Best engine driven machine for MIG

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Hello everybody, I apologize in advance if this topic has already been discussed in another thread. I am new to these forums and struck out searching for something similar. I am trying to get my independent welding business off the ground and have purchased a small trailer that I am in the middle or restoring and outfitting for my needs. And I have come to the point where I need a large generator so I can stop turning down jobs. I have a 110v lincoln MIG, miller syncrowave 180sd, miller plasma cutter as well as a good torch. So I have talked myself into needing (and really wanting ha!) a miller bobcat 250 or comparable. I need to have the fallowing available on the rig:220v MIG/flux coredAC TIGand a generator large enough to handle everything else:Compressor, miller 220v plasma, saws etc.It looks like a bobcat can be three machines I need combined but everything I have read about these engine driven machines is focused on their stick welding capabilities, but I am more concerned about how the MIG / flux cored and AC TIG(less so as I already have the syncrowave) processes and power output. Can you guys shed some light on whether or not I am on the right path with my needs? thanks in advance for any help, and again I hope I'm not bringing up a topic already available in an old thread.
Reply:No remote capabilities with the bobcat. And you will need a highfrequency box to do AC tig on aluminum and even then your back to no remote so you can't adjust the amperage as you're welding. I do run my extreme 12vs off my bobcat and it works great
Reply:Thanks for the input! What would you suggest that has remote capabilities?
Reply:A miller trailblazer has the option to run a remote but I don't think they have AC and you would still need a high frequency box to do aluminum. I'm not sure if the smaller lincoln rangers have AC or the option for a remote. Your likely going to be hard pressed to find a smaller unit that will run your 180sd as they have a pretty healthy current draw. What do you want to be able to do with your set up?
Reply:I need a machine or combination of machines that will run or produce:220v MIG220v flux cored220v AC/DC TIG220v plasma cutter110v air compressor Various 110v shop tools, saws, grinders etc.
Reply:I have the capability now to do all of that now except the 220v MIG/flux cored (provided I can power the syncrowave)
Reply:With the bobcat you have 42 Amps of 220 power that will determine what you can and can't run off it I'm betting the syncrowave draws more than that when it's at the upper end of of its current range
Reply:Yea, I have it tapped into my 30amp WH circuit at the house and I have yet to trip it, so I'm not too worried about it (maybe wrongfully) but I really want to know what machine will MIG/flux cored as well as or better than say a Millermatic 212Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:I don't use a mig welder like that I run flux core self and dual shield with my voltage sensing miller feeder it works great off my bobcat
Reply:So you primarily use your bobcat as just a generator for wire feed welding?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:And if so what process do you use with the bobcat?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:No my wire feeder is a suitcase style so it doesn't have a plug on it it runs off my regular stick leads
Reply:Gottchya, you'll have to excuse my ignorance but what is the difference between what your 12vs can do and the bobcat itself? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:My 12vs feeds wire like a mig welder the bobcat just supplies the voltage
Reply:Lucas,I think you are missing with the bobcat that it doesnt have a mig welder built into it.  It is capable of powering a suitcase wire feeder, but it is not standalone capable of mig.  You will either need to use it to power a 220V mig or buy a voltage sensing wire feeder to run off of it.Multimatic 200Ellis 1800Haberle S225 9" cold sawMM 300;  Spoolmate 30A w/ WC-24TB 302GDynasty 280 DX Tigrunner
Reply:I'd look at the Lincoln 305-G with an LN-25, and spool gun.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:Yea Droopy, I did not realize that. Is there a machine that will do what I need? And what is with this diagram?  Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:And thank you CEP, I will check out that Lincoln 305Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:I have the same spool gun, here is what it can do on 16-GA aluminum. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Looks good, I have never used an aluminum spool gun, how different is the process from MIG welding?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by Lucas_Jacksonhow different is the process from MIG welding?
