Your favorite suitcase feeder -POLL-

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I setup a poll, which can't cover all suitcase feeders because I have a limit of 5 options, so I put the most popular four and "Other" so you can post your favorite in a post.  I put the S-32P and Hobart Hefty feeders in the same option because they are so similar in size and functionality.I was using a new suitcase feeder at work lately and really liked it.  It was a Miller 12vs.  I've usually used the Miller 8vs and S-32p suitcases at work, and I personally own a Lincoln LN-25.I liked the 12vs because it could take a 12" roll of wire and still be light and small enough to drag around through portholes in the bottom of boats.  One thing I hate about the 8vs is that you can only use an 8" (10lb) roll of wire can easily burn through 2-3 of those a day if running a high disposition wire which can be a nice little break from work to go and get a new roll and load it, but can be a PITA if you are under pressure to get a lot of work done.  But are also nice because they are freaking SMALL and light.I dislike the LN-25 and S-32P because of it's large size.  It's fine for getting into an easily accessible location and working in that spot all day, but not ideal for moving around all day long, up/down stairs & ladders, down into bottoms of ships and such.So my question is to you what your favorite feeder is and whether it's voltage sensing or not.I still love the 8vs best, but like the 12vs because of it's roll size capabilities.Last edited by WelderBoy; 09-24-2007 at 08:48 PM.
Reply:Miller 8vsMiller 12vsMiller S-32PLincoln LN-25Hobart Hefty (stole this pic from Tozzi)
Reply:I don't understand the poll.  It's an impossible question without knowing at least SOME parameters for their usage.Why are RC and VS feeders in the same choice?  Those are the two most basic TYPES of suitcases to choose FROM.
Reply:MAC702, because whether they run off the 14-pin or across the arc they are still essentially the same feeders as far as size and features.It's a simple question, don't dig too deep into it dude.  It's an all around preference answer.
Reply:I love my Hobarts, the price is right, a Tweco gun plugs right in, and drive rolls are under 40 bucks. I have a Lincoln LN-22 fluxcore unit that is great, for Innershield on Lincoln only 14 pound rolls(kinda limits wire choice). If a 12RC comes up for the right price I will be all over it. For now the Hefty's do what is asked of them.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:No way can a VS feeder compete with an RC feeder when it comes to short-circuit GMAW.No way can an RC feeder compete with a VS feeder when it comes to long-distance (cable length) fast-filling, big-puddlin', high-production, steel erection in filthy environments.I have both, and it's impossible to tell you which is OVERALL better, unless I were doing just one type of work or the other.And since my RC feeder is a Miller and my VS feeder is a Lincoln, I guess I'll just have to pass.  They are both excellent.
Reply:All I've got is VS feeders, but I have a miller 12vs and an old hobart hefty cv/cc and a hobart porta-wire...For the stuff I do, my old beat-to-hell hefty is my choice...simple, cheap and effective...and, I have never had a second's problem with it.  I'd buy it again in a second.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Ok I gotta ask! VS and RC feeders??.for the life of me I can't think of what those acromyms mean!I like the hobat hefty, but then again that is the only suitcase feeder I have used/own!
Reply:Voltage Sensing is VS...it uses the welding current as given and powers up using that.  The arc voltage can range from something like 17v to 100v dc on my feeder without any problem.RC is remote voltage control...it (if I remember correctly) controls the input voltage through a connection to the power source (usually via a 14 pin connector or something), but uses a set voltage (like 24v) to run the feeder.  The welding current isn't used for powering the feeder.I don't have any experience with the RC feeders, so I defer to Mac above on the advantages of either machine in the different environments.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:The ln-25 would be perfect if they could put in cruise control and have a 110 outlet on the face!
Reply:LN-25 doesn't have triggerhold option?  I thought it was available.Pilebuck, where in Washington do you live?
Reply:I havent seen any ln-25's with cruise co., doesnt mean that they dont have it I guess  Also they should make the goosenecks so you can bend them fairly easily(by hand). Me and a buddy of mine straightened a couple of goosenecks when we were doing nothing but overhead for a couple of days under a bridge a while back, made it a little more bearable. and instead of a trigger, I want just a friggin lightswitch on the back I can just flip with my thumb. Lincoln should just hire me to make up semi-stupid but kinda cool new ideas!!
Reply:pilebuck, why not just get an on off switch and wire it into the gun then strap it on with some hose clamps?  Should be simple.  It's just two wires contacting each other and completing the circuit.  I did it with a tig torch I was using for pipe welding.I've always wanted a bendable gooseneck.  That would make my life so much easier.  I've got an assortment of different ones in my tool bucket.  Standard, shorties, 90's.