Need welder advice...

[yomax4]

Upgrading to one of these. I have the construction model, and was so impressed with it, thought I'd get the upgrade / newer version, with pulse. My Invertec V350-Pro is hands down no doubt about it the best SMAW machine I've ever used! Dam impressive with GMAW too, and a really nice arc with GTAW. I'd love to get my hands on a Miller XMT-350 to compare them side by side!

Invertec V350-PRO Multi-Process Welder

Lincoln Is changing suppliers on the heart and soul of the Inverters. They always were Chopper Technology until recently. They are ( I am Told ) Going to a Sanrex inverter. Same as what Thermal Arc uses on the MP units. It's not a Bad thing at all. Sanrex is known as the best in the business. You will see the price go up a bit. Sanrex is Japan and the Sunami has raised the prices a bit. The Sanrex move is 2nd hand info so don't hold me to it. Both are top notch units.

 

[Shield Arc]

I don't remember reading anything about Chopper Technology in the manual. But I've run other machines with it, don't have a clue how it works, but it sure is slick! A lot better than the Dig on my Miller. Is the Chopper Technology the same as the Arc Force in the Invertec?

 

[dntfxr]

So I figure I'll weigh all options here being as I'm in no rush. I'm wondering if I should consider just getting a purpose built stick welder then later get a separate TIG unit... For <1000$ what particular machine can you guys recommend, be it new/used, inverter/transformer, Tig/stick or just stick? I guess what I'm getting at is would I come out ahead by getting the best stick unit I can vs getting a so-so Tig?
Thanks for any and all suggestions!

 

[ptgdigger]

I think anyone who thinks they want TIG but never did it before should try it on an AC/DC stick machine. The stick machines can be had for a reasonable price, the torch ,tank and regulator will set you back maybe 300~350. Then if you can't catch on to TIG (not everyone can) you don't own a VERY expensive stick welder with HF. Just my .02
The transformer machines you like should all be bulletproof, just find your deal.

Ray

 

[yomax4]

The only thing to remember is that Transformer machines on Tig don't turn down very low. Will work though.

 

[yomax4]

I don't remember reading anything about Chopper Technology in the manual. But I've run other machines with it, don't have a clue how it works, but it sure is slick! A lot better than the Dig on my Miller. Is the Chopper Technology the same as the Arc Force in the Invertec?

Chopper is taking the input power and using switches similar to what the inverters use like IGBT's or Mosfets. Lincoln rapidly chops the the input and then they run it through an inductor to smooth and control the arc. Kind of like a shotgun choke. Regular inverters use transistors ( IGBT's ) to turn the input on and off instead of chopping it up. Similar but not really. Both are good. Arc Force just keeps the rod lit when voltage drops due to pushing the rod into the puddle to keep it from sticking. Nice feature for sure but only used on stick.

 

[Shield Arc]

Thanks for the info yomax4! I didn't know it was on the incoming power. I ran a buddy's Lincoln 305G, it has Chopper Technology, very nice arc, every bit as nice as my SA-200s.

 

[dntfxr]

Thanks guys. I found a clean dialarc 250 HF, just got to figure out how to ship it. If I had a loading dock it's only 160$ delivered. Any suggestions on that??

 

[Shield Arc]

Any suggestions on that??

Pick out a tree with a good limb. Have the truck back up to the tree, and use a come-a-long to get it out.:laughing:
Or arrange to pick up the welder at the terminal, they'll have a forklift to load the welder in your pickup.

 

[yomax4]

The 250HF will ship on a pallet. Beg someone to let them deliver it at a dock. 3-4 guys could get it in a pick up from there. When I got my 400 amp unit. I gave the implement dealer $20.00 to let the truck unload it at the out door dock. We then slid it on a trailer and took off with it.