Engine Driven Welder Debate.

admin

Maybe there is no debate at all. Im currently planning out my welding rig. The idea is to put something together to go out and weld pipe. Almost all of the pipeline welders out there use a Lincoln SA Pipeliner of some kind. But these machines are crazy expensive and I like the versatility of something like a Miller Trailblazer. Im wondering what you rig welders out there think. I know the Lincoln Pipeline welders run a real nice arc, but is it worth the money? What are the other advantages to a Lincoln pipeliner?Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:If it ain't grey,you can't stay. Maybe up north you can run a blue machine on your rig but down south not so much. I don't see very many people with 60's and 50's era millers. I run a 2008 300D and there's no way I'd sell her or pull her off my truck. Lincoln is the best engine drives. Shop machines are blue all the way but not on a rig. An early 80s sa200 would be a good machine to start with
Reply:I think slowhand is taking some time off. Maybe if you talk real sweet to him, (and money talks) he'll do one of these for you. Or add a Lincoln Invertec V350-Pro.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=47636Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:The TB302 is not really meant for that type of work It can do it but if you want to stay blue they make the pipe pro which would be the better machine for long hours of pipe workhttp://www.millerwelds.com/products/..._350_pipe_pro/Backed 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:Holy crap, that slowhand hand is like a crazy genius dr Frankenstein type. Maybe not crazy.  I figured there was no debate, I just have to find an SA 200 or better that is used. I have been looking around and they are tough to find. Guess there is a reason for that. What are you guys doing for TIG on SS, is scratch start the only option with a gray? What about tungsten inclusions?What about aluminum? Have to have a separate unit for that I guess? Now I have to figure out a way to mount a 30 gallon UDS or maybe insulate one of the tool cabinets and rig in a fixed fire basket and a double hold down rack. If I can get it up around 375-400 I figure I could have a couple of racks of rubbed beef ribs and maybe a brisket done by lunch.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:Originally Posted by CapozzoliHoly crap, that slowhand hand is like a crazy genius dr Frankenstein type. Maybe not crazy.
Reply:Yes scratch start is about the only option with a sa200 but you can use a technique where you kinda strike your tungsten with your filler wire to start your arc. This will eliminate any chances of tungsten inclusions. Anytime I've done aluminium in plants (not very much) they have a separate machine brought out. Its really not an issue.
Reply:That makes sense slim. So, (may be a dumb question) but with the XMT 350 Inverter I would still need a generating power source? Like an SA 200?Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:Originally Posted by CapozzoliSo, (may be a dumb question) but with the XMT 350 Inverter I would still need a generating power source? Like an SA 200?
Reply:I've only been welding for a few yrs but the best machine I've used by far is a 300D Lincoln pipeliner. It had appr 2hrs on it, SS sides, etc.you just have to weld with one to appreciate it.
Reply:As much as I love TB 302s, I think they're outclassed in a pipeline. Better off stepping it up a notch.TB 302s are excellent, Excellent machines though. If you already own one and want to go pipe lining, I'd say try it and see how it goes. But if you're buying a new machine with intentions of going out on pipe, I'd go bigger.
Reply:if i was setting up a NEW weldingrig with a new generator i wouldn't settle for anything less than a vantage 300Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:I am half owner of a TB 302 but as that relationship is breaking up Im gonna give it up in the division of some tools. I have to figure out how to hook up a rig on a budget. Lots of good trucks out there cause it would seem demand is low. But finding a SA pipeliner is tough. Searching on the web isnt turning up much in my area. Seems they are either new or near new in the 12K-14K range or they are old rust buckets. Im gonna build my bed, I can start that without a truck I think but might have to pick the machine before. Maybe not?Im gonna check with my welding supply and ask them to keep out an ear. I know a really good surplus place too that may be able to come up with one. Im pretty mechanically inclined so I am not entirely opposed to getting an older one and fixing it up. Seems parts are available. But how much will that save me?Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:I am not going to pipe weld... but I do like to understand the bigger picture.So when you guys recommend ' going bigger' ...which is pretty standard across the forum...what is the reason for that ?I assume  these are all 100 percent duty cycle machines (?).so what are the advantages of going larger most of the time dependent on the particular model of course.. just in general... bigger rod capacity ?   Faster welding ?  More dependable ?  Quieter ? ( LOL , I have a very noisy  Weldanpower B and S 16 hp ... so that is high on my criteria )....Weldandpower Lincoln 225 AC,DC with Briggs 16hp gas engine.WW2 era Miller TIG.
