Questions on Suitcase Feeders

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I've been wanting to get into a portable wire feeder for some time now, but I'm always looking for versatility in my tools.  I appreciate that some of the things that I want to do are not dead-simple, but I'm willing to improvise a bit if needed.I want to find a feeder that will satisfy a few criteria, and I'm hoping to draw on the knowledge and experience on this forum to tell me if I can make this work, or if I'm just insane.  My 'want list' is basically:Can I get a feeder that will run off my TA 252i for now?  I can see moving to an XMT, Invertec, or similar in the future - but I definitely could use the extra reach of a separate feeder in the meantime.  I realize that I would have to release the tension on the drive rolls or maybe install a shutoff switch on the feed motor of the 252 to make this feasible, and I would want a feeder with a gas solenoid and a contactor included.Based on that, the feeder would have to be compatible with XMT/Invertec or similar power sources in case I go to one of those machines in the future.I would like to have the CC/CV option, so that I could run the feeder in VS from an engine drive or off of the old Dialarc at work.I would like to keep my mig guns standardized at this point (if possible) which means a Tweco #4 backend is prefferable.Will any of the suitcase feeders support push-pull guns if a lot of aluminum work comes my way, or am I dreaming?I've just started learning a bit about GMAW-P and the synergic pulse capabilities.  Again, in anticipation of getting an XMT/Invertec/etc down the road, do suitcase feeders support this process?I realize that this may be a far-fetched list of dreams, but 'if you don't ask, you'll never know'.TIA for any inut/help/suggestions/reality checks.Dan
Reply:I have an LN-25 that I run on my SA-200s, and my Invertec V350-Pro. With a Tweco gun, or K-126 Lincoln Innershield gun. LN-25s have the CC/CV option. I have no idea if an LN-25 would run on a TA 252i. I've never seen an LN-25 with a push / pull gun.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Ok thanks. Can you run synergic pulse with an LN-25?  I think I could get the feeder to run on the 252 as it has dinse connectors on the front...just a matter of forcing the contractor on the 252 and stopping it from feeding out of the built-in feeder. Realistically, the idea of keeping the guns the same is not a huge issue-it would be handy though. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:For the Feeders to do Pulse you'll need a controller-http://store.cyberweld.com/miopmigpu...FchhfgodFhMAewThread about LN-25 (won't work)http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...-Pulse-ControlOptima threadhttp://www.millerwelds.com/resources...ghlight=optimaEd 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:Ok thanks guys, I can see I'm probably being too optimistic in my search.CEP, you would still be powering the LN-25 from arc voltage when running on your Invertec right?  How do you find the performance in that mode compared to a standard constant-speed feeder?  I've read varying opinions, just wondering what yours is. To clarify, I wasn't thinking of trying to get pulse mig from anything other than an XMT/Invertec/etc. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkLast edited by djd775; 01-17-2014 at 11:00 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by djd775CEP, you would still be powering the LN-25 from arc voltage when running on your Invertec right?  How do you find the performance in that mode compared to a standard constant-speed feeder?  I've read varying opinions, just wondering what yours is.
Reply:I also run my LN-25 and Super S32P off of my Shopmaster. Unless I got a really good price on a regular feeder, I would just keep buying suitcase feeders."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYes, the LN-25 is still running on arc voltage....I can't tell one bit of difference between the LN-25 and the LF72 shop feeder.
Reply:There are quite a few different Miller S32p12 feeders on Ebay for decent prices. In my opinion its as good a feeder as an LN-25.Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:Originally Posted by M J DThere are quite a few different Miller S32p12 feeders on Ebay for decent prices. In my opinion its as good a feeder as an LN-25.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manMy Super S32P feeds wire great. My LN25 feeds wire great. The LN25's outer shell is far superior to the 32P's. But, the newer Miller VS series feeders level that playing field. I have most drive rolls for both, so I will buy any that I get a great price on. I do like the new Activ8, though.
Reply:I have the S32p suitcase and have used it since new in 2000. I would buy another one like it should it need replaced. I've used the LN 25 and have found that the people who use those are generally better looking and make more money. So I need to stay with Miller. Really I'd buy either one. You should have at least 30 or 40.Arcon Workhorse 300MSPowcon 400SMTPowcon SM400 x 2Powcon SM3001968 SA200 Redface1978 SA250 DieselMiller Super 32P FeederPre 1927 American 14" High Duty LatheK&T Milwaukee 2H Horizontal MillBryan
Reply:I live about 50 miles from where the Millers were built so I usally see 5-6 Miller products for 1 of anything else. Must be a regional thing, I know in the past Miller employees used to get huge discounts on their products so that was a good thing to know someone who worked there.Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749If you want to do pulse in the future, you'll need, first an inverter machine with the capability .... If you happen across an LN 25 (with gas at a minimum) or S 32 P 12 VS suitcase cheap, grab it. You wanna make sure you at least have the gas solenoid tho. You can't use solid wire without one (or a hack up modification/ outboard solenoid box) & both the Lincoln & Miller feeders require a separate board to run the solenoid & it's not cheap.Good luck with the search.IMHO of course