portable wire-feeder

admin

I'm looking into a portable and diverse job-site (in the field) feeder to run off of a Trailblazer 302 power source. Any  recommendations? Right now I am looking into the LN-25pro... which is pretty expensive new, but wanted to get any comments / recommendations on quality. (I can run a red feeder off of a blue power source, right?)
Reply:Yeah, you can jump start a chevy with a volkswagen.  I have 2 LN-25 that are 20 years old and still going like new.You really need CV power source which I ASSume the 302 has.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I run a Lincoln LN-22 and Hobart Hefty's off my Miller.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Yes, the Trailblazer 302 has constant voltage output.The Miller Suitcase VS and RC feeders are excellent to run from a Trailblazer or Bobcat.  The RC series runs off the Trailblazer's remote control circuit and operate just like a normal mig welder, except the power supply is the Trailblazer instead of inside the machine.   You set volts and wire speed on the feeder just like a stand-alone mig welder.   The VS series are powered-accross-the-arc and do not require a remote control cable and can run on most any DC output welding machine, including constant current. You set volts (or amps) on the welder and set wire speed on the feeder.  Both models are available with or without meters that read volts/amps and wire feed speed.  They are small, light weight, easy to use and come in a very tough plastic case.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:thanks for the info. I had checked into miller suitcases before, and didn't quite get the difference between VS and RC, that explanation helps a lot. Thanks.Don't let me open a can of preference circling worms, but is there any recommendation between the LN-25 and a suitcase? ... general fabrication, light construction, field repair.
Reply:LN-25, Hobart Hefty and the millers listed above are all suitcase machines.  I guess the question is do you want remote control or Across the arc.  Mine are both across the arc.  No contactor, the gun is hot all the time. I learned to deal with it. I have taken my LN-25 up 140' in a bucket.   That job took days.   If you get remote, you are restricted by the length of the cord.I can tell you for a LOT of years, All I had was a Lincoln G7 weldmanpower 225 and an LN-25.  Besides an SP100 it was the only mig welder I had.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I am running a 12VS miller suitcase, and have been very pleased with it.  I generally keep mine set up for solid wire with 75/25.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I just took one of my  LN-25's in to get the pot replaced for the wire speed adjustment after one of my employees Messed it up trying to fix a broken nob.  (DONT ASK) the repair tech said it was the oldest one he has ever seen.   He figures its one of the first 250 ever made. And 30+ years old.   No contactor in it the gun is always live.   looks like its been drug down the rail road tracks from S.F. to N.Y. but still welds great.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.
Reply:hey thanks all for all of the input and information. I appreciate it. Sounds like I really can't go wrong. And so I have been getting pretty serious about getting the LN-25pro. I am looking at the Lincoln website and looking at the new LN-25pro (dual power model) which claims: it can be powered with either a control cable or across the arc. Does that mean that the one feeder can function as both VS and RC in one unit? I also see reference to MIG-STTcapability. What is that?And just to clarify pros&cons of VS-RC: a VS feeder can be run much farther from the power source because of only one line (power), where as voltage setting is set at engine drive power source; and RC is shorter lead because of remote, but remote unit  itself is capable of setting all parameters (i.e. volts) like a self contained unit? (... both models control wire speed)thanks!
Reply:VS in Lincoln terms and in my head means Voltage Sensing so it can run on a CC power supply that doesn't work in my opinion.Across the arc is for CV power supply.   The feeder just takes some power from  your welding unit to run the drive system.  Works on any brand of power supply that is CV.Remote control uses power from the power supply via cable to run the feeder along with communicating with the power supply. I have a 100 foot remote for my Ranger 250 that works for stick or MIG welding.  Its just a dial on a 100' cord.  If I have that and the LN-25, I have RC capabilities.  Adjust the voltage at the remote, and wire speed at the wire feeder.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:i run my millermatic135 off my bobcatIf you like my stuff you can find me on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/theangryanv...ngryanvilforge