Esab

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There were a lot of people asking for this forum. Use it and we will see how the traffic is.David Last edited by David R; 04-23-2009 at 07:45 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Hi Ya Esab and Congrad's on your new sticky.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:howdy guys,I was given a pair of blown power-units, and now have one repaired, and I believe ready to cut....but I have no torch.The power-supplies are an ESAB PCS-53 and an L-tec PCM-750i (identical units under the covers).  From what I can determine, the PT-27 torch is the right one for these supplies.I've priced out an Esab PT-27 from the dealers, and it's way way more than I can afford.....work has been pretty slow lately.If anyone has a good-condition used PT-27 torch setup that you'd like to turn into cash, please email me directly at:[email protected](doing PM's is real slow over rural dialup)Or if you know of another model# of torch that will adapt to, and work well with, these power-supplies, please let me know which one.thanks much!Richardin SW OregonMiller Trailblazer-VJMiller Dialarc 300HFLincoln Weldanpower-225SOLD: Hobart WW2, 300+amp, Chrysler-6FOR SALE:  Airco 225/200 AC/DC, Onan Twinhttp://www.oregonstone.com/weld1.html
Reply:Try Giant Tech, they have a model with the same torch as my lince.  It takes a P30 XL torch.  It may work and they have consumables for it.Post this question in the giantech Zone.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Hey guys came here for the first time today because my ESAB Heliarc 161 machine decided to crap out on me. I bought it new in 2003 and haven't used it much, realistically about 1000 hours of true welding time.  I called esab and went through testing various troubleshooting stuff and then just decided to take it to a repair facility as it was getting complex.  Well, turns out it needs a new High Freq board and another main board estimated at a cool thousand dollars.  (and that may not fix it according to the tech)Well, I just quit my job to focus on my welding full time and I don't want to drop that kind of money in this machine.   I know there were some issues with this particular unit and was wondering are there used parts out there or should I just scrap the whole thing and start over with a Miller, Lincoln etc...Thanks for your input.
Reply:If you are going to weld for a living, you can buy a nice machine for a couple thousand dollars.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:If you do a web search on "welder circuit board repairs" you'll get a surprising number of hits.  It may be economical to pull the boards and send them off for TS and repair.TeddCoHTP Microcut 400 & Invertig 160DC  Smith Dual Guard MD-510 OA Rig  Lincoln SP135+  Hobart Stickmate LX 235/160
Reply:I would follow up on Teddco's suggestion and agree with David R if that proves to be a deadend.Here's a place you can start your search.  http://www.arc-products.com/  They service several brands of control boards including ESAB.Oh by the way - welcome to the forum.Last edited by duaneb55; 05-07-2009 at 11:33 PM.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:..and some of the places that sell boards offer free online self diagnosis routines to help decide, and ones I have dealt with on exercise equipment tested my board free, with only return postage due if I decided not to buy theirs.  Worth some checkin', I'd say!"Good Enough Never Is"MIller AC/DC  ThunderboltHobart HH180, 125EZRiland Cut 40 Plasma oxy/act  outfitTons of "stuff", all treasures to me!
Reply:All these suggestions are a GREAT way to start. I'd definately repair it if at all possible. All major manufacturers have let price and foreign manufacturing affect the quality of their products to some extent but you have in my opinion as good a machine as money can buy. ESAB is top of the line and probably one of the oldest welding suppliers out there. If all else fails, set it back and look for the parts to repair it, someone will eventually list them for sell. Ebay is another great place to find parts.
Reply:Thanks for the ideas, I'll check into repairing the boards.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RTry Giant Tech, they have a model with the same torch as my lince.  It takes a P30 XL torch.  It may work and they have consumables for it.Post this question in the giantech Zone.David
Reply:Can anyone tell me if there is a way to convert this welder from 3 phase to single phase?Or is it doomed to 3 phase, and if so, how big of a phase converter would I need to run it?Thanks!Ken.#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:the only way to use a three phase machine on single phase power is with a convertermost are rated for motor use, and have a startup and running H.P. ratingjust find one that supplies running power the amps you need, not in starting power, as that unit will be underpoweredlindsaybks.com has a book on three methods, two of which can be built, the third should be bought
Reply:Can anyone tell me if there is a way to convert this welder from 3 phase to single phase?
