Miller Maxstar 150S

[tnmike]

Im thinking about purchasing one of these for repair work around my farm. Id like opinions on it from anyone who has used one. THANKS

[Ray C.]

I have one that I run off a 55k generator. Runs real smooth. But don't expect much out of it on 120v.:):):D

[84ZMike]

I have run mine on 110v up to 100 amps....it made it about half way thru a stick of 1/8 " 6011 before it popped the 15 amp breaker....this is a shared breaker also.....it is a great little machine but for the $ I would look at a ac/dc stickmate or equivalent.....unless you can find a used one...(mine was $400)....
Mike

[enlpck]

No problem at all running 3/32 6010/11 or 7018 on 120V, IF the circuit is of sufficient capacity: breakered at 20A or more, large enough wire for the run, etc. Definitely better on 240V. I have run plenty of rods on 120V, and have TIGged plenty as well.

Runs fine on a generator of sufficient capacity for the job. Have run mine on a 2KW for TIG to 80 or 100A (maybe could've got away with 1KW at the low end), and have run it on a 3.5KW just about all the way to the top end.

[Big_Eddy]

I have the 150 STL. I don't think it can be beaten for general welding. Can take it anywhere for a quick 120V job, yet will burn 1/8" 7018 at 135 amps all day off a 240V circuit. Add to that the size and weight and I'm very pleased with mine. In my NON-EXPERT opinion - it welds as nice as my Bobcat does. I'd highly recommend it - especially if you will be moving it around, or might have to take it out of the garage to use.

[tnmike]

The main reason Im looking at a Maxstar is portability. Ive got a HH210 and two stick welders that are way to big to move about.

The duty cycle at 100 amps is 100 % but drops to 30% at 150 amps. Has anyone had this limit them?

[enlpck]

The duty cycle at 100 amps is 100 % but drops to 30% at 150 amps. Has anyone had this limit them?

If you can break 30% over a 10 minute period routinely with stick, you are better than me. I might make 60% or 70% duty on a heavy fill job occasionally, but any job I use my 150 for is likely that I'll be doing lot of fitting, prep, etc, compared to the amount of welding. My machine has done everything I'v asked it to, from 0.007" stainless TIG, to welding lift points onto locomotives (1" plate to 4" thick plate, full penetration, 6010root, 7018 fill and fillet, preheated the heavy plate to 300 or so, IIRC)

[Big_Eddy]

I built a trailer with mine over the summer - all 7018 1/8" running at roughly 135 amps and I never came near to maxing it out. In fact the fan would not even run full time never mind over heating, and there were times where I was burning rods as fast as I could swap them out.

[tnmike]

That is a pretty good testimonial. Thanks to all for the feedback. Im going to pick one of these up soon..MIKE