New Welders

admin

Anyone have one of the new ESAB 281I welders and If so What are your thoughts. I may need a tig that is portable. Thanks, B.J.
Reply:Have you checked out the miller multimatic200PROUD   AMERICAN
Reply:The ESAB 281i is a high quality ac/dc pulsed tig and stick welder. It is not a cc/cv 3 in one machine like the Miller Miltimatic is.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:ESAB 281I is listed as 50Kg.  When you say 'portable' - does that mean on the back of a truck or?  110lbs is not 'portable' in my book.You need to ask yourself1) How much power do I need.  200 Amp machines can be had in 220/110V flavors.  If you can live with 200 Amps or you need 110V there are quite a few machines in this catagory.2) Aluminum?  If yes, you've really narrowed the field now.  If the budget allows, Dynasty 200.  Even if you decide you made a mistake, the resell value is so high on these machines you can get much of your money back.   There are also contenders from Lincoln, HTP, ESAB  and Thermal Arc.  With a note that the ESAB is 220V only.If No, you can consider one of the 3 in 1 machines.  But beware they lean toward being a MIG.  Also they are lift arc TIG.  I can tell you Millermatic is an awsome MIG machine.  Very smooth running machine - low spatter, stable arc etc.  But by the time you add the TIG option your at about $2000 and there is about zero chance of finding one used.  Thermal arcs are pretty popular as well.  Again, an acceptable TIG, but really leaning toward MIG.The Miller Maxstar is kind of interesting.  Used they run about $1000ish used.  They are a bit harder to find than the Dynasty (mostly because when new, for a few hundred more you could get the Dynasty) but they are a capable TIG/stick machine.  They say 110Amps on 110V, but I have dialed in more (keeping a short arc) with no problems.So, back to your question.  You won't find much difference in DC TIG between the brands.  Some of the older Millers might have had a reputation for soft high frequency (hard to get the  arc started).  Not an issue with the 'Blue lightning' ones.  So its more a convenience buy - where can you get service etc.  What parts do I already have?  (Do you have a work clamp with Twelco connector? etc.  Foot pedal?)On aluminum, pony up for a Dynasty, you'll be happy - the only limitation there is the 200Amps - that 1/4" piece is going to be tough.  Pre-heat and use Helium.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Thanks for the feedback. dynasty 2oo dx would be the best, but oh so spendy. B.J.
Reply:I have one (Esab 281I)...Very happy so far but it is a little larger than I was expecting. It also bolts to the cart in a fashion that makes it inconvenient to remove. It would be fine to roll into a trailer but if you wan't to put it in your truck on a regular basis I don't think it would make a lot of sense. If you have any specific questions I would be happy to try and answer them.Last edited by KGIOR; 09-07-2013 at 06:58 PM.