'95 Esab Migmaster250 or Miller 180 Autoset

admin

Hey guys, just like the title states, which machine? I can get both local used for $700-750. Esab comes with bottle and two guns, no issues. The Miller is 1 yr old and is just the machine and reg/gun.
Reply:The Esab is a different class machine. Much more stout with higher duty cycle and more umph.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:what about a miller 211 autoset? found one for $750 locally with bottle included.
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldingNewbie24what about a miller 211 autoset? found one for $750 locally with bottle included.
Reply:the ESAB MM250 is 15-300 amps 60% duty cycle @250 amps........the millermatic is like 25-211 amps 20%@150amps        thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3
Reply:If you're strictly hobby, grab the MM211.   It's small and has limited high amperage use.  Parts easy to find and service impeccable.  If you're gonna do heavy work some day, grab the ESAB.  Much beefier machine with vastly different duty cycle.  Dan is the resident ESAB expert and the best mig guy I've ever seen.  If you still have options, I'd highly suggest looking for a used Milermatic 200.   It's mislabeled amperage wise.  It's a 280 amp machine.  200 amps at 60% duty cycle.  Arguably the best standalone mig Miller ever made.  Still available with some searching.  Parts easy to find.  Totally in your price range.  Pretty much the same machine as the MM250 with less crap to break.  I had one with a Q gun and I had to get rid of it because of space limitations.  I'm sorry I did.You can't use the amps you didn't buy.
Reply:Thanks guys, i'm gonna go after the Migmaster. If it falls through then i'll go after the 211, waiting to hear back from that guy. I found a couple of millermatic 200's but the all way 1200+
Reply:*sorry, meant that they all want $1200+ for a MM200
Reply:I missed a late model L-TEC MM250 with a big tank locally.  It had been ~$800. and the price suddenly dropped to $500. while I was thinking about it.  Dang."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I had a 95 Esab 250. Just right after it changed over to L-Tec. If a MM-200 and a Esab Migmaster were available, I would pick up the Esab for it's wider range on top/bottom, and middle. Better machine overall machine then the black face MM-200 (IMO) Used all Esab versions too, and some of those are even better yet. The MM-200 is a fine machine, but the Esab is one tough unit. Impressive in high duty-cycle big wire production settings. Go for years on the top tap voltage settings, full tilt on the amps. A place where three phase machines should be. My friend at Airgas was the reason Esab is known in the Pacific NW. He brought the L-tec/Esab in when Miller stopped making the MM-200, and brought out the MM-250. Took so much crap from the MM-200 owners, had to find a replacement for the Miller. Lincoln 250 amp machine was worse then the Miller at the time.In the $1,200.00 range, look for a Multimaster 260. One of the finest single phase welding machines ever built.. (IMO) It's another level above the others in this thread.. (arc quality, and power wise)Last edited by Brand X; 06-24-2014 at 10:58 AM.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:The Migmaster 250 was one of the best MIG welders ever built...nothing but great reviews, and a very long production run with very few changes (except brand name)! As others have said, it is a different class machine...it will actually work in spray-arc mode...the other welders do not have enough power. FWIW, parts are still available for these....you can search for Linde, L-Tec, or Esab parts, and they're out there. I got new liners and tips for my stock MM-250 gun.
Reply:Theyre smoking Dope on the MM200.  I sold a clean one with the spot panel for $700
Reply:How did I become the resident ESAB expert? The only ESAB unit I've ran and own is a Migmaster 250. The Migmaster is a very good performing unit. Admittedly I wasn't fond of the spool hub on my unit, so I converted it over to a Miller. A 1995 Migmaster may have the older spool hub design on it, that looks like it may be a much better design then what was on my unit.  If the Migmaster comes with the factory supplied gun, I'm suspecting it will be the obsolete MT-200. I don't know if it is difficult to find consumables for this gun. Not a major problem because a replacement gun can easily be found.The Migmaster 250 offers 22 voltage tap selections; whereas, the Millermatic 200 only offers 12 tap selection. Since both units roughly cover the same output power range, like BrandX, I 'd go with a Migmaster 250 over the Millermatic 200. The 10 additional taps offer a significant increase in the level of adjustability for the output.The wire drive housing on the Migmaster is plastic. The drive rolls are dual driven.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Migmaster it is folks! Hopefully I can get it Thursday, if not he'd said he hold it and work with me, waiting for some mula to transfer over. Thanks for all the help everyone!-Ram
Reply:Originally Posted by Dan  If the Migmaster comes with the factory supplied gun, I'm suspecting it will be the obsolete MT-200. I don't know if it is difficult to find consumables for this gun. Not a major problem because a replacement gun can easily be found.
Reply:From the factory the unit is set up to run .035 or .045 wire. If you are going to be welding 3/16" and thicker steel  .035 is the way to go. However, if you plan on welding 1/8" and thinner steel, you're going to want an .023/.030 drive roll, and at least an .030 guide tube, to set the unit up with .030 as your general purpose wire size. The .035/.045 guide tube will work with the smaller wire, but you do get a little performance improvement by going with the correct outlet guide tube. Drive rolls, outlet guide tube, and the inlet guide can be purchased on-line through Scott Gross.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Hey Guys, I'm supposed to go pick up the MM250 this afternoon. What should I check on the unit? Anything in particular? I'm a fairly new to welding and this will be my first mig machine.