Reply:jmtebbens has a sa200 listed for sale that needs some work.
Reply:Ill have to look up jmtebbens. CEP that little welder in your sig welds like some of the guys that work with me. Im somehow hypnotized by him.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:Capozzoli have you tried Searchtempest to look thru the CL adds?http://www.searchtempest.com/results...min&maxAsk=maxI'll leave out anything over $1500 though I see 2 that are supposedly in very nice shape, one for $2000, and one for $4500 both with multiple listings if I'm reading them right.I see an SA 200 listed for $500 in Sparta NJOne in Baltimore for $1250One in Newhaven Conn for $350One listed in Western Mass (Feura Bush) for $500 ( looks like it needs some work)One listed in Pittsburgh for $6002 listed in New Hampshire one at $800 one at $900I'll stop there since I don't know how far afield you want to travel. I know there's a junk yard in Wrightstown PA off Pennspark Rd and Rt 232, that may have one or two still sitting there, no idea on condition, it's been about a year since I was up there. There also used to be a couple in a yard in Trevose ( Baker's IIRC) years ago. The guy almost never gets rid of things so they may still be there. He's a PITA to get a hold of and into the yard since it's mostly used for impounds and tows and the bottom end of the yard is full of all the old "junk"Yeah a bunch look ugly, but if you think what the paint on any older car would look like if it sat outside for 20-30 years, that's not at all surprising. They probably don't have the rust from road salt most car would, only surface rust from the paint oxidizing and breaking down.Last edited by DSW; 01-15-2012 at 06:10 PM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:WOW. Thanks DSW. Thats great. Im north of Philly too. I was thinking of looking around at Fazzio's I know I have seen them there in the past. Ill tell ya $12,00 is a whole lot less then $14,000. LOL. Im not afraid of driving far if it is worth it. Ill have to check some of these out. I couldnt find anything searching CL>Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:I had a feeling you were thinking of Fazzio's. They didn't have anything when I was there a month or so ago, but they change all the time. I try to stay away when I'm short on cash.Searchtempest and Crazedlist are great for this sort of thing. I simply used "SA200" as the search parameter, but usually I use "welder" and search manually thru the list.  I also left the distance large just to see what came up fast. That way I pick up some real deals at times when people don't list the exact model.I don't remember if Wrightstown had an SA 200 or if they were old Hobarts right inside the gate as I came in last time I was up there.  There were two or three IIRC. Some times the one guy is a real pain to deal with so I don't go up there much any more. Here's their link, might be worth a drive to "browse" and see if you see anything worth asking about. They usually will let you walk the yard.http://www.wrightstownusedauto.com/The one listed in Williamsport for $4500 looks mint. The one on page 2 of the list I posted up listed for $2000 in Rhode Island ( Mansfield Ma I believe) looks very nice as well. There's another $4500 (Tiverton, RI) on page 2 as well that looks niceLet me know if you can't get the links to work and I'll try to load them direct.Last edited by DSW; 01-15-2012 at 06:31 PM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I got them all. Im lovin the one in Williamsport. Looks like the guy really took care of it and has some spare parts too. Hope I can get up there to look at it before someone else gets it. Great search stuff. I wasnt coming up with anything. Im stoked. Thansk again! Now all I need is $4,500.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:I'm not sure how I found this thread First I'll give you a little background of my 35 years or so of pipeline experience.A tack rig with SA200's on it didn't last long.  The demands of running so much heat for long periods of time was just too hard I guess.  They just wouldn't hold up especially on larger pipe.  So major contractor that knew anything didn't rig up tack rigs with SA200's.300D's.  Yes they do have a 100% duty cycle and yes their amperage range is within the specs of the output required on a tack rig on large pipe,  but still they didn't seem to hold up either.  