Portable versus not

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Disclaimer: IANAW (I Am Not A Welder), but I have recently become the manager of a shop with about 15 or so welders, many of which are way past retirement. Mostly old Miller 302's, but there's a couple of Hobarts. We also have 3 Lincoln 350MPs, and a couple of Miller 350Ps which are rentals. We only just started using pulse MIG to see how it was going to work in our environment, it's turning out great for our particular application - getting way less spatter, smoke, etc. So I'm looking for some advice here on portable versus non-portable. What are the downsides to portable machines like the Miller 350P versus a less portable machine, like the Miller Invision 352MPa? These machines don't get moved around much, but I like that the portable takes up less space and is easier to move when needed. They certainly do the job we need them to. I also really like the price on a portable, of course... but I don't want to take the leap if it's a bad idea for reasons I don't know (remember, IANAW). Any help would be appreciated.
Reply:Originally Posted by hhbWhat are the downsides to portable machines like the Miller 350P
Reply:I absolutely love the Millermatic 350P. If you don't need a higher duty cycle (the 350P is rated 60% at 300 amps, pretty impressive) then I would definitely stick with the 350P. The fact that it can be rolled around is a huge advantage for fabrication and maintenance. I have also used the Lincoln 350MP extensively and it is also a nice machine with a ton of programs and features. A solid machine with a similar duty cycle to the Miller. If I were spending my own cash, I would buy the millermatic every time though.
Reply:Have you had this conversation with your crew?Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Might want to ask the guys who will be using the machine how they feel about the options. Portable is nice most of the time if you don't need a high amp machine.IAMAW Local 330Airco 300 AC/DC HeliwelderAirco Dip-Pak 200 with Profax spool gunPowr-Kraft AC225Everlast PowerArc 200stBuffalo Forge No.21 drill pressSpeedglas 9100xxAirco, Oxweld, Purox, Victor torchesLincoln Ranger 8
Reply:Is duty cycle a consideration?