Portable Pulse?

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I am a new member here and I am looking for advice on setups for a pulse unit that is also a pulse MIG. I am thinking something like a trailblazer 302 running a Miller 350 P or the new 350 xmt mpa? ( I am using miller products because these are what I am familar with but I am certainly open to any product manufactures) This setup will be on a truck so exposed to weather.  Thanks and a great formum.Paul
Reply:Hmmmm this should have said that it needs to be a portable pulse mig .If anybody has any suggestions I sure would like some advice.I need help.Paul
Reply:Pulse is usually added to some kind of automated welding positioner, production mig or tig set up. Helps to break the magnetic field and keep the positioner on track too.Long straight or circular weldments.Like for intake ducts on jet engines to keep the heat from building up.I would just skip it for repairs etc., but some beginners like it for TIG becuse it makes them look skilled but it is a crutch. The best thing is to develop your hand skills.Last edited by Donald Branscom; 01-07-2008 at 08:36 PM.
Reply:I have the RED 350 inverter that has pulsed mig.  I don't know, but would bet miller has a similar unit.  Its multiprocess and does pulsed spray mig.  It weighs 84 lbs. I would NEVER leave it outside.   I took it to a job with my LN9-GMA and used it for a day.  Everything fit in the front seat of my truck.Usually when I am on the road, I stick weld.  DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by Donald Branscomsome beginners like it for TIG becuse it makes them look skilled but it is a crutch. The best thing is to develop your hand skills.
Reply:Pulse is not limited to only robotic welding or manufacturing applications, though we do have pulse on the robotic welding machine at work, as well as our hand-operated machines.   Pulse is quite handy for mig welding aluminum for any purpose, including general fabrication and repair work and can be used to weld steel and other metals as well.  I like pulsed-spray mig welding, it is cleaner and smoother than short-circuit mig, though I use short-circuit more than pulse for most things.   Pulse helps when welding very thin gauge material that straight mig would blow through.  It also helps minimize heat distortion.  I don't see pulse as a crutch for bad welding skills, I see it as just another process that can be used to accomplish a task.   Same could be said for wire-feed welding versus stick or TIG welding.   They are just different kinds of welding.  I use whichever process I feel is best for the circumstances, or sometimes whichever machine I happen to have available at that time.   I have pulse on my TIG machine too but so far have not had occasion to use it, so can't really say if I would like it for TIG or not.Miller also sells the Optima pulser which is a seperate add-on pendant for DC/CV powersources with a 14-pin connector.  It costs about $1200 msrp.  I'm not sure what all machines it will work on.  It appears to be intended to use with XMT's and Invisions that were made before the new self-pulsing MPa models came out this year.   It's about the size of a robot control pendant and could be kept stowed away in a tool box when not needed.   I have 2 pulsers similar to this for my PowCon, they are small, easy to connect and work good (or at least they did before my PowCon died  ).   Mine are made by PowCon for their machines.  I don't know if they would connect to any other brand of machine.  They dont have the fancy programming of the newer pulse machines like the 350P and MPa Millers, but they accomplish the same thing with 2 basic controls: pulse width and pulse frequency. I would not keep any welding machine outside, except the engine-drive welders which are made to be outside.  First time you plug in your expensive pulse-mig welding machine and flip the switch on when there's water inside, you could be looking at a short circuit and a blown circuit board and alot of money down the drain.   An XMT or an Invision or the Lincoln Invertec pulsing power supplies are small enough to be kept in a weather-tight 'job box' mounted on the truck bed, locked up safe from theives.   The inside of the box could be foam padded to keep the machine from banging around.   I keep my Millermatic Passport on my truck all the time, locked up inside a Jobox heavy duty tool box bolted to the truckbed.   I would never leave my machine outside in the elements or leave it on the truck unlocked and unattended.   You would need either a spool gun or a feeder and torch to go along with the pulsing power supply, which means a bigger tool box to store them in, but it's still do-able.   