SA-200 VS Vantage 300

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Ok, this is what I THINK I want to do...  I've got two Lincoln SA-200 machines, one is I think a 1976 or 77 model that we bought new, the other is I believe a 1968 model.  I plan on getting both of them running, they were both running when I quit using them, the carbeurator has since been stolen off the '68.  The '68 was a little rough looking when I bought it, so I bought all new sheet metal for it (from Lincoln) including hood, side panels, and front (control panel end), and I painted it.  I love how these machines weld.  Here is the drawback... I have a Miller Bobcat 225 on my truck right now, instead of one of the Lincolns, because I need the auxillary AC power.  The Bobcat works great for the AC power, welding with it leaves a LOT to be desired...  Most of my welding the last several years is just equipment repairs, and some pipe.  Not pressure pipe (I wouldn't even attempt a test with this machine) but casing for bores.  I learned a few things about this machine... Don't try running 5/32" 7018 uphill with it... It DON'T LIKE IT... It also doesn't like 3/16" 7010 downhill on pipe...  It'll lay 1/8" 7018 uphill pretty smooth, if it doesn't break arc... but when I break the lip off a trackhoe bucket, I'm spending money while I'm fixing it, instead of making money with the machine, so I want it working again as quick as I can get it back together...The reason I need the AC power, is for my Plastic Pipe fusion irons.  Most of them run off of 110, but my big plastic machine (McElroy 4"-8" Hydraulic machine) has to have 220 for the carriage, the facer, and the heating iron.  It takes at least 6,000 watts.  We used to have a dedicated plastic truck, that had a 7,500 watt Onan generator on it, so it wasn't an issue then.  But now, I use one truck for both duties.I said all of that, to say this... What I've wanted to do for a while now, was get both of my SA-200's in good shape, both cosmetically and mechanically, and sell them.  Then find a Vantage 300 to put on my truck.  What I'm wanting is input from people that have or have used a Vantage 300.  Will I be happy with how it welds?  Or will I kick myself for getting rid of my 200's?  I will be overjoyed to have a diesel machine, about the only thing I own anymore with gas engines is my lawnmower and 2" water pumps... What about the auxillary power, Is it really what it's rated at, or am I going to plug my machine in and blow something up?  Any input is much appreciated, I've kicked this idea around for a while now.
Reply:search slowhands posts on the vantageMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:Look into the miller pipepro 304 It's got a 12000 watt gen. And its the smooth to weld weld pipe with! It's the only machine I would replace my classic III  with.
Reply:Originally Posted by bfastwelderLook into the miller pipepro 304 It's got a 12000 watt gen. And its the smooth to weld weld pipe with! It's the only machine I would replace my classic III  with.
Reply:Originally Posted by W123BenzIf looking for a new machine, the PipePro 304 has been discontinued (shame) and replaced with the Big Blue 300 Pro.  I'm not terribly familiar with either machine, or how similar they are.
Reply:if you get a vantage, be sure you get one with digital amps... a little tweek on these machine makes a difference.
Reply:An actually the new Big Blue 350 pipepro replaced the 304. I was Soo.g some research on it today after reading that disappointing post earlier. I am shocked at the low rpms that it runs at 1800 rpms that will put a lil money back in the pocket and it has less boards then the 304. I think Miller done a great job creating a machine for the elements.
Reply:isnt the vantage 1800 rpm too? Ive used a pipepro running right next to a classic 3 and it was  MUCH quieter
Reply:Yes almost all your diesel machines are down at 1800 but the miller is the probably the quieter one of them all next to MQ machines.
Reply:i love my vantage you couldnt trade me for two of anything else.    If you need the extra AC power the vantage is where its at.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.