difference between LN25 and Activ8 wire feeders?

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apart that the Activ8 is built for small wire spools, and has a slightly lower (but still sufficient for most applications) duty cycle?Both are VS , so they should work just fine?Are both fed from the arc voltage, or do either one require external power supply?I have one other question though, not having a lot of experience with wire feeders,When/why/under which circumstances do you use the CC setting on a wire feeder?
Reply:Never heard of an Activ8, but I've used LN-25s ever since they came out.If you have CV why on earth would you use CC? But I remember when all we had were CC engine drives, and the companies were shoving wire feeders down our throats. Production, go faster kind of thing. When I started out all you seen on a job sites was Short Hoods, and Red Face engine drives, then all of a sudden here comes the LN-22, which was a huge step up, but nothing like the LN-25s of today.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:http://www.lincolnelectric.com/asset...999-1/e861.pdf Originally Posted by CEPIf you have CV why on earth would you use CC?
Reply:Oh, I think I seen those feeders on Lincoln's site, but didn't pay any attention to them. Personally I wouldn't want to be locked into the 8-inch spools. The cost per pound is so much more than buying 30 to 40 pound 12-inch spools.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:True, but our applications are maintenance and hardfacing on the field, with wire costs that already are astronomical, and small spools are faster gone => there is less chance of moisture pick-up.So that isn't really a problem.Any other ideas/suggestions/things I need to know?I'll probably end up buying one of each with a V350Pro, and the XMT 350 CC/CV + Xtreme12VS wire feeder, and use those for some time before deciding/buying them in large quantities...
Reply:Oh I understand about the moisture pick up. Dual shield is real bad for that also!I've never used an Xtreme 12VS, but I understand they are a great feeder too. I really don't see how you can go wrong with any of them, kind of a Ford Chevy thing. Pick your color, and don't look back!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:Having to buy multiple of those, my boss demands to make the most economical choice (read as: the cheapest...), hence I need to be sure as hell when telling him which it needs to be.I already don't ask price at some companies, because I know their quality isn't up to par with those two brands. Fook me when he finds out those machines also exist with similar spec (on paper) at half the cost !
Reply:Originally Posted by kingneroapart that the Activ8 is built for small wire spools, and has a slightly lower (but still sufficient for most applications) duty cycle?
Reply:very much obliged!
Reply:Originally Posted by kingneroHaving to buy multiple of those, my boss demands to make the most economical choice (read as: the cheapest...), hence I need to be sure as hell when telling him which it needs to be.
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Correct.  But they're also both CV capable for when you can run them from a CV power source.
Reply:VS = voltage sensing. That's what powers the little motor in the wire feeder. You need to place the little clip on the base metal even when running on CV. 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:Voltage sensing = measuring the arc length, correct?I agree you need the little clip in order to provide a full (closed) circuit for the wire drive motor, but I'd say both functions are completely independant.
Reply:Originally Posted by kingneroVoltage sensing = measuring the arc length, correct?
Reply:I would get the full size feeder. You can run 8 inch spools in the fullsize feeder with a 2 inch Pvc. pipe spacer but good luck running 12 inch spools in the small feeder. I know what your saying about the weight but there really isn't much weight difference in feeders . You will also find you will be limited in the availability in some of the specialty wires with the 8 inch spool.Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:Originally Posted by kingneroIf I understand this correct, VS is only necessary when you use a CC power station, and in that case the wire feeder will adapt its wire speed as needed in order to maintain the correct stick-out length?