Using them required maintenance and most maintenance requires some sort of down time or replacements,  so most any major contractor now days will not have a tack rig with 300D's on it.  lol40 or so years ago tack rigs were built and equipped with belt driven (from the PTO of the dozer they were mounted on) with Lincoln SAE 300 or SAE 400 1500rpm DC generator welders.  Usually 4 of them.  Sometimes called Bullet Machines.  Most of these generators were made in the late 60's or early 70's and were of very high quality.   These machines, especially when new, welded very good.  Thats why they were chosen to be mounted on these tack rigs I'm sure.Since Lincoln discontinued making replacement parts for these older machines in the early 90's has led to the end of that great welding era (IMO).  Now those machines are what is called a "dinosaur" and they are getting more rare to see now days.  No major contractor I know of will even own one of these old relics anymore. lolSo what is a major pipeline contractor that must provide and support an engine driven production tack rig now days to do?  By looking at what they have done we can see what the industry has done.... they went Miller XMT-350 inverter welders and 3-phase 480volt generators.  They didn't do this because they wanted to, but because they had few choices (again IMO  ).Mount some sort of 3 phase generator or head and 4 ~$4,000.00 machines and go lay pipe.  If there is a problem with any of the machine then - switch it out in about 2 minutes for a new one.  Fixing them is not a question.... replace them if questionable.  Speed, welding ability, etc, etc, the best bet for the money.  I fully agree with them based on my experience.... lolNow for the rest of the choices. The Vantage.  IMO the Vantage has a bad reputation and that reputation is hard to get around.  Some says they won't hold up but when asked why - they can't say.  Sorry excuse I know because the Vantage is a pretty good machine on pipe.  Its arc is honest and continuous, and its even "expectant" (if thats a word) .  They are easy to weld with and they have a nice polite arc,  if not a boring arc (IMO  ).  Why the bad rep?  I can't explain all of it.... but its not worthy IMO.  The machine is better than that on pipe.Miller.  Miller thinks we need "arc starting capability" and to me that is their down fall.  Good arc starting means a high OCV which also means a long tail on pull out.  That long tail can easily arc the pipe which is an automatic cut-out (bad weld) on most any job I work on.  So running most any Miller machine I've ever ran means you must learn to "swoosh" the rod out of the puddle on a normal stop to try and break arc without it straying out onto the pipe sidewall getting you run-off.  Besides that all Miller machines I've ever run welds great.  And they also seem to be dependable.The Pipepro 304 had an OCV of 94 volts.  Thats a lot of swooshing.    I hear now days they offer a replacement board that lowers that to 71 volts.  IMO that board is worth installing.The XMT-350 has 71 volts OCV.  That ain't too bad.The Vantage is only 60 volts OCV.  Its almost boring. The new Pipepro 350 is 62 volts OCV and probably because I told them last April their 80 volts OCV, what the new machine shipped with,  would kill that machine's sales and chances of beating out the Vantage on the line.  It was upgraded this year to 62 volts and I'm glad they did that.  80 volts OCV was way too much arc tail IMO, besides what it would (could) do to you in wide space.With a factory SA200 Red Face on 200/40 we expected 68 OCV.  And anything other than that will probably feel weird.  lolOr you could:::::Lincoln's 200D, 300D, and SAE300.  You buy one.  I'll stay with my conversion machine thank you. haha.  Seriously.  Don't buy anything unless it has the published duty cycle that exceeds what you intend to do with it, and don't buy anything you haven't tried out first.  Then you will be happy. lolWhat to do?  Who can say.  I had a 200D I liked when it was new then I hated that thing for almost 7-1/2 years.  Last winter I converted it to 3 phase A/C and put in a Miller XMT-350 inverter.  I like the machine now and it welds great IMO.  Most important I can leave it setting for as long as I want and when I fire it back up the heat is what it was last time I used it.  ie: no cobwebs to sort out.   haha.  That is a plus at my age.  I'm old and short tempered any more.   lolGood luck manSlowhandLast edited by slowhand; 01-15-2012 at 08:00 PM.