Reply:Call esab tech support and ask for stan smith. he can tell you if the digi pulse will run on single phase and what hte limits might be. I have run one on single phase low voltage power as a test. so theydon't blow up me. The unit I had was set for 460 volts. we powered the control pc board and ran only 40 volts through the switch pc boards and 14 amps on a load bank. This is a test only. We do not like repaired switch board assemblies smoking on us.
Reply:Stan is VERY helpful, they don't pay him enough however much he makes.  He expedited the exchange of my 203 for the much better Migmaster 250 (made just up the road in Florence, SC), scanned a manual for my VI-450 SS (I can email the .pdf to anyone in need), and has helped us find various parts for our older ESAB equipment.Now to my ESAB question:Anyone use a CVCC SVi 450i on aluminum with or without the pulse option? I might have a line on one but have no prior experience with them.
Reply:Stan has been there a long time and is the service manager now.svi-450i and the dp 450i are nearly identical machines. small change on the control pc board and the svi 450i can pulse if the feeder used has that option. the svi 450i should weld just fine. These units have adjustable inductance. I have a customer that used one for a while, but they kept breaking the mongoose feeder and the owners returned it. the mongoose is a push/ pull feeding system that work well. But has to be treated gently when reloading the wire.
Reply:Thanks much for the info, and for the heads-up on the mongoose feeder. (Cute that they named it for an animal that eats "cobra" (matic) competition.) Does the non-pulse Mig4HD feeder combine with the Ultra-Pulse pendant to give pulse capability without any other mods to the welder? (The pendant is cheaper than a new pulse feeder, and if the machine has Mig4HD I could see getting the pendant.)
Reply:Do not get to see many of the new esab units.It might be best to call tech support and ask any of the guys back there.
Reply:Got the machine, which has a Digipulse feeder with a plain aluminum "mystery box" attached. Stan Smith suggested it's an interface box for a push-pull gun (which I didn't get with it) and tech data confirms that. Turns out ESAB 450i cvcc do pulse, but require pulse accessories to do it.  They do 275A single-phase or 450A three-phase. Runs fine off a 50A breaker though I haven't maxed it out yet. It stick welds nicely (I need one more cable to run the feeder) but requires an external control be plugged in. They won't strike an arc without the correct external accessories, but they will power up. Keep that in mind when inspecting used machines.I find it quite annoying, since I want to do straight stick at a distance without a remote, but I'll settle for leaving a brick on the TIG pedal.  It would be easy to make a dummy TIG control circuit and plug it into the connector, and I likely will.These machines have been around a long time, and are originally an L-tec product. Internal inspection reveals they are very well made. I'd buy another.  I'm sure the reason I got it cheap is low public awareness. Fine by me!ESAB could make things MUCH easier for their customers by better indexing their download library and using INFORMATIVE file names. A few days work at most for one person. They could also support a user forum, but all they have is a (lame) Facebook page. Miller and Hobart have by far the most useful corporate-sponsored forums, so they win by exposing potential customers to their offerings.Last edited by farmall; 05-07-2010 at 04:06 PM.
Reply:If you want to stick weld. there is a control box that has two switches and a control knob.the switches select mig or stick and output on. knob controls the output.same box is used with the svi units, Ask jamie or stan about it. If they are no longer available should be able to get a wiring diagram and build one easy enough.
Reply:I have a esab multimaster 260  and very pleased with it. the only thing I regret about it. I cant tig weld aluminum with it.
