About to pull the trigger on a new welder

[Oldpath05]

"I'd go with OTC, Sanrex, Lorch or Fronius."<<<<The only one I heard of is Fronius, now I have to look those other one's up and I was tired of tracking stuff down to............

At my work we use a lot of these, like somewhere around 200 of them, maybe more>> Miller MIG Welders - MIG Welding and GMAW Welding Machines - MillerWelds
and some of these, maybe 50 or so, and that's not even counting the seperate wire feeder, can anyone say ouch>>>>>>>> Miller MIG Welders - MIG Welding and GMAW Welding Machines - MillerWelds

 

[dragoneggs]

"I'd go with OTC, Sanrex, Lorch or Fronius."<<<<The only one I heard of is Fronius, now I have to look those other one's up and I was tired of tracking stuff down to............

At my work we use a lot of these, like somewhere around 200 of them, maybe more>> Miller MIG Welders - MIG Welding and GMAW Welding Machines - MillerWelds
and some of these, maybe 50 or so, and that's not even counting the seperate wire feeder, can anyone say ouch>>>>>>>> Miller MIG Welders - MIG Welding and GMAW Welding Machines - MillerWelds

Wow those are production machines indeed! Love that pulse MIG feature to lay your stack of dimes.

 

[TMGT]

I just upgraded to a used xmt304 with 24a feeder and a Optima pulse module, haven't has time to play with it much but so far love the pulser, wanted a mm 350p but that was out of my price range.

 

[Big Barn]

I just upgraded to a used xmt304 with 24a feeder and a Optima pulse module, haven't has time to play with it much but so far love the pulser, wanted a mm 350p but that was out of my price range.

I have the same feeder on my XMT 350. Let us know how the Optima works. I was hesitant to purchase the pulser because of the cost plus the reviews on how finicky it was to set up.





Instead I SOLD the 30A spool gun and 24C controller and for the added cost (I WOULD have spent) on a new Optima module I was able to purchase a low hour MillerMatic 350 P. I haven't tried it for pulse on steel as I leave it set up for aluminum.



Terry

 

[Oldpath05]

At the shipyard, the xmt304 was the first Miller setup 20 years ago, needed a separate control box for pulse but not needed for spray arc. Pulse is required for vertical down and works better for vertical up. Then they went to 354mp mod. and now the xmt 350, no separate control box needed for pulse on those two.

I see that most of us here can only afford the big space taking welding units, but if one has the $$$ these two together with 25'-50' harness is the best setup, lot more portable in abstract conditions......

SuitCase(R) 12RC Wire Feeder | Miller - MillerWelds
XMT(R) 35 Multiprocess Welders | Miller - MillerWelds

Happy Resurrection day, Luke 24
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

 

[Big Barn]

At the shipyard, the xmt304 was the first Miller setup 20 years ago, needed a separate control box for pulse but not needed for spray arc. Pulse is required for vertical down and works better for vertical up. Then they went to 354mp mod. and now the xmt 350, no separate control box needed for pulse on those two.

I see that most of us here can only afford the big space taking welding units, but if one has the $$$ these two together with 25'-50' harness is the best setup, lot more portable in abstract conditions......

SuitCase(R) 12RC Wire Feeder | Miller - MillerWelds
XMT(R) 35 Multiprocess Welders | Miller - MillerWelds

Happy Resurrection day, Luke 24
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

I'm sure Miller suitcase feeders are good but I've never tried one. In my area Lincoln LN 25's are more commonplace.



Terry

 

[Oldpath05]

I'm sure Miller suitcase feeders are good but I've never tried one. In my area Lincoln LN 25's are more commonplace.

View attachment 506120

Terry

That looks like a good wire feeder setup, does the wire go on the other side? looks like this side is bolted down.

 

[Big Barn]

That looks like a good wire feeder setup, does the wire go on the other side? looks like this side is bolted down.

Correct. The other side.



Terry

 

[Oldpath05]

Wow Big Barn, that Lincoln wire feeder is totally different, wire loads on other side, the gun points downward, never seen one like that very unique. Do you bother with a felt wire cleaner? Usually not needed if only takes month or two to go through 10# roll, for me, most of the time I get 6 month-ish on a 10# roll so I have a wire cleaner on mine.

 

[yomax4]

Regular Pulsed Mig is cool but Nothing like Twin Pulse Digital High Definition that can be set up like a Tig unit. Miller is way behind and Lincoln will likely get there 1st. Fronius, Lorch and OTC are 10 years ahead of USA companies. And for the record. it's painful to say that but Miller and Lincoln have been pushing back on this technology. Just for grins look up Lorch 320SP and see what it's capable of.

 

[TMGT]

Always seemed lincoln was ahead on automation/ production type equipment and miller was better with field type equipment.

 

[Big Barn]

Wow Big Barn, that Lincoln wire feeder is totally different, wire loads on other side, the gun points downward, never seen one like that very unique. Do you bother with a felt wire cleaner? Usually not needed if only takes month or two to go through 10# roll, for me, most of the time I get 6 month-ish on a 10# roll so I have a wire cleaner on mine.

Oldpath05. Yes I usually use a felt wire cleaner. (Probably the best 50 cent investment for migs). I had just cleaned out the the compartment and blew out the liner when the photo was taken.

Terry

 

[Big Barn]

Regular Pulsed Mig is cool but Nothing like Twin Pulse Digital High Definition that can be set up like a Tig unit. Miller is way behind and Lincoln will likely get there 1st. Fronius, Lorch and OTC are 10 years ahead of USA companies. And for the record. it's painful to say that but Miller and Lincoln have been pushing back on this technology. Just for grins look up Lorch 320SP and see what it's capable of.

yomax4. I'm sold. Maybe I should start saving for one now. Where would I purchase one?

Terry

 

[yomax4]

I always mention these units but always fail to mention that they are for the most part cost prohibitive. I never discuss cost which is a major factor due to what you get for what you spend. In any event. if you PM me. I'll give you the best way to own one of these beauties.

 

[Oldpath05]

"Just for grins look up Lorch 320SP and see what it's capable of."<<<<<<<<I couldn't find that model and couldn't find where Lorch is sold in the US. And so far Everlast seems to be the easiest web site to navagate around on and I've been on quite a few lately.

 

[Cord]

Well, I placed the order earlier today...

 

[dragoneggs]

Well, I placed the order earlier today...

Oh no... what did you decide? We weren't finished with you. :laughing:

 

[Cord]

Yea, I think it was sufficiently off topic. Went with the EMP 235. Dealer reduced his price so my cost would beat the online prices after taxes. $2,346.90 was the purchase cost with no accessories.

 

[TMGT]

Not a bad deal at all, I like the looks of the Rebel line. I just upgraded my welders, partly to take advantage of the 3phase that's going in the new shop and because I needed some more capabilities.
If I was looking for an all around unit for my a home shop the 235 would definitely be in the list.

What accessories are you planning on adding?

 

[Cord]

Later I'll add the ESAB spool gun and go aftermarket for the tig gun/foot pedal. I think it includes the rod holder, but I'm not certain.