I dont personally think a Millermatic 350P or Powermig 350MP would be good choices for mobile use cause of their size and weight and I wouldn't leave one in the bed of my truck, however, if you do your mobile welding from a van or an enclosed trailer I can see them being usable for mobile work.   If using it with a 25' or longer push-pull torch, the machine could stay in the van or trailer and weld from there, if it can be parked close enough to the work.  I wouldn't want to go dragging one of those expensive machines through the dirt to get to job though.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I'm going to add that, since the Miller PipePro 304 engine-drive welder is based on an XMT CC/CV welding machine, backed up by a motor and generator, it would be REALLY COOL if Miller would base the next version of that machine on the XMT 350MPa.   Imagine a diesel engine-drive welder with 12KW of 1- and 3-phase power AND on-board Pulsed-MIG as well as DC TIG and stick!  Go a step further and give the same treatment to the Trailblazer Pro 350D and then you have a machine that can do all that, plus AC TIG to weld aluminum too, all in one weather- and theft-resistant pakage!  Maybe they'll be nice to us and include high-frequency with that AC weld output too...I would like to see an MPa-pulse-compatible (aka synergic pulse) Suitcase feeder to go along with that self-pulsing welder/generator, as well as a push-pull version of the pulse-compatible Suitcase.   Imagine an XR Control feeder, housed in a tough Suitcase chassis, hooked up to a Python gooseneck torch, used for MOBILE push-pull aluminum pulse-mig!  Welding aluminum in the field with heavy, bulky spool guns would be a thing of the past... I think the posibilites for practical, mobile pulse-mig are about break wide open .MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:My un derstanding is thaT THE 350 p has a 4 roler feeder system while the XMT MPA does not? My  thinkinking was that the 350 P might be more compact than the MPA with feeder added. I may be and am proabbly wrong on this assumption.  I really appreciate the information.In addition I will keep whatever I get enclosed in a good box not out in the weather. Generator/Drive only part in weather.PAUL
Reply:Paul, the Millermatic 350P, as well as the Lincoln PowerMIG 350MP, is a powersource and feeder, together in one chassis with it's own rolling cart built-in, like most of us have become accustomed to seeing these days.   You are correct, the XMT and Invision series from Miller and the Invertec series from Lincoln are small inverter powersupplies ONLY.  They are made to work with an external wire feeder and torch (or a spool gun).   In industrial MIG welding, this is how most machines are made, all seperate units.  The MM350P and PM350MP are semi-industrial machines and are pioneering in their inclusion of advanced pulse programming with a high output powersource and industrial grade feed mechanism (the 4 drive roll system you mentioned), all in one affordable, easy to use package that takes up little space and uses much less power than the typical large, heavy, power-hungry mig welding machines most manufacturing operations have been using for years.   In our manufacturing shop, we upgraded our old 500-lb monster machines that sucked up so much juice, with the new Millermatic 350P machines that are so much smaller and easier to work around and use half the power to do the same job.  After using them now for 3 years, we are still quite happy with the new machines.  I like welding with them . True, although the XMT/Invision/Invertec powersupplies are much smaller and lighter and more portable than a 350P/350MP, once you put the power supply on a cart with a feeder and a gas cylinder, they end up being about the same size and have about the same portability.   The benefit to the XMT-type set up for mobile welding is the units can be stored individually.   Most trucks don't have a secure compartment large enough to store a 350P and one guy would have a hard time getting it into and out of the compartment due its size and weight.  The seperate units can be handled easier.  I don't know where I could fit a 350P on my truck, and I would NOT just leave it sitting in the open truck bed.   I do have secure storage where I could fit an XMT and a feeder though.There is a big cost difference between the complete systems.  A Millermatic 350P with a push-pull torch cost about $5000.   An XMT 350MPa or Invision 350MPa pulsing power supply with an XR push-pull feeder and torch cost about $4000 MORE than the 350P, to accomplish the same task: pulsed-spraying aluminum with push-pull wire feed.    The 350P and Invision MPa are DC/CV MIG machines.   The XMT is DC/CC/CV and can also do stick and DC TIG, but it has no high frequency start.  For MIG welding aluminum in a shop, the 350P with a push-pull torch is the best value for the money, in my opinion.  