Reply:Not 100% sure what your needs are but.From Miller, only the uber expensive Trailblazer does AC - the air pack one with the built in air compressor - like $12000 list expensive.The Bobcats do AC, but it will not be the quality you get from your Syncrowave.For under $5000, Lincoln Ranger GXT will do AC and has some sort of a TIG module for remote + high frequency.  You can get the GXT for under $4000, but the TIG module will set you back $2000ish.If you need compact reliable stuff, you won't go wrong with Miller or Lincoln, however, a Generator plus some inverter machines is probably the cheaper way to go (if you have the space).Quite frankly, I'd look into things like stand-alone generators + stand alone air compressors and use more efficient inverter machines.  Upgrade the welders you have (used late model Dynasty + Inverter based MIG - Thermal Arc or Multimatic etc.)  You can use those welders at your shop as well.  Yeah, you have to load them on the truck everytime you go out on a call.  When that gets old, and you have enough business - then buy the dedicated engine driven welder.   One caveat, with the inverters I wouldn't want them on a trailer.  I know everything is tougher these days, but bouncing a dynasty on a trailer seems to be a sure fire way to shorten the life span.  I'd have a padded cabinet in the back of a truck.   A 200 Dynasty plus a 200+ MIG will get you into light trucks - and some trailer repair.  Beyond 200 amps you are really starting to talk about water coolers etc.  A serious TIG.  On the MIG side of things.I don't know what your budget is, but if you look at upgrade + new generator + sell what you don't need anymore, your probably money ahead of where a dedicated engine driven welder would be.   And if you go used...  I've seen XMTs on Craigslist for $1500, Dynasty 200s for $2500, Wire feeders for $500 (yes suitcases are typically expensive but who buys just a suitcase?  Not a lot of buyers...)   Figure what you have is pretty quick sell at $1500, a bit longer if your holding out for more.  That will buy you the generator.  So you've upgraded all your equipment plus 100% mobile for $4500....   The cost of just an engine drive.  (and you have to add suit case to that).If your business is booming, next year buy that engine driven welder.I think its a universal truth that everyone that has their own business wishes they started earlier and spent less (or more wisely) when they did start.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:That is great advise, and I definitely want the work to justify the tool not the other way round, (which I've been known to do in the past haha) What does a syncrowave go for nowadays? I would love to upgrade to a dynasty with more control given the gap between the two isn't wider than my walletSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by Lucas_JacksonYea Droopy, I did not realize that. Is there a machine that will do what I need? And what is with this diagram?  Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...mig&highlight=Check out Yorkie's set up if you want to go with a stand alone generator.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridgeTook some pics of my set up with the suitcase hooked up and how it's powered off the bobcat Hook up the regular old welding leads just like your going to stick weld use the stinger clamp to grab onto the lug on the back of the suitcase feeder Here's the feeder, it can be close to the bobcat or as far away as your leads allow you Then you hook up this clamp that's attached to the suitcase it senses the voltage your going to weld at Then turn the suitcase on and your off to welding  Attached ImagesLast edited by Firemanmike69; 02-25-2014 at 05:21 PM.
Reply:It seems Mr Jackson and myself are having a similar problem,  have all equipment in shop but need a power source that can be used mobile to power our machines in the field,  Question will and what kind of generator will or will not work.  I wish you all the luck with your new welding business.  I build metal fencing and gates so my 220v welding equipment is just right seems hard to justify the expense of a engine welder to power something.  thanks for any advice  Clifton
Reply:Originally Posted by cnichit seems mr jackson and myself are having a similar problem,  have all equipment in shop but need a power source that can be used mobile to power our machines in the field,  question will and what kind of generator will or will not work.  I wish you all the luck with your new welding business.  I build metal fencing and gates so my 220v welding equipment is just right seems hard to justify the expense of a engine welder to power something.  Thanks for any advice  clifton
Reply:There's been a similar subject being discussed on the Miller forum about a Bob Cat for power and setting up a mobile welding business. You may want to look this over about what has been said there.http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...-know-can-help
Reply:Originally Posted by Firemanmike69Took some pics of my set up with the suitcase hooked up and how it's powered off the bobcat Hook up the regular old welding leads just like your going to stick weld use the stinger clamp to grab onto the lug on the back of the suitcase feeder Here's the feeder, it can be close to the bobcat or as far away as your leads allow you Then you hook up this clamp that's attached to the suitcase it senses the voltage your going to weld at Then turn the suitcase on and your off to welding
Reply:Get the license and the insurance first. Then get the work, then get the tools. In other words, don't tool up for work you don't have. If you manage to get a job you are not equipped for, just rent the tools you need. Do this until you figure out what type of work you are going to target. Mobil aluminum TIG is pretty specialized, and you are not likely to get that type of work until you have some experience. A Trailblazer 302 will do just about anything you want, but each new thing requires expensive accessories. Start out with the engine drive, as you can stick weld most repairs. Get a feeder for MIG, and a spool gun for aluminum MIG. You are not going to use your Sync 180 as a field unit, ever. The thing is just to heavy, and is a power pig.
