Newby introduction

[Ches]

Hi guys,

Just want to introduce myself and say hi and thanks. I found this BB a few months ago via tractorbynet.com. There is a topic on that BB related to welding that sparked my interest and referred to this BB. I have monitored (lurked) here for a few months, trying to learn what I can. As a result, I have signed up and been taking a beginning welding class at the local community college. So far, I have had six weeks of oxy/acet. welding/cutting, just completed three weeks of mig, and getting ready to finish the last three weeks with stick. Also, as a result of what I have learned here, I have purchased a new MM175 which I have only used once so far. Wanted to get out there and use it today, but it has been raining and I can't weld inside (yet) as I have a wooden building used for woodworking. So, my welding will only be outside for the time being. Thanks for all the knowledge/advice/info/etc. And a special thanks to the Hobart/Miller guys...your availability to help the guys on this BB helped me make the decision to buy Miller. (I bought from a national welding co. and the local supplier stocked the red machine and wanted to sell me one, but did order the MM175 for me when i insisted I wanted the MM.

[Bob]

Ches,

Welcome to the forum. I spend a lot of time reading here: always interesting, often educational and/or humorus, love it. Loads of advice just for the asking.

Sounds like you are well on the way with the class and getting a reasonably broad exposure to several techniques. Good choice in the welder.

Water and welding don't mix well. I keep my assortment of wire types and sized inside. Not sure, but I think the flux corded (or self shielding) types may be more subject to deterioration with time and dampness.

Welcome Again,
Bob

[Will]

Welcome Ches. You are taking the right route by getting professional instruction. It will really help you to make good welds right from the start. Get some scrap material and run practice beads on various joint types and material thickness.

[Hobart Expert Rock]

HI CHES..........WELCOME ABOARD...... GLAD YOUR TAKEING THE CLASSES..............AND THE SAFETY ISSUE OF SPARKS AND DRY WOOD WORKING MATERIALS LAYING AROUND IS A SAFETY ISSUE.......... GLAD YOU'RE WELDING AND GLAD YOU PURCHASED A MM175........... ANY REASON YOU CHOSE INFINATE CONTROL OVER THE TAPPED SWITCH....................?...........ROCK.....
[email protected]

[Ches]

Rock

Re your question about picking infinite variable over tapped swithch: I really didn't choose one over the other. I bought the MM175 at the beginning of my class so I would have something to practice on at home (as the lab was/is not open to us except on the nights of the classes). When deciding to purchase the welder, I only knew I wanted a MillerMatic and I knew I wanted one that operated on 220 circuit (as I have a dedicated 220 in my shop). The next decision centered on cost as it was a choice between the 175 or the 210 (at least those were my choices based upon info I had). Being that welding will only be a hobby and something I wouldn't be doing all that often, I couldn't justify paying the difference in price of the two. Based on what I have learned so far I think the 175 will serve me well. But, who knows, I may learn otherwise as I progress in knowledge and skill.

[deere_x475guy]

Re: Rock

Originally posted by Ches
Re your question about picking infinite variable over tapped swithch: I really didn't choose one over the other. I bought the MM175 at the beginning of my class so I would have something to practice on at home (as the lab was/is not open to us except on the nights of the classes). When deciding to purchase the welder, I only knew I wanted a MillerMatic and I knew I wanted one that operated on 220 circuit (as I have a dedicated 220 in my shop). The next decision centered on cost as it was a choice between the 175 or the 210 (at least those were my choices based upon info I had). Being that welding will only be a hobby and something I wouldn't be doing all that often, I couldn't justify paying the difference in price of the two. Based on what I have learned so far I think the 175 will serve me well. But, who knows, I may learn otherwise as I progress in knowledge and skill.

Aaron....Will....who does this remind you of?????
This was my exact thought process about 4 months ago.....boy was I in for a surprise....lol

That MM175 is a great machine....

Oh...and welcome to this great board....lots of knowledge in many different areas regarding welding...and some friendly joking going on also..

Bob

[Ches]

Congrats on your MM251!

Bob,
Congrats on your new purchase. I have been following your posts and beginning to wonder...As you have been where I was/am...is there a 251 in my future? (Sorta kidding)
Ches

[deere_x475guy]

HAHA Ches...well I can tell you if someone would have told me 4 months ago that I would be into this welder I would have told them they were crazy....and .....well.......dang.....here I am..

Bob