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I'm taking classes at my local vocation school and am planning on attending a private welding school next year to get some pipe training. I am looking for a welder to do side jobs (pipe fence, trailer repair, etc.) for the next year or so. I am also trying to plan for when I get out of school and want to break into pipe welding. I have a $3500 budget. There few sa200s and some 250s around (within 4 hrs). Would a 250 be too much machine and be a hassle to start in the winter? I like the AC aux power. My other options are a new bobcat/ranger. I'm worried I will outgrow a machine like that to fast.
Reply:If you are dead serious about making a living as a welder? I would look into the Lincoln Vantage 400, and also buy an LN-25. Then all your bases are covered. http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...olnElectric%29Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:A Vantage 400 puts him over his $3500 budget. A 200 or 250 would be perfect for pipe and keep to his budget.  Wouldn't worry too much about starting in winter with a 250. I like a gas engine myself. Most jobs involving pipe call for either stick or tig.  And you can cover those with a SA 200.
Reply:The SA 200 has 115DC 15A aux power. No AC aux.
Reply:The SA 200 has 115DC 15A aux power. No AC aux.
Reply:Originally Posted by lincweldA Vantage 400 puts him over his $3500 budget.
Reply:The SA 200 is a great machine but it does have it's drawbacks. They weigh about 1300lbs, too much for a 1/2 and nearly too much for a 3/4 ton. They have no aux AC output and very limited DC aux power. If all your going to do is pipe  or be working near an outlet that's fine but for more general field work your going to need AC output to run tools lights etc. I had a redface SA-200 and it welded spectacular but I had the opportunity to sell it to buy a bobcat 250 and a 12vs wire feeder, which suited what I do much better, if all I did was pipe the SA is nearly a no brainier but they are not a good fit for all kinds of work
Reply:The newer Trailblazers would be a good budget fit for the time being. That would give the OP time to scare up an SA200 for the real pipe welding down the road. For a few bucks difference... I wouldn't even bother with a Bobcat.
Reply:Originally Posted by Firemanmike69The SA 200 is a great machine but it does have it's drawbacks. They weigh about 1300lbs, too much for a 1/2 and nearly too much for a 3/4 ton. They have no aux AC output and very limited DC aux power. If all your going to do is pipe  or be working near an outlet that's fine but for more general field work your going to need AC output to run tools lights etc. I had a redface SA-200 and it welded spectacular but I had the opportunity to sell it to buy a bobcat 250 and a 12vs wire feeder, which suited what I do much better, if all I did was pipe the SA is nearly a no brainier but they are not a good fit for all kinds of work
Reply:Originally Posted by 12V71The newer Trailblazers would be a good budget fit for the time being. That would give the OP time to scare up an SA200 for the real pipe welding down the road. For a few bucks difference... I wouldn't even bother with a Bobcat.
Reply:If you are. a 798 pipe welder Lincoln sa 200/250 or a pipe pro only .For general work with a SA 200 buy a generator and a plug in air compressor.Any thing will work in the repair busness. A big generator could run a inverter and be cheaper.
Reply:There is a member here JTMcC. John belongs to Local Union 798. I’m pretty sure he has a Lincoln Vantage 400.http://www.firstratefabricators.com/Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Guess a have to get a Vantage then! I have a 1 ton dually so weight isn't the issue. I do like the bed space that is saved with a smaller machine. If I can stand to wait and save a little more I was looking at a 305g. I know some are running them on at least small diameter pipe.
Reply:Buddy of mine has a 305G. Very impressive arc! But how long will it last if you get on a pre fab structural job running 70 / 80 pounds of wire a day.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Long enough to buy a vantage?? 😊
Reply:Hopefully! I have no faith in those little air cooled engines when it comes to pouring the coals to a wire feeder.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400