing and wishing you'd bought another. I was torn between the convenience of the 135 and the extra oomph of the 175. I bought the 135 and like it so much I'll probably buy a 210 or larger for stationary use later on. For now, I use an AC/DC buzzbox for heavy stuff.

[ZACHV]

Junk, what part of NJ are you in? Maybe I can hook you up with some of the people that taught me how to weld.

[Junk]

Zach,
I'm in north central near Morristown. I'd gladly travel for any help. The desire is there, just a little overwhelming to try to sit down with the instruction book, buy what supplies I need when the shop doesn't even want to sell you any supplies since you don't know what you're doing etc.

If you know anyone that would help, I'd be eternally gratefull. Even if nothing pans out, thanks for trying.

[Bob]

Junk,

See last post by Noylnn3 "thin metal problems" about his experience at a dealer. That might be the other extreme, but most dealers should be willing to help. If the 175 is still unused, a good dealer will give you some credit on a trade if you choose that route.
If you can (patience) keep your 175 in the box and get some feel on the dealers machines. You may deceide to keep it. Only reason I could think to trade down, would be the portability of 110V instead of 220V. 110V machine will LIMIT you to about what you described, meaning you will be using it a max most of the time and won't be able to handle exceptional cases of heavier materials.
Bob

[Hobart Expert Rock]

JUNK..........AH MAYBE YOU DIDN'T SCREW UP MAYBE YOU DID.... ONLY YOU CAN DECIDE IT IS YOUR MONEY........HANG IN THERE KEEP TRYING DIFFERENT AVENUES......ME I'M PERSISTANT I JUST KEEP TRYING AND ASKING QUESTIONS.............SO WHEN YOU DO DECIDE 1 TO KEEP OR SELL THE MM LET US KNOW.....2 LET US KNOW WHAT YOU GET INTO FOR A CLASS.....3 LET US KNOW WHY TO QUESTION NUMBER ONE..........AND I WOULD GO BACK TO THE VOTECK ONE OR TWO OR THREE DAYS INTO THE CLASS WON'T BE BAD YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO CATCH UP REAL QUICK..... EVEN IF YOU NEED TO STICK AROUND AFTER ALL THE REST OF THE KIDS HEAD HOME...................... HANG IN THERE YOUR GOING TO HAVE SOME FUN REALLY YOU WILL...............WHAT A CRAFT..........ROCK
[email protected]

[ZACHV]

Originally posted by Junk
Zach,
I'm in north central near Morristown. I'd gladly travel for any help. The desire is there, just a little overwhelming to try to sit down with the instruction book, buy what supplies I need when the shop doesn't even want to sell you any supplies since you don't know what you're doing etc.

If you know anyone that would help, I'd be eternally gratefull. Even if nothing pans out, thanks for trying.

Junk, I am out in the garge most Saturdays and according to MapQuest you are about 60 miles from me. E-mail me at [email protected] and maybe we can work something out to have you come down and learn some of the basics.

[Junk]

Thanks everyone for all the input. Nice to know there's folks out there like you that are willing to help and provide advice. It's greatly appreciated. Hope someday to be able to give something back.