I've never really had much experience with a 135. But we've got a couple 211s in the shop at work. If you want to become a better welder, such as understanding machine settings etc, the 211 isn't exactly the machine that I would choose personally. But if you just want to throw the machine in the garage and weld, the 211 is where it's at for that. Just select the thickness and put the wire feed on auto set and your off. I really like the way a 211 welds on .030 wire. And I'm not a miller guy lol.

Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk

 

Was the same wire brand and diameter used?

I haven't used an inverter MIG, but I wouldn't be surprised if they sound a touch different than a transformer. Lately I've welded with a handful of different Millermatic machines...35S, 200, 212 250, 250X and 251 and they all seem to have a slightly different arc (which seems to translate to sound) but that wasn't something I was trying to pay attention to at the time.

 

The MM135 would probably work better running .023 wire for thin stock. You could try a small roll and see how it welds.

That's pretty much what I kept in my Lincoln 135.

My Passport runs great using .030 and it is an inverter and it is smooooth. I still prefer it over the MM252 (transformer)


Put the MM135 up on CL and use the money towards a new MM211. { I can spend your money all day :laugh: }

 

Thanks to all for responses.
Both welders were using 0.030 wire - but not same brand. I think the wire in the 211 is what it came & the one in mine was harbor freight.
I like idea of trying some 0.23 wire - I'll get some and try for the thin gage - thanks.

Ed

 

I had a Miller 140 (similar to 135) and now have a 211. I traded on a 135 for a friend and I liked it too.

On thin stuff you should be able to weld about the same with the 135, but it sounds like you need to work on dialing it in. I like .023 on thin material, even up to 1/8”. Get some brand name .023 wire, clean the metal to shiny, go step by step setting up your 135 - gas 15 Cfh, verify polarity, good ground clamp, adjust wire feed, and check that the gun is seated firmly.

Start with the door chart settings and adjust by sound until it is dialed in.

Good luck. If you don’t need it to weld thicker materials, I’d hold off on the 211 and improve your technique with the 135.

 

That machine 140 or 135 same as the Hobart is a great trans based machine with .02? Whatever it will weld amazing up to 1/4 extremely nice arc good duty cycle I've never had any problem welding very nice beads with one for what you will get for it used keep it with small wire and save for a larger machine for larger wire I'm a Lincoln guy but that little machine has a good place in the shop for light work and the reliability of a 110 transformer

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

 

I would venture the different 'sound quality' or 'tone' you noticed is a result of the fundamental difference between a transformer and inverter. The D.C. output of a transformer likely has a low frequency (60hz) ripple, whereas the D.C. output of an inverter will have a much higher frequency (~2khz) based ripple.

I can't speak to ease of setting up/dialing in an inverter vs transformer, as all I've used is a transformer style.

 

The other major difference in sound is the inductance of the machine - allowing harder arc "shorts" or softer ones. This is where I imagine the machines will differ - with the inverter being tuned for a softer arc.

You notice it at low amps on a really high quality transformer welder, too.

 

Which 211?
Transformer or inverter?

 

The 211 is the newest with an inverter.
The comment on the difference in the frequency of the ripple between transformer and inverter makes sense to the engineer in me, thanks.
That said, it seems clear the 135 should work fine for me with practice. I’m going to get some .023 wire and practice side by side on thin gage metal. My cousin said I could keep the 211 for a few weeks and I kept a bent up fender from my 93 suburban for practice on patch panels.
Thanks for feedback and advice all, I appreciate it.

 

You won't notice the tiny DC ripple when in short-arc. It just won't happen. Not unless it's a really really terrible machine with poor rectification.

https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/faq-what-does-inductance-do