Reply:Make sure the machine cycles on and off well. Do some tack welds. That will check the contactor out. Run through all the voltage taps to check output. General condition of the machine will tell you a lot too. Run a few beads, and see how smooth the weld is.. Most problems will show up at that point.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Ok, he said it works fine with no issues and comes with two guns. Said he bought it from his friend who used it in his shop building deer blinds. So it has some paint overspray. Also, i have a 50amp breaker, could I still use the machine at low settings, or should I wait to install the recommended 90amp? I only plan on welding up to 3/16" right now if that.
Reply:It will have zero problems welding on a 50 amp breaker. weld away..Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Awesome, thanks for all the help! I'll post up this evening on how it turns out.
Reply:On the tacks, what am I looking for that would possibly show issues with the contactor?
Reply:worn out contactor will give you hot and cold tacks. Or stick on.Contactor is easy to replace.
Reply:Ok, do you know what it would cost to replace? That way I can offer a little less if it's an issue.
Reply:Also, I'm gonna take some 1/8 tubing to test, should I use the suggested settings for 1/8 for the tacks as wellThat would be fine.. Machines used for bodywork, and a zillion tacks, can benefit from the upgraded 60 amp contactor. Only if you have issues. Something Esab did to the later model machines.. Not too bad in Price, and sometimes can be had on E-bay.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldingNewbie24Also, I'm gonna take some 1/8 tubing to test, should I use the suggested settings for 1/8 for the tacks as well
Reply:Hey guys, picked up the machine last night. Had a little inconsistency when laying down the bead. Not sure if its liner, or rollers, bad ground i'm pretty sure as there is a big chunk of insulation missing in the center of the cable and the clamp is pretty hosed. Internal drive looks rather good for being so old. He said it has been sitting in his garage for a few years now. Gave him $500 for it. Figured even it cost me $1000, i'd have a great machine. I'll post some pics this afternoon. A good friend of mine rebuilds welders and is very familiar with the ESAB's so he's gonna help me tear it down and get it brand new. Alot of thick paint overspray that i'm sure will I wont be able to get off with clay or cutting w/ polisher. So I might get it blasted so I can refinish it. Going to see if I can get some some ESAB decals from ESAB. Thanks for all the help y'all.
Reply:I just repainted mine and these decals worked out good there a little small cant beat the price http://www.ebay.com/itm/191089199948...84.m1423.l2649Esab Multimaster 260Esab Caddy160IEsab 161 STLESAB powercut 650Esab 220i tigLincoln Precision Tig 225Lincoln IdealArc 250INE SKYLINE 1500Klutch 140iMEASURE TWICE IS FOR MORONS
Reply:Hit eBay for a new MIG gun with a Euro backend.  I recommend Bernard Q guns with Centerfire consumable.  I just bought one for my new Miller yesterday, 300 amp 15 foot with Miller ends brad new for $140 delivered.   The Euro backend if about $60 by itself,  but you can easily convert any Bernard gun with it.   Just search " (euro, esab) MIG gun" without quotesSent from my SCH-I545 using TapatalkTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:http://www.ebay.com/itm/271532480259...84.m1423.l2649http://www.ebay.com/itm/321442217844...84.m1423.l2649I always liked the OXO line better, but lots of good options, Bernard included. The Esab Tregaskis guns, and the OXO can take the center fire tips, if you feel the need to use them..Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:For general purpose, I wouldn't want a gun much larger than the Gunmaster 250. Considering I mostly weld 1/4" and thinner, I really don't want a bulky 300+ amp gun on the unit. For most of my short circuit transfer usage, with the Migmaster, I generally have the Alpha 1 swan neck on my Alpha 2 gun lead.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Is that OXO euro as well? Or do I need an adapter?
Reply:The OXO is not very bulky Yes it's a euro too.. Nothing wrong with the Gun-master either. I prefer the Binzel MB-24- MB-15 AK grip for my short-arc gun. I had all of the above models too.. My Millermatic 130XP had the small OXO gun from the factory, and it was such a sweet unit to use. All are going to be a good gun for the migmaster depending on use..Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:How about consumables? Is there one that would have universal consumables?
Reply:Sorry for the newb questions but I'm just getting started
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldingNewbie24How about consumables? Is there one that would have universal consumables?
Reply:Yeah what DJ saidI run Q-300 and have several different center fire nozzles and tips very versatile gunBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:What do y'all think of the HTP Flex Neck Mig Gun $138 Shippedhttp://www.usaweld.com/Flexible-Swan...wanneckmig.htmDouble checked and it does have the euro end on it.
Reply:What's the best way to clean the internals? I saw this thread:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...illermatic-200surely you cant soft powerwash the internals can you?'95 ESAB Migmaster 250Everlast 160STH
Reply:omg it makes me sickkkkkkkkkk that OXO gun brandX linked is goneeeee.......I neverrrrrrrrrrr see them for less than $400 and cant wait to get my hands on one.  I don't think those had center fire consumables but I still want one badddddddddddd!!!!!        thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3