Miller Diversion 180 TIG Welding Machine Review

Written By: Liam Bryant

Reviewed By: Russell Egan

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The Miller Diversion 180 TIG Welding Machine is acclaimed for its easy-to-use interface, portability, and high-quality performance. However, it is costly, considering its features. It is suitable for both professional and hobby welders.

Miller Diversion 180 TIG Welder
  • Inverter for superior arc characteristics
  • Quick Select drive roll for fast setup
  • Auto Spool Gun Detect
  • Fan-On-Demand for efficient cooling

Summary

Power:

71%

Cost:

80%

Weight:

57%
Miller Diversion 180 TIG Welding Machine Review

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 17.5 x 9.75 x 23.5
  • Weight: 50 pounds
  • Max Output: 180 amps
  • Output Range: 10-180
  • Polarity: AC/DC
  • Duty Cycle: 35% @ 125A

I rate this as medium powered welder. This is a high priced welding machine. It can weld up to 3/16 inch steel. The welding machine has a moderate weight of 50lb, which is manageable but may require effort to move around.

You can download the manual here.

Pro Tip: For better control and precision with the Miller Diversion 180 TIG, use foot pedal amperage control. It helps you adjust the heat input while welding, giving you the ability to make finer welds on thinner materials and reduce the risk of burning through. Remember to practice your foot control to achieve smooth and consistent welds.

What is Included?

  • Regulator/flow gauge and gas hose
  • RFCS-RJ45 remote foot control
  • 8 ft. primary cord with MVP plugs for 120V and 240V
  • 12.5 ft. Weldcraft A-150 TIG torch
  • 12 ft. work cable with clamp

Pros

  • Auto Postflow Feature
  • Dual Voltage Input
  • Color Coded Controls

Cons

  • Quite Expensive for Similar TIG Welding Machines
  • Limited Amperage Range

Features

1. Dual Voltage Capability

The Miller Diversion 180 TIG welding machine features a Dual Voltage Capability. This function allows for the machine to operate on either 115V or 230V power, providing flexibility in its usage.

You can switch between voltages by simply connecting the plug that fits your receptacle, accommodating various welding needs. This feature enhances the machine’s portability and adaptability, making it a valuable tool for professional welders and hobbyists requiring different power outputs in different settings.

2. Auto-Postflow

The Auto-Postflow feature of the Miller Diversion 180 TIG welding machine automatically optimizes post flow time based on the welding amperage. This eliminates the need for the operator to control the post flow manually and ensures optimal shielding every time without any gas waste.

This feature not only enhances the quality of the weld but also reduces the operational cost, making the Miller Diversion 180 a cost-effective solution for professional welders.

3. Easy to Understand Interface

The Miller Diversion 180 TIG welding machine is known for its easy-to-understand interface. Even for beginners, the machine’s controls are straightforward and user-friendly.

It features a digital display and simple controls for adjusting the amperage. The interface also includes an auto-post flow option that automatically sets the post-flow time based on the welding amperage.

This simple system eliminates confusion and allows users to focus on the welding process, making the Miller Diversion 180 TIG a preferred choice for many, regardless of their level of expertise.

Miller Diversion 180 TIG Welding Machine Review

Field Testing

After extensive field testing, I’m thoroughly impressed with the Miller Diversion 180 TIG Welding Machine. The setup was straightforward, and the user-friendly interface made it easy for a beginner like me to operate. I was particularly impressed with the Auto-Postflow feature, which optimizes post-flow time based on the welding amperage. This saves gas and prevents oxidation.

Its performance on various materials was exceptional. The results were clean, precise welds with minimal spatter on stainless steel and aluminum. The machine’s AC/DC capabilities allowed me to weld thin and thick materials effectively. The Fan-On-Demand feature was also a standout, reducing noise and power consumption when the machine is not in use and minimizing airborne contaminants pulled through the machine.

I did find the machine slightly heavy for field applications. But considering its power and features, it’s a minor trade-off. The price might be a bit steep for hobbyists but for professional applications, it’s a worthwhile investment. The Miller Diversion 180 delivers on its promise of superior performance and durability.

Results

Performance:

90%

Durability:

90%

Value for Money:

80%

Overall Score:

86%

This machine is suitable for personal users who want a reliable and easy-to-use machine for both AC (aluminum) and DC (steel, stainless steel, chromoly) TIG welding.

The Miller Diversion 180 TIG welding machine comes with a 3-year warranty.

Conclusion

The Miller Diversion 180 TIG Welding Machine performed impressively with a score of 90%. Its durability also held up well with a score of 90%. However, the value for money was a bit lower at 80% -while it’s a robust machine, it is priced a bit high.

The overall score came to a solid 86%, making it a reliable choice for those looking for a powerful and durable welding machine. Despite the slightly higher cost, its performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment. I would definitely recommend the Miller Diversion 180 to professionals who need a dependable and effective TIG welding machine.