When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello, I just purchased a Miller Econo Twin HF welder, does anyone have any experience with one of these units. I was reading a post on a welder forum that said the foot pedal in these units doesn't control the amps just starts the arc. I didn't get the foot pedal, or the Tig Torch assembly with it so if anyone has one lying around please let me know.
Miller site has downloadable owner's manuals. It would be worth it to do that. Hop you got a good deal because the foot pedals are pricey. The torches aren't too bad. I have a Weldcraft 20/25 (water-coooled) and it is a 250 amp torch the size of a magic marker. I love it. I'm not sure what the poster is talking about specific to the Econ-tig. My Miller Dialarc HF has a foot pedal that controls amps and start.
Go to the Millerwellds.com forum under Ask Andy, any and
all questions will be answered a great forum.
As posted above this same site has owners manuals you
can down load.
I have a (1991) Synchrowave 350 purchased new and recall the HD foot control runs around $250.
Even a broken used one can be repaired a lot cheaper than
a new one.
Check for a certified Miller repair station in your area and talk
to them, hell they might have a rebuilt controller.
Question I have is will you welder work with a hand control,
something to think about if your in a odd position where foot
control won't work?
51,
So what you really have is a stick welder, right? There's not much to learn but I have one also and it's a good welder that can be used both + and -. There should be a chart on it somewhere. If you let me know what you're trying to weld I'll send you a copy of the instructions.
JIm
Reading thru the manual: there is no foot pedal option, there is an optional on-off switch that attaches to the torch handle for the HF version it does not control the voltage. I personally have no experience with this unit, but it looks to be a stick welder with a rudimentry shielded gas torch option rather than a true tig. I don't know if I would invest much money into it.
I noticed that also when I pulled up the manual.
I hope 51 didn't invest much but as a stick machine
it should work fine.
To locate a good used 250 Synchrowave is rare and if
available cheap they go fast.
In my area S.F. bay I have a friend who makes custom boat hand
rails or anything you want in stainless, has a 250 Synchro.
He's an artist with stainless and welding.
Look into Miller's 180 or 200 Synchrowave but be careful
and select for the material thickness you think you'll be
welding. Underpowered sucks vs having extra.
jmerson; what type and years of bikes peak your intrest?
I have a Synchrowave 180 I bought new. If I was to do it over I'd get a 250 and in fact they don't make the 180 anymore....it was replaced by a 200 I think.
I wouldn't trade it for one of my kids! (well......I'd have to think about it!!)
HT; don't let the War Department read the last
reply or you'll be dead meat.
Seems that was a short run for the 180 until they
replaced it with the 200.
The 180 only draws 54 amps @ 40% duty cycle.
At 40% duty cycle of 150 amps and 120 amps
at 60% duty cycle. Aluminum sure eats the amps.
Tig isn't a cheap adventure no matter the model
these days by the time you get it complete and
running. I topped out at $4,200 in 92 with a loaded
350 Synchro with every option available. Wet torch,
home made cooler with stinger leads included.
At the time I had a Hobart Beta 250 w/spoolgun and
did weld repairs for the company I worked for, this alone
paid for the 350. Sold the Hobart but missed owning a Mig,
ended up with a Miller 251 w/30A spoolmatic.
Yea it's a DC unit with the HF option, I thought for $250.00 without the Tig Torch wasn't a bad deal. I realize it's bottom of the fish bowl model one step above a DC scratch start but I just don't have the funds to invest in a new unit with all the bells and whistles. My only thoughts when I saw it was a Miller for the price of a Harbor Frieght how could I go wrong.
Last edited by 51ford fan; Jan 23, 2007 at 07:53 PM.