For a mobile set-up, an XMT with a feeder and torch would be a better choice, although more expensive.  One drawback to the 350P as a manufacturing shop machine is that it is not designed to work with external feeders.  With the Invision or XMT, you can hook up any number of different feeders and torches loaded with different wires for different applications and switch between them as needed (if you have the $$ to afford the extra equipment).  With the 350P, you're limited to switching out wire spools in the built-in feeder to change metals, or use a spool gun to weld the other metal.  I wish Miller would modify the programming to allow external feeders to be used with the 350P in pulse mode.  That would really expand the 350P's versatility in the shop.   Fortunately, we only weld aluminum with the 350P's in our shop, so that is not a concern for our company.   I would like to use my XR feeder and torch with my 350P at home though so I can have a roll of aluminum wire in one feeder and a roll of steel in the other for pulse-spraying steel, 2 bottles of different gasses on the cart, and simply swap power cables and turn on the appropriate gas supply when I want to change metals with that machine.The XMT should be a good value if you need a compact, powerful machine that can also TIG steel and don't mind not having HF start.  An XMT fully set up for push-pull pulsed-MIG and TIG would be alot of money though.  It may be about the same amount of money to buy a Millermatic 350P and a Maxstar 350 (DC stick/TIG w/ HF), allowing each machine to be dedicated to each process seperately.   For use in a shop, I prefer a seperate machine for each use.  For use on a truck, the more things one machine can do, the better, cause its less equipment to keep on the truck.   For shop use, a Millermatic 350P and a Dynasty 200DX would be a good combination, adding aluminum TIG welding capability.Hope that helps.Last edited by DesertRider33; 01-08-2008 at 03:24 AM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Thanks desert rider.I am afraid that my pocketbook will limit my options on what I will be able to get. Right now I am leaning more toward a 350 P and leave it at the shop. If]tear up a tractor or sorayrig I will just load it up and bring it home to fix it.Again thanks for the info. VERY VERY HELPFUL.Paul
Reply:Paul, I hear what you're saying.  I came to the same conclusion myself after debating about it for some time.  The 350P is a great machine, I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.  -Glen.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Ok after all that was said has anybody ever used a 350p and a bobcat in the field? I have and I did it today just like yesterday and the day before. To start with I like miller. I like lincolin also but everbody has a favorite. My sugestion for the 350p in the field would be the 3phase version and to run it use a Bobcat3. The reason is you need more than 10kw of 220v single phase to run it wide open. So if you go from 220v single to 480v 3phase you got lots of power available since the Bobcat3 makes 11kw 3phase and you only need about 8kw at full power on pulse. The nice thing about the 350p is on the 3phase version can also be run with single phase also. With the Bobcat3 you could also run 3phase motors or equipment and still have 10kw of single phase in one unit. Lincolin makes a similar setup. As for the 350p welding it is awsom. I can weld with little or no spater great penitration with a small HAZ. I can weld out of position and not even think about it even on aluminum try that with a spool gun. It is heavy kinda. It is lighter than a MM251 it weighs in at 181# I think. I use a ramp or my guy grabs an end and I the other. I keep it tarped in the truck until I get the body enclosed on my truck. I can also it has got rained on 3 or 4 times and it did not hurt it. It can go from clear to rainy here in 15 minutes so now we tarp it for lunch. I will be getting the new 35' push pull gun soon and then it will be better to get into a tight spot. I also properly sized a cord and since it is 480v 3phase I  made 2 cords for it the main one is permenant and it is 30' the cord is 120' and that is a #6-4 cord I got at home depot. Right now I can beabout 170' from the truck including the gun and weld. Fairley portable I would say. I even replace most of a hull on a ship using this thing at a ship yard. Steel Thunder Welding LLC. St. Thomas VI USAMM350PBOBCAT 3MAXSTAR 150 STH375 EXTREME PLASMA6.5 HP COMPRESORDEWALT 18, 24, AND 36 VOLTO/A TORCH SETAND SO MUCH MORE I DONT REMEMBERALL IN MY 2005 2500HD EXTENDED CAB L/B
