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Howdy everyone! I am looking into investing in a high quality mig machine. As none of us are made of money, and I am a weekend warrior welder, I like the idea of having the abilities of the "multi-processes" this machine supposedly offers. Some say it will do great in stick and dc tig, others say don't even bother. After considerable research, I have come to the conclusion that I will also desire an AC/DC tig/stick machine, such as a precision tig 275, but untill then, I would like to use the multi processes from the 350 MP. I do not have a job specific requirement for this machine, but I do intend on welding alluminum as well as steel primarily. I would invest in the push pull gun setup for alluminum, but as a future addition. Primary materials are 1/8th -1/2", for truck boxes,and material racks (alluminum) flatbed / dump trailer build up, 4X4 lifting, rotating and welding axletubes within differential housings / steering knuckles, bumper building, repairing and re-repairing, farm equipment repairing, hard facing, and fabing 3pt. hitch implements..etc MY QUESTIONS: 1) How well/good do you think the multi-process capabilites are for this machine? 2)Is the inverter technology getting fairly reliable yet? 3)What are your personal hands on opinions of this machines weld-output quality compared to other machines in this similar catagory? 4)Do you believe this to be a great first high quality do-most machine? The salesmen I have dealt with, through several dealerships have all but sold me on this machine for my purposes, with the note that in multi-process mode, it is not it's primary duty, and those procedures will produce good, but perhaps not excellent results. It supposedly excells with alluminum as well as out of position steel, and is up there with standard machines for other steel aplications. Any and all input/ideas/firsthand or otherwise expereinces would be greatly appreaciated! Thank you for any and all replies! Brian Lee Sparkeee24Last edited by Sparkeee24; 07-03-2005 at 11:48 AM.Reason: to many typos
Reply:Like in the other thread that you started, I recommend searching for experiences on the Power Mig 300, which, for all practical purposes, is the same machine with an older name that has been out for four years now.You've no doubt already thought of this, but if you are going to be spending the kind of dough where you ae buying both a PT275 and a PM350MP, why not see if your local welding shop will let you weld with them in their shop first? As for your questions on the multi-process capabilities, it's hard for me to answer them specifically, but I can say this... the Power Mig 300/350MP was for several years the highest output MIG machine available on single phase input power, regardless of the machines other process capabilities. In other words, never mind that the machine is also a stick and TIG welder... you would be hard pressed to find any other single phase MIG machine rated at 300 amps 60% duty cycle.That is, until Miller came out with their MillerMatic 350MP... which is why Lincoln had to upgrade their number from "300" to "350", since Miller named their machine after their transient peak power, while Lincoln initially named theirs at a sustainable duty cycle power... both machines are about equivalent in actual power ratings.However, the differences end there, as the Lincoln multiprocess machine continues to do a lot of things that the new Millermatic 350 still cannot do. But at least Miller now has a MIG machine of equivalent power to Lincolns that could run on single phase. The previous MillerMatic 300 ran on 3 phase input power only.As far as your inverter questions go, the Lincoln PowerMig 350MP still has a traditional transformer-rectifier-choke assembly. In otherwords, it is still a traditional powersupply, NOT an inverter per se. I think a lot of welding sales people get confused about this, but it can be obviously seen by the sheer weight of the machine... over 255 pounds for the unit alone, without bottle or wire. Compare that with inverters of any brand that typically weigh less than 90 lbs, and can be hand carried. Just compare the physical size of a Lincoln Invertec V-350-Pro versus a Lincoln PowerMig 350MP, and you'll know there is something else behind the side panels in the PowerMig besides just an inverter and a wire drive system.I've removed the side panel to a PM300, and low and behold, a huge, hulking transformer stared me in the face, with a big ol choke coil on top, and 4 panel rectifer above that.The "inverter" technology in the PowerMig 300/350MP is the "Chopper Assembly" which controls the output of the transformer-rectifier. This chopper assembly is the "inverter" technology that "delivers the great starts" and constant "power modes" of the PM300/350 that seperates this machine from the traditional transformer-rectifier only machines that preceded it, including the PM255 and below.So, in that sense, the PowerMig 300/350 is really a hybrid machine... a good combination of traditional and modern power technologies. Perhaps the best of both worlds. There are a tremendous amount of settings to explore... soft arc, crisp arc, settable arc starts that once established can ramp up to desired power, etc. The inverter/chopper assembly enables the Pulse and Pulse on Pulse arc control. There is a lot to this machine, even the automated synergistic controls can be offset to your preferred bias, and that offset will be remembered and translated as you continue to adjust just one setting.Respectfully,Charles Brown
Reply:Charles hit the nail on the head.The Lincoln is a very good value for all the things it can do.After owning a powermig 300 and using a MM350 p for a whileit's a tough call on which I like better. I decided I really likemy inverter esab better then both but I still can't run thinaluminum (1/16) as nice as a Python setup Miller or Lincoln.I prefer a decent ac/dc inverter tig for thinner stuff anyway.The Miller is crisper for the most part on mild steel and theLincoln is a softer arc. I don't think you can get the Lincolnto be as crisp as the Miller but I doubt you could the Milleras soft as a Lincoln without adding lots of inductance.I never really could get the Lincoln to wet out it's weldbead as nice as I thought it should. The inductance will help butit just seemed off for me a little. Some of it could of been the gas but I did try lots of them, C-25/ C-15/ C-10. I would like to run anew one to see if that area is the same. A little tweek in programmingcould change all that, so it might not still be true. For what you are doing I doubt it matters at all.You will be happy with Miller or Lincoln for what you are doing.It's really good stuff. If I only had one machine it would be the Lincoln over the Miller hands down.Last edited by Scott V; 07-10-2005 at 11:29 AM. |
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发表于 2021-8-31 22:36:23