PA-300, my opinion.

[Mark @ Everlast]

The new 280 STH PowerARC does have the range, and boy does it....Been testing one...Won't say how much because we have had to detune it a little to keep people from getting carried away (frustrated) with it and blowing through 1/4" plate with a 3/32 6010 at 60 amps...

With the PA300 welder, the mid range adjustment may show some descepancy in actual amps up to about 10%. This is normal and other company's experience this as well with analog units... But the arc force control setting will also affect how many amps you use, and if you are used to a transformer or a inverter.

 

[CNC Dan]

The arc force doesn't have the range like the V350-Pro does. But neither did member Furu's Stickweld 250.

I noticed that too. But I'm comparing to a Miller Dynasty200DX.
Going from max. to min. on the Miller is more dramatic than max. to min. on the PA300. But the range is plenty for practical use.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I noticed that too. But I'm comparing to a Miller Dynasty200DX.
Going from max. to min. on the Miller is more dramatic than max. to min. on the PA300. But the range is plenty for practical use.

I think the dramatic part comes in when using it and you stand on the electrode and it just keeps burning.

 

[CNC Dan]

I think the dramatic part comes in when using it and you stand on the electrode and it just keeps burning.

If I make it to work Sun. I might try weting down some 6011 and see about cutting with it.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

One thing about the arc force range that you have to keep in mind, is that by its nature, if it is turned all the way up, it increases input amps accordingly. We try to keep the unit practical for several different applications and for the hobbyist and pro alike. We could add more arc force, but if I am not mistaken, the higher you go on the amperage, the less arc force response you may get...due to the maximum amp restriction we put on the units to keep the practical for varying scenarios.

 

[Shield Arc]

Mark it's real simple to me. If you want a wide range with the arc force, pay $5,000.00 + for a V350-Pro. If you can live with a little less range on the arc force pay $500.00 for the PowerArc 300.

 

[newbury]

Mark it's real simple to me. If you want a wide range with the arc force, pay $5,000.00 + for a V350-Pro. If you can live with a little less range on the arc force pay $500.00 for the PowerArc 300.

UNLESS you paid $250 for one!!

 

[Raspy]

I love the hot start. It makes running 7018 so easy. I also found with some rods on my old buzz box I had to crank up the amperage to where the rods were glowing near the end and would run different than in the beginning. So far, with the 300, the rods run great clear to the end. I think it's the hot start and some arc force that makes it work better.

I wanted longer leads so I coupled the ground and stinger leads together for a longer ground. Then I made a stinger lead with 40' of 1/0 cable. It runs just the same and I can work a long way from the machine.

I need some help and some practice on running vertical. Been running 3/32" 7018 up at around 60A and also 6013 in 3/32" up at the same amperage. All on 1/8 and 3/16 box tubing. Haven't got the technique down yet.

 

[Arc weld]

I think the dramatic part comes in when using it and you stand on the electrode and it just keeps burning.

That's interesting. A common way to set your heat for 6010 root passes is to weld a bead on a piece of scrap pushing the rod into the plate. When it doesn't snuff out is close to the right heat.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

That's the difference between an inverter and a transformer welder...and that's Arc force control.