Click here to subscribe to my Video of the Week!
This week’s video is a tig welder comparison between the Miller Maxstar 150stl and the Everlast powerarc 140st.
The main difference is that the Maxstar 150stl is foot pedal ready. Other than that, the two welders have similar capabilities.
In order to test both welders, I decided to weld thin box cutter blades that were .025″ thick ( thats about .6mm) and also welded .500″ (12mm) thick 4140 bar stock.
One tip for getting the most out of any lift arc or scratch start welder is to use copper as a way to start the arc and to end the arc.
In the video, I used a thick copper block but a piece of flattened copper tubing would have worked also. By starting the arc on copper, I was able to weld the box cutter blades with both welders.
I think the Miller had a slightly lower amperage capability on the low end but both welders had low enough amperage to weld the thin razor box cutter blades.
On the high side, the 2 welders performed almost identically. 2 passes were needed on the thick bar stock I had on hand.
The Everlast welder uses a torch with a valve. The miller maxstar has an internal solenoid valve that starts the gas flowing when you touch the tungsten to the part being welded.
Someone on YouTube asked me which welder I prefer after welding with both of them.
here is my reply….
“I would take either one. The fact that the Miller is foot pedal ready makes it a good choice for food service type stainless tubing work. Other than that, they seem to weld about the same. The main difference is that I would have money left over for some other tools if I chose one vs the other.”
Everlast is not Miller.
Miller has been around a long time and had a great reputation for durability, support, etc. Everlast is a newcomer and is trying hard.
Some people like a chrome SnapOn 12″ adjustable wrench for 70 bucks.
Some people would rather buy a Stanley for 20 bucks and spend the rest on other tools.
( As always, feel free to visit us at our sister site, WeldingTipsAndTricks.com. )
Click here to subscribe to my Video of the Week!
September 15, 2021 at 11:38 PM
I am running 3 factories from the past 12 years. I have used every kind of welding machine to joint my machinery and repair them. But every single welding machine disappoint me and breaks down after half an year. Then I purchase the Miller maxstar 150 STH and found it helpful. I was purchase it in 2009 and still it is working fine. I think it is the all in one solution for everyone. You should perform any kind of task with it..
December 9, 2012 at 9:26 PM
It would be nice if you would lets us know what size tungsten and filler rod you are using. Other than that your show’s are great. I did order a tig finger even thought i made one but not as good. What is your opinion to welding aluminum wheels.
November 23, 2012 at 3:30 AM
hey thank you i sent you that email asking about these small 115 machines and this video helped thanks alot from the plumber
November 22, 2012 at 6:18 PM
Jody,
Just wanted to let you know that I teach in a high school tech center (Industrial Mechanics & Welding)and your videos have become almost a weekly watch. Your knowledge, camera work and most importantly your style of delivery has set a very high standard. I recently spent $99 dollars for videos on fiberglassing that are all but unwatchable! Happy Thanksgiving and keep up the good work.
Hutch
November 22, 2012 at 6:25 PM
Jody,
This is out of the or dairy but can’t resist letting you know about your comment on fiberglass instruction.
There is a guy on you tube that does a fantastic videos on fiberglass ing, his videos are as good as they are here.
His name is Frisco Jarretts I believe. So search YouTube for fiberglass repair by Frisco Jarrets and it should come up.
Enjoy,
Gary
November 22, 2012 at 5:56 PM
I have a similar welder, a Lincoln Invertec V-155 with the TIG set up that I have never done much welding with, let alone TIG. It has no foot pedal option or gas solenoid. I’ve been spoiled using the TIG equipment at my local community college. I was really surprised to see these welders weld half-inch 4140 steel. Your tip using copper to start the lift arc is very helpful. You have inspired me to finally set up my garage for some (hobby) TIG welding. Your videos are a great public service to this country…it’s probably about time to buy some more of your t-shirts and videos!
November 22, 2012 at 2:05 PM
Jody
Your videos are fantastic. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Fred
November 22, 2012 at 10:38 AM
Great video. Just what I was playing with. I have a xmt 350 miller vs so I was doing lift start. Some very useful tips. Its great to see what an expert can do with a basic machine. Kepp the videos comming. Happy thanksgiving.
Don
November 22, 2012 at 9:13 AM
Great video, I weld a lot of stainless steel hi performance boat propelers.
I am currently using a Miller syncrowave tig 250. When welding real thin blade edges I sometimes think a different welder with lower voltage would be better. Such as the Miller Maxstar 150 you are demonstrating.
Have you any thoughts and or comments on this?
Best regards and I enjoy your site emensily.
Gary J. Linden