Reply:Thanks slowhand. That is a lot to type out. Now I am even more confused though. That is a lot to absorb. Guess it means, for the most part, that I wont get away without spending 20K on a welding machine though. Im just rying to base my choice on what most other rig welders have.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:Might want to ask here as well. http://www.aws.org/cgi-bin/mwf/board_show.pl?bid=1Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I work plants,refineries,gas treaters and compressor station and a 300D or sa200 is perfect for that type of work. Every machine needs to be maintained to limit down time. You don't need a fancy contraption, XMT's yada yada. I'm not sure what kind of pipe job your wanted to shoot for but an sa200 or even a 305g ranger would probably suit your needs. I've made 1000's of welds both tigging and stick welding with my 300D and I'm quite pleased. I also run a ranger 250 for my back up on another truck and she has always been up to the task. And yes 99% of the stuff I do is X-ray.  IMO you don't have to spend more than $5000 to get a good machine. I didn't buy the 300D till I had the money to buy it and not hurt my bank account. I used a 73' sa200 and sold that for more than I paid for it. Bought the ranger 250, caught some sh*& from some of the other welders until they realized I was still putting out more welds than them per shift. Just go with what's in your budget. Slowhand did his conversion to fit his needs which by the way is a pretty cool setup but in reality the average Joe like me is gonna buy something that ships in a crate,is reliable, and is gonna be put to work the next day
Reply:Its crazy all of the conflicting opinions you hear. To try and explain what I want to do is simple and yet hard. For me anyway. You guys may have a better understanding of what I dont yet understand. If that makes sense. Simply put, I have to find a way to start making money. I own a fab shop that is tanking. I want to get out of that and take advantage of the alleged shortage of combo pipe welders. I have experience welding pipe. I am proficient at welding steel, SS, aluminum, copper, bronze, nickle alloys. Im tired of the overhead involved in owning a shop. I want to down size to a rig truck and make a living that way. It seems to me that fitting and welding pipe is the best way to go. Do I need practice? Yes. I am not worried about that cause I have a shop to do it in. Do I think Im ready to go out and weld ultra high pressure lines and well heads? certainly not.  I dont even know that much of the industry nomenclature yet. Wish there was a dictionary. But I think I would enjoy being a pipeliner, I have a passion for welding and I love being shield down. I can weld steady and constant. Im not sure if I want to join the union but I am looking into that. Philly and the area is a "Union town" for sure. I want to get the rig truck built while I am practicing some various coupons in SS and carbon in order to start practicing some UA tests. I know the UA is tough but there is a an open call for provisional journeymen at this time and I hope to take advantage of that. I am older so I dont really feel like nor do I think I can afford to go through an apprenticeship though if it were two years I suppose that isnt off of the table.So, basically I want to get a rig that I will be able to weld pipe in various materials with stick and TIG. If I can get into one of the local UA's here then I may do that. If not I want to keep stabbing away at it while practicing and studying the pipe laying industry.  In the  mean time I would want the rig to serve as a mobile welding unit that I can get some sub contract structural work with. Steel, SS, aluminum. Whatever to help me pay the bills.There is a lot of work in western PA and Ohio. If I can I will head that way from here. Does that explain what I want to do at all?  Im still at the little confused stage. Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.Capozzoli, We currently run 2 trucks on pipeline. One has a 300 Vantage and the other has a PipePro 350. We started out years ago with SA 200's and have upgraded to these machines. Both are good machines. But when the Vantage has to be replaced it will be with another PipePro 350 because of the Miller support.
Reply:one more vote for the pipepro 350
Reply:I would love a pipe pro 350 but I am starting out on a serious budget. Once Im making the big bucks I can upgrade to a pipepro. Prolly not to many out there used yet?Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:Running an old machine does require some knowledge and as with anything there is a learning curve.  So besides the learning curve you're facing by changing careers you will also be in a learning curve on the machine.  I can't say what that would be like.  But if you were to rig up using and older SA machine then I would suggest you have some close friends that knows how to work on it.  Not that they could actually be called upon to fix it if the need would arise, but so they could be called upon to answer questions you might have.  That might sound strange now but that is the way it has always been.    If you have no friends running those older machines then you could find yourself at some sort of a disadvantage.  If you don't believe me then call your local Lincoln dealer and ask him if he has some part for a 1972 SA200....  He probably won't even have a parts book on it.  I say this because when I was running my old 1980 model SA200 I tried several times to buy parts for it from my local Lincoln dealer and could not.  That did make a difference, and one I believe you need to consider.A new machine has a warranty and also some sort of warranty service.  That might be important to you.What is everybody else doing?  As you've seen so far the 300D is pretty popular.  IMO the 200D has lost some of its popularity, but I can't say much about that.The new Miller 350 seems like a good machine as does the Vantage 300 IMO.  My XMT conversion machine is too much for you to think about right now, but it too welds good IMO.  I don't like Lincoln's new SAE300 so you're on your own there.  Besides those there is the older fleet of SA200's,  300D's, and Classics.Do you want auxiliary power and if so then what?  Single phase 50 amp.  3-phase 50 amp, or what.  That too you need to consider IMO.  I like having the auxiliary power plugs and the A/C.Also fuel economy today is very important.  My old 80 model SA200 burned 9 - 10 gallons of gas a day if I was working it fairly hard.  At the pumps thats a lot of $$.  I don't figure fuel to go down so as the years pass I believe fuel economy will become even more important.  A diesel machine does help by using less gallons per day but they cost more money up front and usually more to repair.  My Perkins diesel conversion machine looks like it burns 4 gallons in a pretty hard 10 hour day.  Diesel is higher than gas but 4 gallons a day is still better than 10 gallons of unleaded to do the same amount of work (for the same wage).    So you need to know how much fuel a machine will burn a day.  No surprises is the key IMO.Besides the machines that I've mentioned above I would not consider anything else,  but that attitude is just mine.   You do what you want, then you'll be happy.So in the end its all up to you as it should be.  So all I can say is "good luck man". lolSlowhandLast edited by slowhand; 01-16-2012 at 06:05 PM.
