Millermatic 180 Customer Review
This is a compilation of different customer reviews we've found on various forums.From a satisfied buyer of the Millermatic 180 Auto-Set:
The Millermatic 180 has infinitely adjustable voltage. It also does have the Autoset feature, but I don't know how many people use it. If you think the spoolgun is important, then it's price is something to consider. You might mention something about what you intend to use the machine for. Generally speaking, though, I don't think you can go wrong with the MM180.
From another Millermatic 180 customer:
I bought my MM180 despite the Auto Set feature, not because of it. As it turns out, I use the feature a lot. It simply saves having to raise the door and look at the chart, quick and easy, not dumber it just a different approach to the same result. I like it. It is not that I cannot look at the parameter chart (have to when using the spoolgun on aluminum), but just that it is so much quicker not to.
Another Millermatic 180 customer says:
I've have owned a Miller 180 since May of 2011 and I'm extremely happy with it. I have done everything from sheetmetal repair to frame work, etc. 180 does not come with a water cooled torch. It's a pretty expensive upgrade if you decide you want it later. And if you plan on welding aluminum, you're going to want it. In the 10 years I've been using Millermatic 180, I've only ever had 1 trigger switch go bad, a $7 part. Oh yeah, I have 3 Hobart migs and 2 180 squarewave tigs.
I'm leaning towards the MM180. Generally speaking, though, I don't think you can go wrong with Millermatic 180 If you have a 20a 110v outlet, you're good up to about 3/4 of the rated capacity. I am going to buy a new welder soon and it is going to be the Millermatic 180. I got my miller 180 a year and a half ago and absolutely LOVE IT! The documentation also says you can turn off the auto-set and set your parameters manually. It'll do from 24 gauge all the way up to 5/16". This compact, portable MIG welder delivers a maximum output of 180 amps and is ideal for maintenance, auto body and fabrication projects. I'd still pay $200 extra for the MM 180. Plus I think one of the "experts" here claims the Millers run better at higher amps. You might mention something about what you intend to use the machine for. I like that the 211 has the dual voltage capability. All on 110v w/ 25ft extention cord on a 20a breaker. That Millermatic 180 is no slouch.
Millermatic 180
The Millermatic 180 is capable of doing everything on a car: autobody, frame. NEW! I will be doing minor Fab and building stuff like gokarts for my boys, the occasional bracket for my car and I'm sure a trailer or 2. It has more taps and the auto set ability. Miller makes some really good machines. What I am wondering is if it can be used in any outlet or will it be tripping breakers every time I try to strike an arc? I have 220v 50a outlets in my garage and would mainly be using it there. IMO it's best to get the biggest welder you can. I haven't ran the current Millermatic 180 with the auto -set feature. 230v is the input for it, and all you need is a 20 amp breaker for it, and you're welding away. Smooth-Start patent-pending technology provides a smooth, spatterfree start. It is in my price range and will have access to 230v. Looks like the miller spool gun is cheaper than the hobart one. Maybe somebody can weigh in on which machine is better for that particular app. You can see what the extra $100 buys. Just finished burning the first spool of wire. The MM180 is also spoolgun ready. It is packaged with a free roll of .030 and a regulator for it, if you want to use gas. The Millermatic 180 auto-set is easy to use and move. I am pretty new to welding and am looking for a good MIG machine I have pretty much convinced my self on this unit. The Millermatic 180 has infinitely adjustable voltage. If you think the spoolgun is important, then it's price is something to consider. You can go to the Miller site and pull up the specs for the Millermatic 180.