Python XR-A

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I recently aquired an almost new Miller 350P and I am getting comfortable with the mig settings on steel.  Great machine.  In the box of stuff is a brand new never used Miller Python XR-A push pull gun.  I seldom weld anything over 1/4 inch, just a hobby shop, making furniture, truck racks, small farm repairs.  In reality I want to learn how to TIG but do not have a machine.  Before I break the Python out of its wraps I am wondering what use can I make of it.  What is the learning curve to use it for aluminum, is alum all it is good for?  Will it be able to do thin material? I have about a years worth of experence, took a community college course on stick and mig but no one had used a push pull gun.  Not much out there on the web. Just wondering if I should sell it to buy a tig welder, looks like a heavy duty industrial tool instead of something I would get use of.
Reply:The push pull Python works very well on aluminum, and in particular, if you need to weld production amounts further away from the power source.  It acts like a spool gun on steroids, because you can use regular large spools of wire, rather than the little 1 or 2 lb spools that mount on the gun itself.  The Python mates with the 350P and "talks" to the driver in the 350P to coordinate the "push" from the 350P with the "pull" from the gun, which eliminates "birds-nests" when you are using wire (usually aluminum) that is too soft to only be pushed through the feed to the gun.  The speed control on the gun also talks to the power source.  It's a great compliment to the 350P for aluminum.  It will do thin material.  But, if you don't need a tool that does what I've described, then you won't use it very much ...  You can check here, on E-Bay, etc. to see what a new one will bring in a sale.  A good TIG will cost you quite a bit more than that, unless you find a screaming deal or a trade... Hope you find a good fit for what you need.Last edited by Mr. Moose; 09-12-2014 at 11:55 PM.
Reply:I have that same set-up. I added the small spool holder nice for quick little jobs. 105 dollars from Miller.  B.J.
Reply:Small spool holder? Please explain.
Reply:Small spool holder is a canester that holds 2lb. spools. You take the feed tube from the back of your gun out slip in the canester now you can run 2lb. spools. It will look like a regular spool gun now. I like it so You can a lot ofdifferent wire for not alot of cost. B.J.