Getting ready to pull the trigger.... (kinda long)

[rickchamberlain]

Yes, pun *is* intended.

Actually, I've narrowed my choice in baby MIGS to the Millermatic 135 or the Handler 135. I'll be fabbing light gauge sheet steel, some angle iron work, and 1/8" walled tubes most of the time. today, I have no need to work on aluminum, and when I do, I'll probably look at a good used TIG unit.

Anyhoo, I've thought about the 175s, but really like the idea of being completely portable so I can take the welder to the cottage.

So, I'd appreciate any feedback on these 2 units. My inclination is to go with the Hobart, since it includes both flux and gas for a decent price and the warranty seems pretty strong.

Bottom line - if you were the sales guy and knew that my welding needs were infrequent and rather light duty, which unit would you recommend and why?

TIA for any feedback,
Rick

[Al T.]

rickchamberlain,
The Miller can do flux core also and it has infinate voltage adjustment, the hh135 has three settings. That's why the hobart is less expensive. Both machines are excellant, I have the hh175 and love it. Infinate control would be nice but I am passed that point.

[rickchamberlain]

Al,

I thought the MM135 required a kit to do flux core in addition to the standard machine. Or, am I misinformed?

Thanks for the reply,
Rick

[Al T.]

To do Mig on a flux machine from another manufacturer requires a kit (guages, valves etc.).

To do flux core on a Miller or Hobart, reverse the polarity, turn off the gas and away you go. I'm pretty sure the Miller comes already setup for flux core out of the box. You can change over to Mig after you buy a bottle of gas. That's the way my Hobart came.

Have Fun!

[morpheus]

I'd get a miller 175 or HH 175 ... I 've used a 110V machine alot and was always wanting a bit more power.

- jack

[GWOL]

I have the HH135 and love it. I think having a bigger machine is always good, but if you not going to use the extra power and dont have easyacess to a 220v outlet, no power is even worse. I think like has been said a million times before, use the machine that fits your needs, and know its limitations. If you chose either the mm135, or hh135 you cant go wrong. I think the main difference in price is that the miller has infinate votage, but have never even noticed needing this feature. Hope this helps, worse case, get a coin and flip, or pick your fav. color. Sounds like its that close of a call

[rickchamberlain]

Thanks for the feedback. I do have access to 220 at home, but not at the cottage. Besides, I figure if I ever really need to do 1/4" plate that I'll just take a little more time prepping the pieces or make a double pass at it.

The other thing I've heard from more than one source is that stepped produces a slightly smoother arc. Not sure if this is more personal preference or if it's actually true. But it did bring up a question of how often people set their welding voltage and pretty much leave it alone.

Thanks again,
Rick

[Hobart Expert Rock]

FOR THE RECORD BOTH THE MM AND THE HH WILL DO FLUX-CORED WIRE OUT OF THE BOX..........BASICALLY THEY ARE THE SAME TYPE OF MACHINE JUST HAVE DIFFERENT CONTROLS AND DIFFERENT PC BOARD IN THEM.................YOUR CHOICE AND YOUR CALL AFTER ALL IT IS YOUR MONEY............. HAVE FUN WITH THAT DECISION..............ROCK
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