Reply:Thanks slow hand, definitely taking that into consideration. I do know some people with older, not sure how old lincoln SA's, They are  both working UA pipe welders in my area and are willing to help me out getting it running. They are telling me that is the way to go for now. They said go out and find one sturdy running unit and another one or two beat up ones for parts. I have been looking on line for parts availability too. Just not sure I can swing a new Pipepro, or other. But I dont know. I do have a few jobs in the shop that are larger profit margin projects. If things would work out right I could maybe swing it. Credit is overextended now so I think financing is out of the question. I am really behind the eight ball. Also I am driving a ford ranger so I have to find a new truck too. Imagine a ford ranger with a big ole lincoln pipeliner in it. I have to get set up and then stop taking on new projects in the shop and start planning the close. Either way I have to get a truck going. Its entirely possible that it wont be set up for pipe at first. I just have to be able to work.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:If you're after an SA-200 call Bill, and see if he has, or knows of any. http://billswelderrepair.com/home.htmlBookmark these two sites, they are hooked to ebay some how, any SA-200, or parts will automatically list here.  http://stickweld.com/lincoln/lincoln-pipeliners/http://stickweld.com/lincoln/lincoln...peliner-parts/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:Originally Posted by CapozzoliI am driving a ford ranger
Reply:If your planning on using the machine every day, the TB 302 is probably not a good choice. If you have a liking to the newer more feature packed machines you might want to check out the Miller Big Blue 300D or the vantage 300 they are both very similar in that the are diesel powered machines designed to be run for very long hours and aren't that loud either. I personally really like the Miller pro 300, its got a CAT diesel in it, does 410 amps and it can run all the processes. They can be had from the rental companies with 3-4k hours on them for $4-5 grand and the first major overhaul isn't recommended till 10k hours.http://www.millerwelds.com/products/..._blue_300_pro/
Reply:Originally Posted by slowhandThat reminds me of this. Earlier this year I was in the middle of a group of welders that were asking me about XMT conversion machine then the subject when over to the new DOT regulations.  I came up with the perfect welding rig.  A Ford Ranger with a PTO running a 3phase generator and an XMT350.  It would be light and would also weld, but most important the DOT would leave you alone.     Someone in that group said, "you could build that couldn't you."  I said sure.  It'd be easy.  Good luck manSlowhand
Reply:Thanks again CEP and SR20.I really would like to have multi-processes and HFAC. Gonna look into those for sure.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:Originally Posted by killdozerd11The TB302 is not really meant for that type of work It can do it but if you want to stay blue they make the pipe pro which would be the better machine for long hours of pipe workhttp://www.millerwelds.com/products/..._350_pipe_pro/
Reply:The OP said he liked the TB302.  Just keep in mind that is a 3200rpm machine even the diesel version.  Big generators or generator/welders tend to run at 1600 - potentially saving a lot of wear and tear.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by dumb as a stumpOut of curiousity What is so special about pipe work if you don't mind me askin?
Reply:Originally Posted by CapozzoliThanks again CEP and SR20.I really would like to have multi-processes and HFAC. Gonna look into those for sure.
Reply:Originally Posted by dumb as a stumpOut of curiousity What is so special about pipe work if you don't mind me askin?