Reply:Originally Posted by mopwr2004aI have a esab multimaster 260  and very pleased with it. the only thing I regret about it. I cant tig weld aluminum with it.
Reply:Hi all i'm going nuts looking for what i think is an out dated external feeder power supply. About a year ago i bought a mobilmaster 2cv feeder with the intentions of runnung it off my stick welder as a power supply. I thought i was buying the newer cv/cc version witch run's the feeder from the arc voltage. My version has a 19 pin plug on the back to hook to the high$$ power supply's. I consulted the manual for a solution, never fear ! The manual for my feeder, the older 2e, and 4hd unit's all say theres a 115v ac to 42v ac interface available p/n 34351. can't find it . anyware ! the only info i'v found was in the feeder manual's i'v mentioned. Does someone have a better way of plugin this sucker into 115 than i know? should i cut my losses and buy the one i wanted in the first place? $'s tight right now and i could really use the feeder for side job's Thank's all, Rick.Wanna swap feeders? I have a Hobart Hefty for trade.
Reply:I'd trade up or down for a hefty or similar voltage sensing unit as long as it has a gas valve, torch, and work's on dc. My mobil master 2cv is in brand new condition it has a euro plug, with a 18 ft. tweco no.4 witch is also like brand new. Would also consider selling it for $500.  Thank's Rick.
Reply:Old news, but I didn't know about the moving of arc welding manufacture offshore:"Under the new structure to be implemented by the end of the year, the manufacture of gantry cutting machines, arc equipment and plasma power supplies will be transitioned to other global factories."http://www2.scnow.com/scp/news/local...ob_cuts/63798/ I'll use up what I have, but no new ESABs for me. They don't need my business if Americans aren't building (I check the factories which build my purchases) what I buy.I'll be looking for American Made products from Miller or Lincoln. May they kill their competition.
Reply:Farmall,Apparently you don't know about the layoffs at Miller, or that Lincoln already imports most of its own product, or that ESAB isn't an American company to start with...Miller, Lincoln, ESAB, and Thermal Arc all makes stuff off shore already as well.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:ESAB absorbed the US operation in Florence, but is snuffing it. Multinational company, but getting rid of the US workers. I'd not object if they had kept them.I mentioned I check the origin of the specific machines I buy new, not that I shoot for the impossibility of PURE US production.  A "welding power supply origin thread" WOULD be interesting though.
Reply:I have a Migmaster 251 and love it far better than the lincoln & miller migs I've used, but I'm all for buying the best quality I can afford not catering to which local economy produced it.  My shop has stuff from snap on and bridgeport thats American made, German Haberle and Wurth and a host of other goodies.  Don't fool yourself into thinking that Chinese only make crap, I'm sure there are very determined and capable chinese factories but the crap market is quite lucrative if you can produce it cheap enough and still make a profit.
Reply:Chinese make excellent computers and electronics. I don't mind buying when there is no competition and their work is superior. Their low prices and high quality kickstarted the consumer PC revolution in the US.They aren't there yet with welding machines, so I'll try not to fund their development. There is not currently a Chinese "welder equivalent" of their Lenovo Thinkpad.
Reply:I just picked up a Migmaster 275, it says made in the USA right on the top.I have welded with a lot of Lincolns and Millers, including both the 350P and the 350MP and the 275 blows both of them away.  I would also take it over the XMT's also.  Ran about 20lbs through it in the last several days and I am real impressed.  The price was right too.
Reply:Originally Posted by Hank33I just picked up a Migmaster 275, it says made in the USA right on the top.I have welded with a lot of Lincolns and Millers, including both the 350P and the 350MP and the 275 blows both of them away.  I would also take it over the XMT's also.  Ran about 20lbs through it in the last several days and I am real impressed.  The price was right too.
Reply:I here cutting gas regulators are going to be made here. only the welders are going over seas.Time will tell if they are making a bad choice.
