anyone use a lincoln vantage 400 or 500

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i need some info from people who use these things....weld quality, noise, reliability...any info would be greatAWS CWI/CWEASNT NDT Level 2 PT/MTAWS Certified Welder(aerospace)
Reply:Virtually trouble free machines, though like every brand there are a few quirks, like in this case everyone runs in pipemode, as stick is near useless unless you are gouging.Really if you are just running 3/16  then the Vantage 300/duetz is your best bet. Good on fuel. Very reliable. A little more jam would set you with a 400 with a fuel guzzling Perkins. Very few 500's are sold.
Reply:I have an airvantage 500. It has been a very trouble free machine and fairly easy on fuel for the work it does. The Cimmins engine is pretty quiet also.
Reply:we use all vantage 500's at work, they are mostly duetz, and fire right up every time.the only problem i have ever experienced with one is when you flip the switch on, and hit the start it just cranks and cranks but wont turn over.  flip the switch off, back on, then hit the starter and it fires right up.  Lincoln tends to use cheaper switches and dials then some other manufacturers.  Other than that the machines are excellent.  we run 232 .072 wire, 7018 in 1/8 and 5/32 occasionally.  theyre also great for carbon arcing...