MIG Welders: 175 or 210?

Wulf

Wulf

Joined
May 10, 2000
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I'm picking up a new welder tomorrow. I locked in a great promo price on a Miller 175 ($685 plus a free spool of wire) but there's still a part of me that thinks I should spend the extra money and buy the 210 instead.

What kind of work will I be doing?

Well, I'll be making tooling for my airhammer, bending jigs, other anvil tools, as well as general ranch-type use. Maybe make a trailer, work on my tractor, that sort of thing...

My hangups with the 175 are the lower duty cycle, smaller spool capacity and the general limitations of the machine itself, whereas the 210 has everything going for it except that it will be another $500 or so on top of the price of the 175.

I keep going back and forth and can't make up my damn mind but I need to figure something out by tomorrow. Any input or advice would be much appreciated.

P.S., I also just picked up a nice new Smith torch kit, a new chop saw, and a new angle grinder, so I'm definitely still glowing from my new tool high. You guys know what I'm talking about :)
 
I'd say go for the 210 if you can afford it. I have a smaller one, and I can do some amazing things with it, but it is operating on the outer edge of its capabilities. You'll be glad you have the extra amperage with the 210, but the 175 is plenty for any knife-related work you'll be doing. That's my two coppers, and I hope it helps! :)
 
For your use the 210 makes more sense .Duty cycle of 60% instead of 30% and 3/8" steel welded at one pass. Take the 210.
 
Thanks for your input, guys.

That's the direction I was leaning, but the extra $500 is $500 I can't spend on other stuff. Oh well, that's how it goes... In the long run I'll probably be glad I spent the extra $
 
Definitely the 210 if you can come up with the money. In the long run, I think you will be much happier. The 175 might do what you want, but you will have to do alot more multiple pass welds, which leads to a lot more prep work (beveling, grinding bead back clean for next pass etc.) Makes each project a lot more work. And you probably won't ever outrun the duty cycle of the 210.
 
Wulf said:
Thanks for your input, guys.

That's the direction I was leaning, but the extra $500 is $500 I can't spend on other stuff. Oh well, that's how it goes... In the long run I'll probably be glad I spent the extra $
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yep, get the 210, I have one and love it. Now I want a TIG and a plasma cutter...does it ever end!? :)

-Darren
 
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