Reply:I don't want to start a brand war but I've welded with a few low hour newer 300D's and there's no way I'd take money out of my pocket to buy one.If you have the knowledge to make one of those craigslist sa200's work, you could'nt do much better for a welding machine but remember buy once, cry once.I saw first hand last year about one of those 2000$ craigslist machines breaking down 1 or 2 times a week, if it was'nt the lead hand he'd been run down the road. The azzhole was suppost to be helping me get some welds made but he worked on his machine while I made most of the welds.
Reply:Some of that I believe is what got my mind to changing over these last several years.  Having access to quality replacement parts and the knowledge to install them.     Yes I've bough and tried several rewound items that were supposed to be better than factory parts over the years and I'm afraid I have yet to be impressed by any of them.Running an antique machine does take knowledge or I promise you the experience will be a nightmare, or worse.    I know a few young welders trying to run 40 year old + machines that doesn't know what is wrong with them nor how to fix it.  Hell, they might not even know they even have a problem.  Machine problems can cost them their jobs under the right circumstances I know.  The learning curve to run an old machine could be too much for some people. lol  It does take a certain type of person IMO. It wasn't like this in the old days when I was breaking out.  But it is now days I'm afraid.  But on the bright side, these new fangled fancy 3-phase dioade, chopped, inverter, etc,  A/C machines are being excepted on the pipeline.  Not that long ago they would not have been.  Things do change and (IMO OF COURSE) because Lincoln quit supporting it's older welding fleet by not supplying factory replacement parts and authorized service, has made the world the way it is today.    If you don't believe that then you might not be old enough yet.   lol-----EDIT.  I've never tried CRACK, but I have worked with people that has.  They all told me about the same thing.  The first high is what was so great.  You then keep using it trying to get back to what you had that first time.  Thats the addiction.  I tell you this because I think welding machines is about the same way.  Once you get on a Really Good One all the rest of the others just don't make it anymore for you.  You are always searching for that high you had on that one good machine.  If you understand that then I salute you man.  lol   IMO - that's the bottom line.Good luckSlowhand. Last edited by slowhand; 01-17-2012 at 06:38 PM.
Reply:slowhand, I got tired of setting the rpm's every morning to get the OCV right on the SA200. I had one SA250D, never did get it to weld right. Rolled the rack, adjusted the rpm's changed brushes and still waterey puddle. I have one TB 302, it is a good machine. But it will not stand running 3/16 & 1/4" 7010 & 8010 all day, the motor will puke. If you stick with 1/8" 7018 & 5/32" 6010 I think it will live. Mine has spent most of its life running a 251 HF box or a wire feeder and it has done a good job.
Reply:I've never used crack either but I completely understand the analogy.
Reply:Lmfao. Thread went from debate to twilight zone bullshi$%   Cappz... good luck bro. I know that whatever decision you make will be the best for yourself
Reply:A Ford Ranger with a PTO running a 3phase generator and an XMT350. It would be light and would also weld, but most important the DOT would leave you alone. Someone in that group said, "you could build that couldn't you." I said sure. It'd be easy.
Reply:Very funny illustration farmall.    Not what I had in mind, but still pretty funny none the less. Many people think you must purchase an engine driven welding machine,  but now days that is not as true as it used to be.  The fact is that an engine driven welding machine is only limited by your imagination.lol  If you ain't got no imagination then I guess you'll be buying your machines.   That is a true statement my man and if you don't like it then I guess that's your problem.   If we can dream up an idea.....  (within reason of course)....  then it can probably come to pass.  We can probably build it and make it so.  Just like that Ford Ranger running an XMT idea I mentioned.  All I need is a Ranger transmission with a PTO drive option and I'm in business.  I'd set the generator in the bed on a couple of pieces of mounted down angle iron, cut a hole in the bed and run the generator off a belt drive from the PTO.  If I can't get that transmission then I'll have a huge problem.  I'll need an auxiliary with a PTO....  I'd bet there is an answer available.  lolI'm proof that new ideas do work.....  cause I did it myself.  That could be the future you know, if you guys ever get up to speed that is.  lolGood luck guys.Slowhand Last edited by slowhand; 01-23-2012 at 06:46 PM.
Reply:So in other words I could be looking for a generator, then get an inverter? It doesn't necessarily have to be built into the body like your is. right? Just maybe a waterproof cabinet.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:I'm proof that new ideas do work..... cause I did it myself.
Reply:All I need is a Ranger transmission with a PTO drive option and I'm in business.