Reply:Originally Posted by killdozerd11Mike how well does that work on mig using 035 or 030 wire ?I have a 12 RC feeder and have thought about getting a VS feeder also due to the distance of control cable problem with the RCSent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2
Reply:+1 on the Lincoln 305G and an LN-25 I have these at work and love them.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerGet the license and the insurance first. Then get the work, then get the tools. In other words, don't tool up for work you don't have. If you manage to get a job you are not equipped for, just rent the tools you need. Do this until you figure out what type of work you are going to target. Mobil aluminum TIG is pretty specialized, and you are not likely to get that type of work until you have some experience. A Trailblazer 302 will do just about anything you want, but each new thing requires expensive accessories. Start out with the engine drive, as you can stick weld most repairs. Get a feeder for MIG, and a spool gun for aluminum MIG. You are not going to use your Sync 180 as a field unit, ever. The thing is just to heavy, and is a power pig.
Reply:Cant go wrong with a used Big 40 miller, the newer style with a 14 pin out. It doesnt drive wire like a TB55 but it will work. I run an S-32P off mine, works good for the big stuff, hardfacing etc. for small stuff in the field i run a beater home desperate lincoln 135.Miller Big 40GMiller HF-251 D High FreqVictor OA Lincoln 135 MigMK 3A CobramaticBridgeport J HeadCronatron OxylanceRadnor ACAG TorchWeldcraft TIG Torches1 blown knee and two 5 Gallon pails away from being a hero.
Reply:Stick is dead.... Sacrilege....As for the OP's questionThe TB 302 with a 12 RC or other sp feeder will cover all your wire processses except aluminum a spool gun is what you want for 1/4 or above aluminum unless you go with a water cooled tig ac tig setup You might want to consider a flux core gun if you do heavy steel work with big wireAnd don't forget stick work as for repair it will be your bread and butter most of the timeAnd if you get the money an airpk model wil give you the complete swiss army knife allowing you to run plasma cutters and cac also air tools of all typesI love mine and would be lost without itSent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2Backed 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:Personally, I am not a fan of the airpak machines. They are nice, but I like to keep my compressor separate from my welder. That way if either breaks down, I am not out the other machine as well. I have a gas drive compressor, but also have an electric tha will run off the welder. Now if they only made an air drive welder...
Reply:I have run the Miller SP32P  VS off a bob cat and trailblazer.  I was told it would run much better off the trailblazer, but there wasn't a lot of difference in my opinion.  Although I was told hard wire is more picky than flux core on those machines and I was running fluxcore.  I am told the VS suitcases weld about the same as the 14 pin ones, but I haven't used the 14 pin option.  The new ones are rated at 10,000 watts AC aux power so technically they should run a stand alone welder or plasma, but I have had to do a lot of work on my bobcat from overloading it.  So I wonder if the quality aux power is different on the bobcat compared to the trailblazer.  The trailblazer runs an aluminum spoolgun fine, light airarc, scratch tig, but no AC weld for AC tig. The bobcat is not the latest model, it has an 8000 watt aux power and will not run a plasma or a tig machine, the new design might.
Reply:Originally Posted by Ace+1 on the Lincoln 305G and an LN-25 I have these at work and love them.
Reply:thank you Brocoli1  Clifton
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerPersonally, I am not a fan of the airpak machines. They are nice, but I like to keep my compressor separate from my welder. That way if either breaks down, I am not out the other machine as well. I have a gas drive compressor, but also have an electric tha will run off the welder. Now if they only made an air drive welder...