When buying a welding machine, the chances are that you need one which will handle all of your needs. The most common type of welding is MIG welding which makes finding a MIG welder quite easy compared to those that can handle stick and TIG welding. Finding the best Tig and stick welding machine can be quite hard.
However, since you are here we will help you with that because we have the tool just for you. The Miller Electric brand announced one of its new addition the Miller maxstar 161 welding device. It is a great welder that we are going to review in detail. Continue reading our Miller maxstar 161 review to find out if it’s the right job for you.
Things to consider when buying a TIG welder
There are lots of things to consider when buying a TIG welder. The most important is to understand better what you intend to do with the device. Do you need to weld metal beyond half an inch? Well, these are some of the things you need to look at first before you make a purchase. We shall discuss more of them below.
Metal thickness
If you are going to be working with metal that is beyond thin and very delicate then you have to select a TIG welder that comes with high performance when at low amperage. That way you will be able to work on such thickness is with ease. The wrong choice will lead to poor Welds.
Combination of AC and DC
A TIG welder that comes with both AC and DC capabilities will enable you to have the best welds always. When welding mild steel and stainless steel it will require a DC output wine aluminum and magnesium require an AC output. Unless you won’t be welding aluminum metal you can go for one with only DC output. Other than that a TIG welder with both AC and DC will be a great choice.
Cooling requirements
TIG welding machines need some extra cooling equipment to improve the duty cycle as well as the output. You need to understand the welder’s cooling requirements before you purchase one. This will help you know what you need to buy separately and how much you will have to spend in total.
Voltage input
Consider a TIG welder that comes with a voltage input that will be compatible with your power supply. This helps to keep the new welder safe and you as well. Incorrect voltage input will damage your welding machine. We suggest you go for a Tig welder with a dual voltage input. With this, you will be able to work with different power supplies.
Who should buy this welder?
When you go to buy any product it is safe to select a product that will sort all of the intended applications. Welding devices are no exception. You have to buy a welder that will be able to handle all of your welding needs effortlessly for the best results. The Miller maxstar 161 welder is meant for several purposes and it was designed for some type of welders in mind.
If you are into maintenance repair, farm and Ranch, shipboard installations as well as repairs, and hobbyist projects, then you can go on to buy this device. It is also good for a beginners starting out in the welding world. It comes with some impressive features that will handle all those tasks accordingly as we shall see later on.
Miller maxstar 161 welder
The Miller maxstar 161 is one of the latest models from the Miller electric brand. Miller has a lineup of some of the best welding machines that you find on the market. The miller maxstar 161 is among them and you will be impressed with this unit. It boosts portability and lightweight for easy mobility. This machine is very easy to set up and operating it doesn’t require any special skills.
It comes in three different models including the max star 161 S, 161 STL, and 161 STH. They all deliver up to 160 amp of power for both Tig and stick projects. It also has some unique features that you won’t find in other models. We shall look at them in a bit but first who needs this device?
If you are looking for a TIG welder that will offer you full control on your project then you will love this machine. Also, the superior stick arc performance will provide you with the best welds when running with the difficult electrodes. However, if you are in need of a welder that will handle mainly MIG welding applications then this won’t work well for you. Know your applications so that you can get the best welding machine option.
Pros
- You can use Remote control to have full control over all your projects.
- It can prevent machine damage thanks to thermal overload protection.
- Comes with a number of accessories.
- It features dual voltage input.
- It is portable weighing only 13 lbs(5.9kgs)
Cons
- It is quite expensive.
- It won’t work well on heavy-duty applications.
Miller maxstar 161 features and benefits
This welding machine has got some unique features that will benefit you and your projects. Let’s take a look at them in detail.
Dual voltage input
The Miller master has a dual voltage input of 120 and 240 volts. You don’t have to worry about switching from one voltage to another with the same power cord because they both come with individual Power cords. You can get to work anywhere whether at home or at the job site with this device. Also, you don’t need special tools is plugged into the power supply.
Easy to use and set up
The setup process is very easy even for beginners. All you have to do is to turn on the power, choose your welding process either tig or stick, then you can set the required amperage. Once you do that you can then begin to weld. Anybody can understand those three steps easily.
Lightweight
This lightweight welding device is your answer to easy mobility around the job site. It comes weighing only 13 pounds (5.9kgs) which is super light for a welding machine. Its compact design will allow you to transport that device for any job site location with ease. The inverter-based technology allows storage of more power in its small size. Regardless of the size and weight you will still have a powerful TIG welding device to handle several projects. Another thing we liked about this device is the handle which you can turn into a shoulder strap. The strap is convenient to add to comfort when moving the device.
Control system
Wouldn’t you love to have full control on all the projects you are to work on? A welding machine offering this is a wonderful choice. With this device, you will get the control you deserve and more. The digital meter lets you have more precision control as you preset the welding. That’s not all the remote control of this machine has got 6 pin fingertip control to allow you to get the right amperage control as you weld delicate thin materials.
Safety features
The machine has a fan which acts as a cooling system whenever it is necessary. This prevents overheating and improves the duty cycle of the device. The fact that it only works when necessary eliminates misuse of energy and the contaminants which can be pulled inside the device. It also reduces noise while operating.
Another safety feature is the thermal overload protection the device comes with. This feature prevents the welding machine from getting damaged in case there is limited airflow and when you operate beyond the duty cycle. The low OCV stick will help to minimize the Open circuit voltage when the device is left on power and not in use. The stick stuck feature is a sensor that will detect whether an electrode is stuck to the part. When it does, it turns off the welding output so that you can safely remove the electrode.
Warranty
The Miller Company offers all its models with a male is true blue warranty which is usually 3 years. The three years warranty will cover any quality issues you may have with the welding machine from the day of purchase. This guarantees the quality of the device and you can be sure to work with it for a very long time.
Conclusion
If you are looking to buy a TIG welding machine you have to put a lot into consideration. Know your applications and the budget that you have set aside for the Machine. This is important because you will be able to buy exactly what you need and not spend on what is not necessary. The Miller maxstar 161 welder is a wonderful tool that you can work with if you are in need of a light Duty industrial welder.
It is powerful enough to handle certain projects and if you feel it won’t work for you we strongly suggest you try other options it is best to invest on what will handle all of your needs. If you feel it is the right welding machine, then all you have to do is to invest in it now. We hope this Miller maxstar 161 review was a great importance to you.
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