On 28 Jul 2005 11:04:38 -0700, "Ronnie" wrote:

I'm pondering the purchase of a Miller 210 mig welder, vs. a more
expensive 300 amp machine. It'll be my only machine, and I'd like to be
able to weld small, light steel (.065 wall), as well as aluminum(
probably no more than 3/16) and up to 3/8" steel with it....hum,
decisions, decisions, money, money.

Of course the welder salesman tells me a 210 will do it all (with a
spoolgun), but I know the discussion has come up that a 185amp TIG
machine isn't hot enough for aluminum; i.e. it takes a LOT of heat to
do it since aluminum wicks away the heat so fast.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Ronnie Lyons
Meridian, Idaho

The chart on the Millermatic 210 suggests settings for up to 3/8"
aluminum with .035 wire and pure argon. The chart does not go below
14 gage for aluminum.

I've not tried Al with that machine yet, (still on my ta do list)
but I've found the chart to be good guidance on all of the steel
welding I've done with that machine. If anything, it's conservative.

I can say for a certainty that the 210 will do 3/8" steel very nicely.
Also does .065 steel very nicely, did some of that tonight. I was
rather surprised at how well it welded 5/16" dia rod to .062" steel.

It'll go down to .032" steel no problem with .030 wire.

I can't imagine it having any problem with 3/16" aluminum since the
recommended setting is 5 (out of 7) for heat and 65 (out of 100) for
..035" wire or 75 for .030 wire. But I haven't done it yet.

I like my Millermatic 210 a lot!
..