Reply:Some are still coming of the line. My friend was just down in Florence SC, and used some of the new Swedish mig stuff. Auto sense which gas or wire type and corrects the arc to suit. The thing about the 275 was, it is/was a really good machine that was selling well. Can the new Swedish Migmaster 280 pro match that?
Reply:Getting ready to purchase a new mig welder next week and was looking to get something in the 250amp range and was wondering has anyone used one of the esab migmaster 215 pro yet? How would you rate it compaired to a lincoln powermig 216?
Reply:I'd let them build it for a few years before buying. I follow that rule with lots of equipment and it has served well.  Always let early adopters find out if something has problems.Lincolns take generic Tweco-style consumables and fit Tweco guns, while ESAB Tregaskiss-style consumables are more expensive.
Reply:Hey, Im new here...interesting stuff.  I have a Migmaster 251 as well and its still working...top notch!  I know someone who works with some ESAB people and will ask about the new swedish machines.
Reply:can anybody recommend a replacement torch for the mt-200 gun?  i have a linde/l-tec 225 and would like a torch that has readily available consumables.  thanks in advance!
Reply:The MT-200 should have the Euro back end, which means any Euro backend gun will fit.I'd spend some time on Ebay since there are MANY MIG guns for cheap. A "Euro" search won't necessarily get you there, but browsing different MIG gun brands will.Anything that takes Tweco consumables will take "generic" Tweco consumables, which are cheap.
Reply:thanks for that info.  i did find a place today that carries the consumables for mt-200.  i guess i hadn't looked hard enough in the past.
Reply:I don't have an MT-200, but other ESAB guns take Tregaskiss-style consumables so I'd compare pics online to see if any match.
Reply:Kind of an old subject but I just wanted to throw this in. ESAB europe basically took over power source production because US made machines had reliability issues. Now, that was not the only reason but its part of. The new european built machines are absolutely beautiful welding and are far superior in technology compared to the US built ones. We like them so much here at work we all got brand new Mig 6502c power sources along with the origo 3004 feeder with a MA 24 control board. I very nice feature for solid wire welders is the MA 24 has a synergic feature that allows you to set the WFS and the machine will take care of the voltage for you. It will recognize the gas being used and will set the proper voltage. You can actually weld continuously with out stopping and change from say 75/25 to a 100% CO2 and hardly notice a difference in the arc. I wouldn't flinch a bit to buy a swedish built welder from ESAB.Last edited by mrSpatter; 12-10-2010 at 09:43 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallThe MT-200 should have the Euro back end, which means any Euro backend gun will fit.I'd spend some time on Ebay since there are MANY MIG guns for cheap. A "Euro" search won't necessarily get you there, but browsing different MIG gun brands will.Anything that takes Tweco consumables will take "generic" Tweco consumables, which are cheap.
Reply:Any feedback on the ESAB 280 ???  I'm looking to buy one in the next 2 weeks
Reply:ESAB europe basically took over power source production because US made machines had reliability issues.
Reply:I like it when other people buy new models so they can beta test them, but I see no point in doing that myself. New models mean a shot at buying older models (refined over years of production) for less money. Let us know how it runs.Reply With QuoteI think the models like the 275, and 260 are going to hold their value real well, no matter what the Swedish do to the machines. (used market) I sold my almost new 260 yesterday,and the guy was happy to give me my asking price. I now can setup my (new old stock) 350 mpi inverter. I really doubt any of the new machines will match the short-arc, and reliability of that machine. Doubt the newer MTS 350 could match it either. Way less adjustments to the arc.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallOne of those issues was case ventilation on some models according to our repair contractor. Waiting for spares from Sweden won't make the US user experience any better, however good they may be. I like it when other people buy new models so they can beta test them, but I see no point in doing that myself. New models mean a shot at buying older models (refined over years of production) for less money. Let us know how it runs.
Reply:Good to see an actual ESAB rep on the board.in the past we haven't done a very good job on communicating with the industry as to our company plans and goals.