Miller 130 vs 130 XP, 135, and 175

[Stygian7]

I'm planning to purchase a mig welder sometime within the next couple of weeks. I see that this is a Hobart site, but since the two are really the same company, I'm hoping someone can answer my questions about miller welders. Can anyone tell me the differences between the Millermatic 130, 130XP, and 135. I'm told that infinite voltage control is worth the extra cost, so if either of the 130s doesn't have that, please let me know. Also, I'm considering the Millermatic 175. I don't think I'll ever really need the extra power, but I'm one of those people who likes to know that they can. Any opinions on the 175 vs. the smaller 115v units.
Thanks in advance,
Kevin

[cope]

Re: Miller 130 vs 130 XP, 135, and 175

Originally posted by Stygian7
I'm planning to purchase a mig welder sometime within the next couple of weeks. I see that this is a Hobart site, but since the two are really the same company, I'm hoping someone can answer my questions about miller welders. Can anyone tell me the differences between the Millermatic 130, 130XP, and 135. I'm told that infinite voltage control is worth the extra cost, so if either of the 130s doesn't have that, please let me know. Also, I'm considering the Millermatic 175. I don't think I'll ever really need the extra power, but I'm one of those people who likes to know that they can. Any opinions on the 175 vs. the smaller 115v units.
Thanks in advance,
Kevin

The 130 was replaced by the 130XP which was in turn replaced by the 135. The first two had voltage taps while the 135 is infinite. I prefer taps myself, but evryone has their own opinion and preference. As for extra power, there are several around here who found out real soon that 135 amps wasn't enough. Depends on your finances and what you plan to use the machine for.

[Srubrn]

If you can afford it go ahead and get the Miller 175. I learned in three weeks my Hobart 135 was not enough and bought a Miller 210. Boy what I can do now!!

[Sberry]

I agree about the extra power and I like a machine that runs on 240V. I know they say that the machines run on a 20A circuit,,, but that can be kind of iffy and that is sposed to be a dedicated circuit anyway, not a general purpose circuit. If you have a small machine I have found they run much better on a 30a 120 circuit with number 10 wire than a 12. When you up the voltage it becomes a non issue. I have bigger machine but thats why I like the idea of these new 210 machines. They may not be for heavy continious industrial duty but they should run 035 well for the small shop and that gives some capacity for bigger projects and should weld stuff like 1/4 in a single pass really well.

[Hobart Expert Rock]

STYGAN7.........WELCOME ABOARD...........AND COPE IS CORRECT, THEY ARE JUST DIFFERENT GENERATIONS THE 130 BEING OLDER THAN THE 130XP, AND THE 130XP BEING OLDER THAN THE MM135.......AND AS ALWAYS IT IS YOUR CALL AND YOUR MONEY..... HAVE SOME FUN WITH YOUR DECISION...............ROCK....
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[CaptNemo]

If you have 240 VAC available, get the MM175. It's a LOT less expensive to operate !!! You'll eventually need to "Crank'er Up" and use all the power available.