A garage full of Miller equipment...
A garage full of Miller equipment may be more of a dream than reality for most of us. But if you’re considering buying a new welder, plasma cutter, or any related equipment and would like a little advice beforehand, we’ll be giving all of this a testdrive in the coming months. Hopefully, our feedback will help you make the right decision.
In conjunction with the folks at Miller Electric, Rod & Custom is proud to launch its brand-new column, Metal Shop, dedicated to the DIY builders. All too often, our fabrication-related how-to articles don’t provide as much information as some of our readers would like to know regarding the tools and equipment used in the process. That’s all a thing of the past, at least for the next 12 months, as Metal Shop will focus on the equipmenthow it’s used, what the pros and cons are, and what particular product is best for you.
Fabricating and building hot rods and customs from scratch, using your own two hands, is undoubtedly something many readers love to do. And whether you like to admit it or not, a little advice now and then never hurts. With Miller (a company known worldwide for its unbeatable line of welders, plasma cutters, and accessories) now onboard with us on a monthly basis, you’ll be able get an insider’s view of their latest products that are most beneficial for working in garage or home shop environments.
For those of you thinking Metal Shop will be nothing more than regurgitated press releases or excerpts from a Miller catalog, think again. While indeed there will be plenty of input on Miller’s behalf, via photos and information, all the equipment we feature will be used by us, not professionals who probably helped design the product(s) in the first place. And with that hands-on testing you’ll receive feedback and evaluations based on our experience and opinion, not theirs.
Among the topics we’ll be...
Among the topics we’ll be covering in Metal Shop will be MIG welding. When it comes to the DIY hobbyist, Miller has the perfect machine for both beginners and novice welders with their Millermatic 211 Auto-Set. With the variable input MVP feature (can operate off 115 or 230 VAC), it’s one of the most versatile, user-friendly MIGs on the market today.
Miller makes welding aluminum...
Miller makes welding aluminum possible now without having to use a TIG. Their Spoolmate 100 Series spool gun is designed to be used with the 211 Auto-Set and is capable of welding 18-gauge to 3/8-inch aluminum.
But for those who prefer welding...
But for those who prefer welding aluminum the traditional way, Miller’s got the DIYers covered as well. Their Diversion 180 features the same MVP (115/230) power supply options as the 211 Auto-Set, but unlike your typical TIG welder, its digital interface takes all the guesswork out when it comes to choosing the settings. And to make the transition from MIG to TIG easier for beginners, the 180’s torch has built-in amperage controls (optional foot control is also available).
When it comes to plasma cutting,...
When it comes to plasma cutting, you won’t find a more compact machine that packs as much punch as the Spectrum 375 X-Treme. Also with the MVP feature, the 375 has internally regulated air pressure and can easily cut up to 3/8 inch. For heavier-gauge cutting, the 625 X-Treme will not only handle up to 5/8, it can be used to remove welds with its optional gouge tip.
Miller’s range of equipment...
Miller’s range of equipment goes well beyond the welding/cutting machines, and its ArcStation is just one more item that’s perfectly suited for use in the garage or home shop.
And last but by no means least,...
And last but by no means least, safety will be stressed across the board, regardless of the job at hand. Miller literally has you covered when it comes to personal protection, which is one thing we’ll be focusing on throughout the series.