What it welds
The Sunstac SS-180M MIG Welder is a MIG / gas with a maker-stated output of up to 180 amps.
Miller's starting rule, 1 amp for each 0.001 inch of steel, puts 180 amps at roughly 0.180 in of steel in one pass; thicker work means bevels and more passes. Run the amperage selector.
The maker's thickness claim reads "maximum welding thickness of 3/16 inch".
The listing doesn't give a duty cycle with its amperage, which makes long beads hard to plan; the rating plate or manual should state it. Why it matters.
Processes, per the maker: MIG, Stick, Lift TIG. Most multi-process machines' TIG is DC lift-arc, so no aluminium unless AC is stated. Choosing a process.
It runs solid wire under shielding gas (Gasless) for the cleanest wire-feed welds; most machines like it also run flux-core wire outdoors.
Use a lens of at least OSHA's minimum shade for the current: shade 10 or darker for typical MIG work here. Shade chart.
Also on the listing: a weight of 27.4 lb.
Is it the right machine for the job?
Buy it for
- Clean steel welds indoors
- Steel to about 0.180 in per pass
Skip it for
- Steel much past 0.180 in in one pass
What it does well, where it falls short
Does well
- Up to 180 A output
Falls short
- Duty cycle not stated with amps
Power and setup notes
- Ratings are the maker's own, stated under the maker's conditions. Follow the manual, wear eye protection of at least OSHA's minimum shade, keep combustibles away, ventilate, and have a licensed electrician install new circuits.
Rated output and specs
Every figure below comes from the source shown in brackets. Where the maker doesn't state something, we say so instead of estimating.
| Model number | SS-180M | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Product weight | 27.4 lb | Retailer |
| Size | 180A | Retailer |
| Material | metal | Retailer |
| Power | ac | Retailer |
| Input power | 110220 V | Retailer |
| Output range | 180Amps | Retailer |
| Duty cycle | 60% duty cycle at 180A | Retailer |
| Max steel (maker) | maximum welding thickness of 3/16 inch | Retailer |
| Processes | MIG, Stick, Lift TIG | Retailer |
| Shielding gas | Gasless | Retailer |
Machines to put next to it
Other mig and flux-core welders in the same amp range
Final verdict
A match for clean steel welds indoors.
Where to buy
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