Miller welder question

I have a Miller 140 autoset. I plan on putting in a Gambino lowering kit on my 53 chevy. Will I get the penetration I need for the work with my welder?

 

I'm assuming it's a 110v machine... I know the frame rails are pretty thin on that car but I don't know what the kit uses for thickness...however... if you have to ask..chances are you should not attempt it... you really need a 220v, min 180 amp machine... (at least for MIG anyway)...

 

Kit uses 3/16 which is the max for the welder. I was just wondering if anyone ever done it before.

 

I am in the same boat that you are. I decided to upgrade to a 220 volt machine, just to be safe. I spoke to a couple of welders where I work (professional welders) and they told me you can get good penetration on the 3/16" material with the 120 volt welders, if you are good and know what you are doing.

Since I am a hobbyist welder, I decided my skill are questionable with the 120 volt machine. That is why I decided a 220 would be better for me. I am confident that I will not have any issues with the 220 machine.

So, I think if you are skilled enough, you will have no problem. Since you are asking the question (which I did also), I would suggest that you would be better suited with a 220 volt welder, or hiring someone more skilled to weld it.

AkBillyBow

 

thanks for the info!

 

This comes up occasionally and some people swear they can get good penetration with a 110 machine on thicker steel, but it would scare me. A 220 volter just has so much more amperage to really do the job.

With either machine please make sure the two pieces are ground absolutely clean and shiiny. I am always amazed when I see some pictures someone posts of welding they have done and you can see they did it right over rust, or if they did clean it they did a quick job. Good welds require spotless substrates to really get good penetration with no contamination, so please spend some extra time with a grinder to get down to clean metal.

That is my soapbox for the day.

Don

 

I built several drag cars and I agree with don

 

Although I am a very accoumplished welder, I used a Millermatic 120 for all of my work, I used it for my frame work, I installed a sub frame on my convertible, and got plenty of penetration with the 120. I would say you could also do the job with yours without updating to a 220 volt unit

 

I've done a lot of chassis work with a Miller 135, 110v machine. Practice, prep and make sure you grind a bevel on joints to make the most of the welder...