What Welder? ESAB MM 253 or Lincoln PM 215

[drm]

I got to try out a ESAB MigMaster 253 today. WOW, MIG welding is definitely cool (or should I say hot!). I am completely hooked. I have been reading the web, books and purchased two instructional videos from Wall Mountain but never expected it to be as smooth as it was to start out. After some instruction and demonstration of the machine and proper technique I was laying down some OK looking welds. Unfortunately the penetration was also just OK. I definitely need lots of practice and instruction. Only burned back the electrode once. Got a few good passes on ¼” stock and got to play with the voltage taps and wire speed. I am beginning to understand the adjustments I had only read about till now.

I will be primarily welding 1/8” to ¼” mild steel material with 3/8” at times and most likely ½” max. I want the ability to weld the ½” when required but multi pass would be acceptable. The heavier material would be limited. I also want the ability to do body repair and fabrication down the road.

The ESAB has similar specs to the Lincoln Power Mig 215 that I was considering:

ESAB MigMaster 253
40-250 amps
12 Tapped Voltage
20% Duty - 250 amps
30% Duty - 200 amps
60% Duty - 140 amps

Power Mig 215:
30 - 250 amps
7 Tapped Voltage
20% Duty - ?
30% Duty - 215 amps
40% Duty - 190 amps
60% Duty - 170 amps

After my play day I have a few questions.
I noticed the difference in the weld when changing just one position of the 12 tap ESAB. Is the 7 tapped voltage of the Power Mig 215 a concern since it has fewer positions?

The ESAB seemed to be very smooth. Is this characteristic of all MIG welders in this power range?

Does anyone have experience with the ESAB 253? How does the ESAB stack up?

Again thanks for all of the great advice.

…Derek

 

[thingy]

I'm used to knobs,,this tapped voltage thing you are talking about,,don't ring no bells with me,,course I ain't looked at a new mig machine in years,,,duty cycle I'm familar with,,,very important with a mig,,and one of this size,even more so,,,,thingy

 

[drm]

I'm used to knobs,,this tapped voltage thing you are talking about,,don't ring no bells with me,,course I ain't looked at a new mig machine in years,,,duty cycle I'm familar with,,,very important with a mig,,and one of this size,even more so,,,,thingy

The voltage adjustment for tapped voltage is stepped. So the ESAB has 12 "steps" or voltage settings as opposed to a continuous voltage control where the voltage can be infinitely adjusted. At least that is the way is seems to me.

 

[ddonnell]

Might want to check this machine out: HTP 2400 (usaweld.com). 20-240amps; 24 tapped settings(4 coarse and 6 fine); duty cycle: 35% @ 240 amps, 100% @ 140 amps. $1,300.00 plus shipping. I couldn't be happier with mine.

 

[drm]

Might want to check this machine out: HTP 2400 (usaweld.com). 20-240amps; 24 tapped settings(4 coarse and 6 fine); duty cycle: 35% @ 240 amps, 100% @ 140 amps. $1,300.00 plus shipping. I couldn't be happier with mine.

I have heard good things about HTP and about their Customer Service. What is your experience? Do they use tips, nozzles, etc. that are locally available or do you get them from HTP? How quick is their shipping on these kinds of items?

My main reason for looking and probably buying locally is support. The local welding shops really stress their support. One has offered to deliver the machine, set it up and show me how to run it. This is a Lincoln dealer but they all seem to be saleing their support as why to buy from them.

How thick of material have you welded/ can it do in GMAW mode?

 

[thingy]

I'm getten old,,tapped voltages,,,,anyways,,seems like the more the better if thats what it is,,,,but duty cycle would be the selling point for me,,,120 amps for .035 wire or something like that?more the better,,have to go to millers web site and look this up,,,,nah,,,thingy

 

[ddonnell]

I haven't had my HTP very long, but I have used it to weld up some quick attach brackets for my loader (3/8") and a set of adjustable forks (1/4", 3/8", and 1/2") as well as some 1/8" stuff and it hasn't missed a beat. I haven't hit a duty cycle, and the welds look good, even to my brother-in-law who is a welder. I'm using C25 gas and solid .035 wire at present, but it will take .023 all the way up to .045 flux-cored wire.

The company has been very good throughout the sale and delivery, and from what I've read, they are on top of getting anything to you within a day or two. I haven't needed to try and find consumables locally, but I think most of their stuff is pretty available/compatible. I have a consumables kit that I bought from them (nozzles, tips, etc.) so when I get low on something, I'll make sure that I order from them before I'm absolutely desperate. I also bought their WCG auto darkening helmet (made by Jackson) which is great. $230 but I only get one set of eyes. They have a nice line of other equipment also.

Buying locally has advantages, but when I was looking at the cost of the Millers and Lincolns in the same power range, I felt HTP stacked up very well for a lot less money. Blue, red, or yellow may be the purists choice, but I'm very happy with my "other" red machine. HTP has been around for quite some time, and I doubt that they are going to fold anytime soon.

Good luck and enjoy the hunt.

 

[drm]

Ddonnell,

I spent some time looking at the HTP site and comparing thier product. I had only glanced at thier site in the past. The HTP 2400 seems to be a very good machine from the literature and the price is really good for the ratings. I used to live in Chicago, not far from them. To bad i'm 500 miles away now. I would like to check the machine out.

I requested a catalog and some additional information on the welder. I'm definately interested.

Thanks...Derek

 

[swines]

The voltage adjustment for tapped voltage is stepped. So the ESAB has 12 "steps" or voltage settings as opposed to a continuous voltage control where the voltage can be infinitely adjusted. At least that is the way is seems to me.

No. The ESAB has continuous control of wire feed rate and amperage.

The duty cycle versus amperage in the specifications only show what the duty cycle is at three different amperage outputs - they do not represent "taps" that translate to a 12-step output.

ESAB has a unique smoothing circuit. My ESAB equipment has much better arc control than a Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart (new) - and I've owned both Miller and Lincoln, and have used Hobart MIGS. The ESAB arcs are "fat" and "soft" with no drift. They give you tremendous penetration when setup correctly without having to be super careful of under cutting at the edge of the bead.

The 253 will take wire from .023 through .045. With .045 wire and 250 Amps you should be able to weld 1/2-inch metal.

The current ESAB machine that is closest to the one I own is the Multimaster 260cvcc. I have an ESAB 300i cvcc - which is about an 8 year old machine.

 

[jba3520]

Derek,

I will second the vote for the HTP 2400. This is an extremely well built machine that has features that the others don't, even at higher prices. I love mine and know it will be the last welder I ever buy. The consumables are all available locally at the big box stores or your local welding supply. The customer service is superb.

Now that I've sung their praises, I'm sure the others that you are looking at would serve you well also. I just felt the better value was with HTP.

Enjoy whatever you buy and don't look back.

Blades