Reply:Offroad, I've not used a 350P out on the truck.  I used to use my HTP mig on the truck though.  It is about as big and heavy as a 350P.   It did do the job, but was a pain to load and unload and I didn't leave it on the truck when not needed.   Taking the Millermatic 175 out on the truck was alot easier, I can pick that up and carry it by myself.  I used to use that with a portable generator before I got the Bobcat.   The Passport is the one I like to use for mobile work.  It's portable and tough, I don't worry about it getting banged around like I would my shop machines.   The bag on the side holds all the cables so I don't fight with them as Im carrying the machine.  It's a cool set up for mobile mig.   If somebody put a pulse program in a Passport, that would be really cool!I agree, Miller is good.   Lincoln is too, but I personally prefer Blue.   Absolutely, I agree the 350P is an awsome machine.  I fully enjoy welding with the ones we have at work all day.  Once I have the new 350P set up here at home, I'm sure I'll love it here too!  I don't have any intentions of taking it out on the truck, but if if that's what works for you, more power to ya!I don't know if you are aware, but MK offers the Python in a 50-foot version also.  You can get it direct from MK with the Miller connectors installed, ready to hook up to your 350P.   The Miller XR Edge is also made by MK, so should be able to order that one in long length too.  The Pythons we have at work and the one I have here are all 25 footers.  Supposively, they work just as well in 50' as they do at 25.  For me, 25' is more than needed.You mentioned you're enclosing your truck bed.  What are you using to enclose it?  I put a metal camper shell on my truck that was a little above cab high before I got the utility body.  I found that, although it did keep out the rain, the Bobcat ran hot inside the enclosure.  It had a vent in the top and windows on both sides and front and I left the back open, but it still got very hot in there in the summer.   Now that I also have another heat source on the truck, a gas powered compressor that sits next to the Bobcat, I'm appreciating the open bed of the utility body, for ventilation purposes at least.   However, I would like to devise some kinda removeable cover for my utility body to protect stuff from rain that is easy and quick to put on and off.  For now I just cover the Bobcat with a Miller cover and the compressor gets rained on.  It would be nice if this removeable cover could provide some security for things in the open bed too.  I have plenty of cabinets to secure smaller things, but if I leave metal or anything else on the rack or in the bed, it's subject to thievery and weather.I'd like to hear your ideas about your bed enclosure.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by turboblownAnd many experienced weldors also use pulse too because it DOES make the weld look nice! Look at some of the welds on speialty vehicles and accessories- you'll see pulse TIG used everywhere from aluminum toolboxes to entire custom bodies.
Reply:DesertRider33I made a frame out of 2X2 thin wall square tubing. It looks like a short and very tall cabover camper. I put a slant on the front to clear trees out of the way. We only drive maybe 35 MPH on the road here so wind is not really an issue. My plans are to transversly mount my bobcat right behind the cab at bed rail level and all the way to the pasener side. Then I will put a door the same size as the back of the Bobcat to alow free flow of air and i simular door on the other side to alow acess to the settings. I also think I will run a fan just for a little help. The mail reason for lifting the Bobcat up 20" is for a place to put my 80gal air tank. I then will mount the 6.5hp compresor in the over head and since I have 2 2.5hp compresors also I plan on using bothe on the 80gal tank to keep up with the plasma cutter and air hammers at the same time. Curently I have the back seat removed in my truck to store tools out of the weather. By having the overhead I plan to put a door that when open will act as a shelf over the top of the Bobcat. Then I can have my cab/office/lunch room back. With this layout and a few racks and hose reels I will have enough space to cary all 6 of my gas bottles my 350P the Bobcat and an 80gal air tank and still fit 7 sectons of 5 foot schafolding. The best part is I can buy the same setup for $10k or I can build an ugly one for just under a grand. Also I have deels with two large jewlry stores on island to do advertising on the side of the body. $2500 per company per year and I will get employee discounts. Not that I will ever use it. I hope this answers your question in a long drawn out way. I have a few pics if anybody is interested. Steel Thunder Welding LLC. St. Thomas VI USAMM350PBOBCAT 3MAXSTAR 150 STH375 EXTREME PLASMA6.5 HP COMPRESORDEWALT 18, 24, AND 36 VOLTO/A TORCH SETAND SO MUCH MORE I DONT REMEMBERALL IN MY 2005 2500HD EXTENDED CAB L/B